Pi³sudski assumes power

In May 1926, with the assistance of loyal military units, Józef Pi³sudski, who had kept out of politics for four years, carried out what has come down in history as the May Coup. His adherents, the Sanacja group, intended to "sanify the country" (hence the name). After several days of fighting President Wojciechowski and the Cabinet of Prime Minister Witos resigned. Although Pi³sudski was elected President by the Sejm, he turned down this option, and put forward the candidacy of Professor Ignacy Mo¶cicki. Poland entered a period called the Sanacja régime or the "government of the colonels" , as  most of Pi³sudski's colleagues in this government were either active or retired army officers.