RSS

Shock. Grief. Disbelief. Those were the emotions that swept Poland and the international community in the wake of the disastrous plane crash in Smolensk, Russia that killed Polish President Lech Kaczyński, his wife, and nearly 100 dignitaries. Many also feel anger and frustration because they believe the tragedy could have been avoided. Although the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, it has been abundantly clear for years that the aging fleet of Polish government planes badly needs to be upgraded. Whether mechanical failure played a role or not, it also appears likely that the pilot felt under pressure to land in time for the Katyń commemorative ceremony despite dreadful weather conditions. Finally, as a matter of policy, it is unforgivable that so many important figures, including parliamentarians, senators, and army chiefs were allowed to fly together in one plane.

This is not the time for assigning blame, as there will be ample opportunity for analyzing what went wrong after the forensic investigation concludes. But it is time for reflection on what this tragic event means for Poland's future. As candle-carrying crowds fill the streets of Poland and well-wishers lay wreaths in front of Polish embassies around the world, one is hard-pressed to find a silver lining in this senseless tragedy. Yet, there are a few important implications to consider. In an ironic twist of history, those who died in the crash laid their lives in the ultimate service to commemorate the Soviet massacre of thousands of Polish officers in Katyń forest 70 years ago. That was the purpose of their trip, which turned out to be their final calling.

Russia had not formally acknowledged the responsibility for the killings until 1990 and continues to refuse to declare the Katyń executions a war crime, casting a shadow over Polish-Russian relations. Prime Minister Putin's attendance on Wednesday at the first joint commemorative ceremony was an important symbol in setting the record straight and represented a significant step toward reconciliation. President Kaczyński was on the way to pay his respects on Saturday when the plane crash occurred. However tragically, this event seared Katyń anew into the collective memory of Poles and reminded the rest of the world what happened there in April 1940.

The immediate aftermath of the catastrophe also testifies to the strength and maturity of Poland's democratic institutions. Although the loss of the head of state and key figures in the country is certainly shocking, no power vacuum or chaos ensued. In accordance with constitutional provisions, Speaker of the House Bronisław Komorowski took over the functions of president, Prime Minister Donald Tusk continues to head the government, and deputies - from army generals to the governor of the National Bank of Poland - swiftly stepped into the positions of power vacated by their deceased superiors.

It is also noteworthy that the outpouring of mourners that followed the tragic news wasn't simply an expression of personal grief after Mr. Kaczyński's death. In fact, many Poles who took to the streets to mourn him were not planning to vote for him in the upcoming presidential elections. Still, the mourners showed up in force to honor the office as much as the man, proving that the country's strength rests in the resilience of its people and in lasting institutions, not particular individuals in power. The presidential elections will proceed as planned some time in June.

A horrible tragedy happened, but in all its sadness it can open new opportunities on several levels: Polish-Russian reconciliation over a historical grievance, a less politicized and more issue-focused presidential campaign in Poland, and a sense of unity and common purpose as the country deals with the void left by those who perished. The outpouring of international sympathy shows that Poles are not alone in this hour of national sorrow. Hopefully, that painful experience can help ensure that something so basic as putting the safety of the most important people in the country first will no longer get lost amidst politics as usual.

Anna Nadgrodkiewicz is a member of Washington DC-based American Polish Forum, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing issues of significance to the United States and Poland in the 21st century.