WARSAW, Poland — Lech Walesa, a prominent figure in promoting democracy and a former President of Poland, has expressed strong concerns regarding the potential election of Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential race, stating that it could lead to “misfortune” on a global scale.

In a concise post on Facebook over the weekend, Walesa emphasized that while he generally refrains from commenting on the domestic issues of other nations, he feels compelled to share his opinion on a matter he believes is of significant importance to the world at large. He stated, “I deeply believe that Americans will vote responsibly. In my opinion, I am completely convinced that Trump’s election WOULD BE A MISFORTUNE FOR THE U.S. AND THE WORLD,” highlighting his conviction by using capital letters for emphasis.

Walesa did not delve deeper into his reasoning behind this assertion. At the age of 81, he is best known for his pivotal role in the growth of the Solidarity movement, a labor union that fought for workers’ rights and greater liberties in the 1980s amid Poland’s Soviet-backed communist regime.

His efforts were internationally recognized when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 for his advocacy of workers’ rights and broader human rights initiatives. The Solidarity movement significantly contributed to the peaceful dismantling of communism in Poland.

Following his activism, Walesa served a term as Poland’s president, further solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the country’s transition towards democracy.