Edward Szczepanik facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Szczepanik
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Szczepanik in 1986.
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| Prime Minister of Poland | |
| In exile 8 April 1986 – 22 December 1990 |
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| President | Kazimierz Sabbat Ryszard Kaczorowski |
| Preceded by | Kazimierz Sabbat |
| Succeeded by | Tadeusz Mazowiecki (Third Polish Republic) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edward Franciszek Szczepanik
22 August 1915 Suwałki, Russian Empire (now Poland) |
| Died | 11 October 2005 (aged 90) Worcestershire, England |
| Alma mater | Warsaw School of Economics |
Edward Franciszek Szczepanik (born August 22, 1915 – died October 11, 2005) was an important Polish economist. He was the very last Prime Minister of the Polish Government in Exile. This was a special government that continued to represent Poland from outside the country during and after World War II.
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Edward Szczepanik's Life Story
Edward Szczepanik was born in a small town called Suwałki in northern Poland. This was in 1915, when Poland was under the control of the Russian Empire.
His Younger Years
Edward grew up on Kościuszko street in Suwałki. He went to a local school there. Later, he studied at the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH). He earned his master's degree in political economy in 1936.
He also did his military service in the Artillery Officers' School. After that, he won a scholarship to study in London. He learned from famous professors at the London School of Economics. He finished his education with a master's degree in economics in 1953 and a PhD in 1956.
During World War II
When Poland was invaded in 1939, Edward Szczepanik was captured by Soviet forces. He was held in tough prison camps called Gulags from 1940 to 1942.
He was released and joined the Polish II Corps, a Polish army group led by General Władysław Anders. As an officer, he fought bravely in major battles. These included the Monte Cassino, Ancona, and Bologna in Italy. He was one of the first Allied soldiers to enter Bologna.
For his courage, he received several awards. These included the Cross of the Valorous and the Silver Cross of Merit with Swords. He also received an Italian military award and other medals.
Family Life
Edward Szczepanik married Hanna Maria Janikowska in Rome in 1946. They had four children: Barbara, Tadeusz, Zofia, and Tomasz. All of their children were born in London.
His Work as an Economist
Edward Szczepanik had a long and successful career as an economist. An economist studies how people and countries make, distribute, and use wealth.
He taught at many universities, including the Warsaw School of Economics and the University of Hong Kong. He also worked as an advisor for Harvard University in Pakistan. Later, he became a professor of economics at the Polish University Abroad in London.
He also helped international organizations. He worked as a consultant for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He also worked for the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the UN in Rome, Italy.
His Role in Polish Politics
Edward Szczepanik was very involved in Polish politics, especially for Poles living outside Poland. He founded and led the Polish Institute for Research into National Affairs in London.
While living in Rome, he was Poland's representative to the Holy See (the Vatican). The Holy See was one of the few places that still recognized the Polish Government in Exile. This government continued to act as Poland's official government even though Poland was under Soviet control.
In 1981, he became the Minister of Home Affairs for this government. On April 7, 1986, he was chosen to be the next Prime Minister of the Polish Government in Exile. He continued in this role until 1990.
In 1990, his government advised the last President in Exile, Ryszard Kaczorowski, to give the symbols of Polish power to Lech Wałęsa. Wałęsa had been elected as the new President of Poland in free elections. This act marked the end of the Polish Government in Exile.
Polish Awards and Honours
Edward Szczepanik received many honours from Poland. In 1981, he was named a Knight of the Order of Polonia Restituta by the Polish Government in Exile. This is a very high Polish award.
In 1982, his hometown of Suwałki made him an honorary citizen. He received the Commander's Star in 1985 and a Grand Sash in 1989.
In 1995, the Warsaw School of Economics gave him an honorary doctorate in economics. He also received medals for his contributions to Suwałki and to Polish culture.
Edward Szczepanik passed away on October 11, 2005, in Worcestershire, England. His ashes were buried with military honours in his hometown of Suwałki.
