Jerzy Karol Buzek (born July 3, 1940 in Śmiłowice, Zaolzie) - Polish politician, professor of technical sciences, former parliamentary deputy and Polish prime minister 1997-2001, member of the European Parliament from 2004, and its president as of July 14, 2009.

So much for encyclopedia entries. There's also a more familiar, more personal description. In the first issue of The Warsaw Voice for 1998, when we informed readers that Buzek had been granted our weekly's Chair of the Year award for 1997, I wrote: "A tender-hearted person often accused of being too compliant or even weak, Buzek turned out to be a patient negotiator who skillfully pacifies conflicts within the Cabinet and parties supporting it. His strength stems from high ethical principles and excellent manners as well as from faithfulness to principles and chosen goals. He combines a scientist's detachment, knowledge and precision with social sensitivity and the earnestness of a great patriot who places his public mission high above his personal career. He has recognized the reform of the state as his priority task. During his first year in office, under his leadership the government and the Sejm have accepted a program of key reforms and he has started to implement them. Buzek has also become an independent political personality enjoying increasing authority."

Over the next 30 months Buzek will wield authority at the top European level. Always tactfully and elegantly, calmly, gently but with great firmness, he will deal with any serious challenges that come his way. Among the priorities of this former Solidarity activist will surely be solidarity within the European community.