Political and State Believes of Krzysztof Grzymułtowski

Abstract

Krzysztof Grzymułtowski was one of the most powerful politicians in the Republic of Poland in the second half of the 17th century. His political career proceeded in the way which was characteristic for the Polish magnates of his era. Most time he remained in the anticourt opposition, later becoming one of his leaders. Those periods were characterised by the efforts which were to discredit the court politics. The opposition, not only of Grzymułtowski, but of all the “malcontent” camp, was hallmarked by no uniformed political programme and consisted only of paralyzing the court activities, which triggered destabilization of the political situation in the country. At the same time Grzymułtowski likely appealed to the support of noble masses, proposing typical slogans, such as defending the ancient rules and privileges of the nobles. Short periods when Grzymułtowski was cooperating with the court (mostly tempted by honours and gratifications) showed his outstanding political creativity. His postulates, particularly in the period when he cooperated with the king Jan III Sobieski, were innovative and reformist. Unfortunately his character and uncontrollable greed did not let him made use of his oratorical talents (Grzymułtowski was one of the greatest speakers of the ancient Polish Sejm) and ideas for activities heading to improve the Polish political system.