Presidential powers were significantly strengthened as part of the compromise that provided partly free elections in 1989, leading to a Solidarity Government.

On taking office in 1989, he declared that his Solidarity Government would draw a "thick line" between the present and the past.

On this issue the Solidarity Government has sought Soviet backing, even though it has loosened ties with Moscow.

The Solidarity Government is also talking about recognizing Israel, ending four decades of Polish Communist enmity.

But he warns that the Solidarity Government must not be left to deal alone with this heritage of Communism.

Poland's Solidarity Government survived a tense parliamentary confrontation with ex-Communists today when Parliament refused to accept its resignation.

But Mr. Sachs added a special spin, arguing that the changes must take place fast while the new Solidarity Government still enjoys popular support.

When the Communists were swept out, the new Solidarity Government reduced the sentence to 25 years but declined to forgive him.

"We're delighted that we have a Solidarity Government, which we consider our child, but we're unhappy and even angry about the Government's agricultural policies."

"If the Solidarity Government will fail to cope with the economic crisis, there could be a sharp division, clashes, and I would not exclude an authoritarian dictatorship."