Janusz Onyszkiewicz is a Polish mathematician, mountaineer and politician. Originally known primarily for his mathematical and mountaineering achievements, Janusz became known to a broader public when he was appointed the spokesperson of the Solidarność union in the 80s.
Janusz’s position led to his arrest and internment upon the declaration of martial law in 1981. In the post-communist period, he was consistently elected to serve as a deputy in the Polish Sejm, representing different parties (Obywatelski Klub Parlementamy,Unia Demokratyczna and Unia Wolności) from 1989 through to 2001. During his time in the Sejm, Janusz Onyszkiewicz served on three occasions (in the first of which he shared responsibility with Bronisław Komorowski) as the Polish defence minister.
Since leaving the Sejm, Janusz Onyszkiewicz has worked primarily within the European Parliament, which he entered for the first time in 2004 as a representative of Unia Wolności. During his time in the European Parliament, Janusz has served as a vice president of the parliament and on committees for foreign affairs, human rights, economic and monetary affairs and security and defence.
Janusz Onyszkiewicz was also the chairman of Partia Demokratyczna from 2006-2009 and currently sits on the international board of the International Centre for Democratic Transition and on the executive board of the European Leadership Network.
Information valid as of early 2016.