However, Gabriel Narutowicz is not only a historic symbol. After he returned to his homeland, he rendered great service to the reconstruction of our country, also in the diplomatic field. For several years, Narutowicz worked as the minister of public works, serving to rebuild Poland that had been destroyed by war. After that, he became the minister of foreign affairs in Artur Śliwiński’s government, a post he also held in the cabinet of Julian Nowak, Śliwiński’s successor.

As the foreign minister, Gabriel Narutowicz was held in high esteem, among other things thanks to  reinforcing the Polish-Romanian alliance or the attempts to strengthen Poland's position within the League of Nations. Under his direction, the foreign affairs ministry was organised and saw the development of professional staff that served the independent Poland. On 11 December 1922, Narutowicz was sworn into office as the President of Poland. A few days after assuming office, on 16 December 1922, he attended an art exhibition in the National Gallery of Art Zachęta where he was shot dead.

Gabriel Narutowicz remains a symbol of selfless service to a reborn homeland for which he gave up an outstanding professional career abroad.

The fates of Gabriel and Stanisław Narutowicz, which one hundred years ago divided Poles and Lithuanians, today represent difficult aspects of our common history that brings us closer together than ever before.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson