The architecture in Warsaw is a big mix between very modern and classical buildings. The buildings built in the Soviet era are not being restored, but slowly eroding, to make room for new structures. The city will take a very modern look this way in some years. In fact, it seems that is what people want. They want nothing to do with the old Russian domination and want to see a new chapter in the Polish history built on modernity and economic successes.

Palace of science and culture built by Stalin after the end of the Second World War as a 'gift' to Poland.

There was yet another incident of social unrest in Warsaw today (July 20th, 2009). The riot police was out in the center in full gear. Crowds gathered beside a building which is meant to be torn down to make way for a new museum. There is tear gas in the air and people are walking away covering their faces. Around the building there are ambulances and riot police.

What happened here is another case of job layoffs. Adding to the country’s approximate rate of 11% unemployment. The civil unrest is not uncommon on the streets of Warsaw. Just the other week I spotted another demonstration which marched peacefully down Sventokryska Street.

The experience of some older Warsaw residents is different from the protesting mobs of today. People who were born in the 50′s in Poland enjoyed high job security and worked their way into a deserving pension. These pensions were paid by the Soviet government. In the 1980s the streets of Warsaw were rocked by protests about the rising prices in the Soviet Union and again in 1989 for the flight to secure solidarity.

This time there is another force that pushes down on the Polish social structure; the European Union. In this article you can read about how

The E.U. has ordered Poland’s shipyards over the last few months to pay back hundreds of millions of dollars in what it deems illegal state aid. Since none of the shipyards were able to do so, bankruptcy and fire sales have cut down an industry that has long been of central importance both to Poland’s economy and its sense of national pride. The unions that fought to save the shipyards have come away angry at both the E.U. and Poland’s liberal government, which can claim only a Pyrrhic victory at best.

All in all, the streets were crowded and riot police surrounded the building where merchants stood their ground, refusing to leave. The full story here.

The protests have died down now, and it is time for me to leave to Prague in order to make my way slowly to Greece.

Enough about the heavy subjects. Here are some more photos. Some of them display the dissapearance of the old Soviet architecture by way of decay. There is a huge contrast between the old and the recently built buildings. The city is growing and transforming. Alarmingly reminding me of North American commercial super-highways.

Restoration of building. Center of Warsaw.

Old and new building contrast.

Old building in Warsaw built in the Soviet era. The residents were given a three month notice to leave because the building is going to be demolished.

Interior of old hallway and entrance.

Market in the city center.

Playground

You can still see the shell holes in the walls of this residential building.

Main artery of the city.

Retired resident of the condemned building and her cat.

Main entrance to the terrace of the condemned building from the street.