So that consumption by the GDR population does not have to be restricted, the Planning Commission decides to reduce the funds for investments:more
5-10 September
1981
Poster advertising the "Solidarity" congress, September 1981 (Photo: Hans-Hermann Hertle)
Start of the first nation-wide assembly of delegates from the independent union "Solidarity" in Gdansk.
During the congress, the unionists call for a referendum on self-administration, demand free elections and appeal to the workers of Eastern Europe to found free unions as well, which provokes furious reactions from the respective governments.
The Soviet news agency TASS calls the congress an "anti-socialist and anti-Soviet orgy". During the second part of the meeting from 26 September - 7 October, after heated discussions, the delegates approve a programme for self-administration at all levels.
