Honorary Doctorate from WSEI University for Professor Leszek Balcerowicz

- I would like to thank you for this honorable title. I greatly value my relationship with WSEI University, to which I owe this distinction, and I look forward to further collaboration,- said Professor Leszek Balcerowicz during the ceremony.

The Senate Resolution of WSEI University to confer the honorary doctorate is a recognition of Professor Balcerowicz’s outstanding contributions, particularly his globally recognized and innovative leadership in transforming Poland’s socialist economy into a market-based one. This laid the foundation for unlocking the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of the Polish people, as well as his consistent defense of freedom in all areas of public life.

- The highest academic distinction a university can confer is the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, awarded to a person distinguished not only for the university but for society at large. I am truly pleased that today, in the halls of WSEI University, Professor Leszek Balcerowicz is receiving this prestigious title. It is the first honorary doctorate ever awarded at our university - making it a truly historic moment. I hope this will be the first of many such recognitions to come - emphasized Prof. dr hab. Eng. Marek Opielak dr h.c., Rector of WSEI University

The laudation was delivered by Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Cwynar, former Rector of WSEI University:

- For me, this is a kind of sentimental journey. I began my studies in 1994 and remember the early lectures just a few years after the famous ‘Balcerowicz Plan’. I never imagined that over the course of my now 20-year academic career, I would have the honor to speak as the honorary promoter of Professor Balcerowicz. Preparing this laudation was deeply personal - it comes from the heart. These are matters that have always been very close to me. I am fully aware of all the controversies surrounding the plan, and I have absolutely no doubt that Professor Balcerowicz belongs to the elite group of the most distinguished Polish economists. It is incredibly fitting that on the 25th anniversary of our University, we are able to bestow this highest academic honor on such a remarkable individual. Thank you very much - said Professor Cwynar.

In his speech, he added:

- Professor Balcerowicz is a unique figure, admired both in Poland and internationally. The words ‘legendary’ and ‘iconic’ - often overused today - are not an exaggeration in his case. He is someone who, as one reviewer, Professor Witold Orłowski, stated, ‘profoundly influenced the history of the country.’ Another reviewer, Professor Jan Pomorski, described him as a homo metahistoricus - a man of action, a cerato.

During the ceremony, Deputy Governor of the Lublin Region, Wojciech Wołoch, presented Professor Balcerowicz with the Medal of the Lublin Voivode, awarded by Krzysztof Komorski. During the ceremony, Deputy Governor of the Lublin Region, Wojciech Wołoch, presented Professor Balcerowicz with the Medal of the Lublin Voivode, awarded by Krzysztof Komorski.
Additionally, Mayor  of the City of Lublin, PhD Krzysztof Żuk, awarded him the "Gloria Lublinensi" Medal, given to individuals and institutions who, through their actions and values, bring “glory to Lublin.”

- You are like a guardian angel watching over the Polish economy - said Mayor Żuk during the presentation.

Congratulatory messages were sent by rectors of universities across Poland, Members of Parliament and the European Parliament, as well as the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Marcin Kulasek.
A congratulatory letter on behalf of the Minister was read by Mirosław Kasprzak, the Minister’s Plenipotentiary for Science-Business Cooperation.

Dr hab. Leszek Balcerowicz is a long-standing academic lecturer, author of numerous scientific publications and books, a respected politician, economist, and economic reformer, widely regarded as one of the chief architects of Poland's post-communist transformation.

From 1989 to 1991, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in Tadeusz Mazowiecki’s government, he designed and implemented a set of economic reforms known as the “Balcerowicz Plan”, which enabled Poland to transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system. The plan included price liberalization, opening the economy to international trade, and controlling hyperinflation - reforms that initiated the systemic transformation across Central and Eastern Europe.

Between 1997 and 2000, he once again held the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in Jerzy Buzek’s government. He also served as President of the National Bank of Poland (2001–2007), where he safeguarded the independence of the central bank and maintained currency stability.

He is the founder and chairman of the board of the Civil Development Forum (FOR)  - an organization that promotes democratic and pro-liberty civic initiatives.

Professor Balcerowicz has received numerous prestigious international awards, including the Ludwig Erhard Prize, the Milton Friedman Prize, the Friedrich Hayek Medal, and many honorary doctorates. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping modern Poland and continue to inspire reforms around the world.

As of the 2024/2025 academic year, Professor Leszek Balcerowicz has joined WSEI University as a professor.

PHOTO GALLERY OF THE EVENT