Komołowski (1948-2016) was a Polish politician, union and social activist. He was a great friend of independence emigration and an expert on Polonia and Poles abroad. He was also a great friend of Poles from the Vilnius Region.
During the Polish People's Republic times he was an active member of ‘Solidarność’. He was a member of the Parliament in 1997-2001 and in 2007-2011. Komołowski was a Labour Minister in 1997-2001 and a Vice-Premier in 1999-2001.
He was the Chairman of the Polish Paralympic Committee in 2000-2015.
From 2010 until his death Longin Komołowski was the President of the Association 'Wspólnota Polska’, the association supporting structures of the unions of Poles in the East and Polish organizations in the world. The association 'Polish Community’ has been established in 1990 on the initiative of the Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Stelmachowski. The main tasks of the association is to inspire, support and carry out comprehensive cooperation of Polonia and Poles abroad with the homeland in the fields of education, science, culture, religion, economy, tourism, and sport.
Longin Komołowski was awarded the Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2015), the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2006), Cross of Freedom and Solidarity (2016), Medal ‘Milito Pro Christo’ (2015).
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Vademar Tomaševski about Longin Komołowski: he was a great friend of the Vilnius Region
We have learned about the death of Komołowski with great regret. Longin Komołowski was a great friend of the Vilnius Region. He was a person deeply dedicated to Polonia and Poles abroad. Despite his illness, he was heavily involved in the affairs of the Polish community all the time. Komołowski often visited Lithuania and Vilnius, which was particularly close for him.
Just a few days ago he called me from his hospital and we talked about the recent events in the Vilnius Region. Komołowski was very happy to find out that Polish gymnasiums in Lithuania were accredited.
On behalf of the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Christian Families Alliance and on behalf of myself I convey condolences to the Family and Friends of Mr Longin Komołowski.
His support and involvement in the affairs of the Poles in the Vilnius Region were enormous.
31-12-2016
