Polish President Andrzej Duda was on Tuesday set to address parliament as the country prepares to mark the centenary of regaining independence next year.

Preparations for a joint session of both houses of Poland's parliament on Tuesday morning. Photo: PAP/Rafał Guz

Duda’s speech to the National Assembly, or the joint houses of parliament, will officially start year-long commemorations of the anniversary, the president's spokesman, Krzysztof Łapiński, has said.

December 5 marks 150 years since the birth of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, a statesman and military leader who is seen as a key architect of Poland’s independence.

President Duda has appointed a special committee composed of members of various political parties and organisations to coordinate work to commemorate the milestone with a bang nationwide.

Poland regained independence on November 11, 1918, the day World War I ended, after 123 years of partition by Russia, Austria and Prussia.

(gs)

Source: wiadomosci.onet.pl