Posted on 08/07/2002 8:42:06 PM PDT by Mr. Mulliner
Aug 7, 2002
Solidarity Founder Lech Walesa Shaves His Trademark Mustache
The Associated Press
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Former Polish President Lech Walesa has shaved his signature walrus-style mustache, but he isn't saying why.
Walesa was spotted with a clean-shaven face as he rode a bicycle several miles from his home in Gdansk on Wednesday. Reached by telephone at home, the former shipyard electrician joked it was his twin who was seen in town.
"I was born with a mustache and I always have it," he said, refusing to discuss the subject further.
Walesa's hair has turned gray since the days when he led the Solidarity trade union, which was the former East Bloc's first independent labor federation and helped topple Polish communism.
"As a lawyer I say that he can do as he pleases, as a Pole and patriot I think it was a bad idea because Walesa's mustache had become a historical trademark," Walesa's office manager Ewelina Wolanska said. "As a woman, I think he looks better with his mustache."
The 1983 Nobel Peace Prize winner lost his re-election bid for Poland's presidency in 1995 and retired from everyday politics after getting only 1 percent of the vote in another attempt two years ago.
He now keeps busy on the speaking circuit and remains a popular draw in the United States.
AP-ES-08-07-02 2302EDT
Great man.
Huge news day in Gdansk, slow news day at Associated Press.
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