Wojciech Jaruzelski 15 May 2001 suggested that a majority of the Polish people were open to agreeing with his explanation that martial law was implemented to forestall a Soviet invasion. Available documents indicate that Jaruzelski actually lobbied for Soviet intervention. In interviews in Russian media ("Rossiyskaya Gazeta" for example) he has been presented as the harbinger of Poland's democracy. Croatian writer Slavenka Drakulić described Jaruzelski as a "tragic believer in Communism who made a pact with the devil in good faith". "Różnić się mądrze" (English translation: "To Differ Wisely") (1999). "Być może to ostatnie słowo (wyjaśnienia złożone przed Sądem)" (English translation:"It may
Martial law in Poland Ocalenia Narodowego", WRON) usurped for itself powers reserved for wartime, hence the name. The plan was presented to the government of the Soviet Union before the declaration in March 1981. Appearing on Polish television at 6:00 AM on December 13, 1981, General Jaruzelski said: Today I address myself to you as a soldier and as the head of the Polish government. I address you concerning extraordinarily important questions. Our homeland is at the edge of an abyss. The achievements of many generations and the Polish home that has been built up from the dust are about to turn into ruins.