Roman Rybarski was 1 of the most prominent Polish economists, political thinkers and activists of the interwar period.
He was both a theorist and a practice that active his economical analyses with deep patriotism. He felt that economical sovereignty was the basis of a strong state and nation independence.
Rybary was born on 3 July 1887 in Zatora, a tiny village in Małopolska. For many years, he displayed superior intellectual abilities, as his teachers noted. After graduating from advanced school in Krakow, he continued his education at the Jagiellonian University, where he studied law and economics. He was an highly ambitious and industrious student, which rapidly resulted in discrimination from others.
During his studies he was curious not only in the explanation of economics, but besides in its applicable application in the economical reality of Poland, which after years of business required deep reforms. In order to deepen his knowledge, he went to Vienna, where he studied political economics and public finances. Staying in Vienna enabled him to establish contacts with prominent economists, which influenced his further technological and political activities.
Upon his return to Poland, Roman Rybarski began intensive research, taking up the position of prof. at the Jagiellonian University and later at the University of Warsaw. He taught economics and finance lectures, enjoying designation among both students and academic colleagues. His work focused primarily on budgetary policies, taxation systems and the function of the state in the economy.
Rybarski was the author of many technological publications, including fundamental works in economics, specified as:
- Tax policy – This book analysed the mechanisms of the functioning of the taxation strategy and its impact on the economical improvement of the country. The fisherman suggested simplifying the taxation strategy and introducing mechanisms to support entrepreneurs.
- ‘National, unit, class’ – this work was an effort to find a balance between individualism and national interest. The fishermen opposed both utmost liberalism and centralist tendencies of collectivism.
- numerous technological articles – covering monetary policy, industrial improvement and economical education.
He was a promoter of the thought of a free market, but besides saw the request for a liable state policy. He argued that the national economy should be based on the activity of home capital and support the innovation of Polish entrepreneurs.
"Poland must build its economical independency through the improvement of its own manufacture and entrepreneurship," he wrote in 1 of his texts.
Economic views of Roman Rybary
The fisherman was a passionate supporter national capitalism, i.e. the economical strategy in which home entrepreneurship and national capital play a central role. He felt that a healthy economy should be based on private initiative and limited state intervention. However, he was an opponent of global capitalism, which led to economical dependence and submission to abroad influences.
"There is no freedom without economical sovereignty" – this quote is an excellent synthesis of his views.
The basic assumptions of his economical thought included:
- Supporting Polish capital “The fisherman felt that support should be given to home companies and the dominance of abroad capital in key sectors of the economy should be limited.
- Limiting the function of the State “He criticised excessive government interventionism, pointing out that entrepreneurship should make in free marketplace conditions.
- Economic Patriotism – he stressed that Poles should support home products and companies alternatively of relying on imported goods.
"National economy cannot be the subject of global speculators – it must service the interests of its own country" The economist said so.
The fisherman opposed both socialism and completely uncontrolled capitalism. However, State interference should not be excessive.
“Every nation that does not have its own strong economy sooner or later becomes dependent on others” He was preaching.
He proclaimed the request for stableness of economical rules and low levels of taxation, as well as the integrity of private property. He opposed compulsory social insurance, monopolies and the licensing system, declaring them harmful. He distinguished 3 ways in which the State could support the economy: harmonising private interests with the public good, providing general conditions conducive to economical improvement and supporting private initiatives beneficial to society, and complementing private activities where necessary.
As regards loans, he advocated their privatisation, stressing the request to base them on the principles of profitability. As regards abroad loans, he called for long-term loans to enable the State to carry out fresh production projects. This would reduce interest rates and thus reduce production and export costs. abroad capital should primarily mark sectors that increase economical competitiveness and improve trade balance. At the same time, loans with advanced interest rates, both open and hidden, were to be prohibited.
Accomplishment and Meaning
Roman Rybarski's work had a immense impact on the improvement of Polish economical thought. He was 1 of the main promoters of economical patriotism and economical independency of Poland. He stressed that a healthy economy requires unchangeable moral and legal foundations, and entrepreneurship should be the basis of national prosperity.
His works became an inspiration for many economists, both in the interwar and later period. The fisherman believed that economical education was key to building a strong society. He stressed the request to train Poles in the field of finance and economy so that they would be aware of the economical mechanisms governing the country.
“The future belongs to those who are willing to sacrifice for their people.”
The fisherman was very active in politics. During his studies at the Faculty of Law of the Jagiellonian University, he became active with the national movement, acting in the Union of Polish Youth. In 1910 he became a associate of the National League. From 1919 to 1921 he held various functions, including the Undersecretary of State and Deputy Minister of economical Ministries. He later resigned from political activity for technological work. In 1923, on behalf of Władysław Grabski, he developed a draft statute for the Bank of Emissions, and in 1924 he edited the final draft law on the Bank of Poland. After his appointment, he became a associate of the First Board of the Bank. After the May bombing, he returned to active politics, joining the authorities of the Camp of large Poland. From 1928 to 1935, he served in the Sejm (second and 3rd term), serving as president of the National organization Club. After the adoption of the April Constitution, he boycotted parliamentary elections with the full organization and continued political activities outside the parliament after the September campaign, participating in the formation of the structures of the Polish Underground State as manager of the Treasury Department.
Soon Fisherman became the mark of German repression. In 1941, he was arrested by the Gestapo and imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp. He was 1 of the leaders of the conspiracy in the camp and was most likely killed on March 6, 1942. For the remainder of his life, he maintained his integrity and religion in the values that he preached throughout his life.
His thoughts and ideas survived despite the tragic end. Rybarski remains a figure that inspires subsequent generations, and his intellectual achievements proceed to be an crucial part of Polish economical and political thought.
Andrzej Lamecki
Photo: screenshot from the NBP movie “Great Polish economists”
