Karol Nawrocki, a Polish politician, openly discussed his use of nicotine pouches, stating he has no plans to quit.
Nawrocki on Nicotine Use
Karol Nawrocki, in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Radio ZET, was asked if he was trying to quit nicotine. “No, I’m not trying to quit nicotine,” he replied firmly. He later added that he could quit nicotine without any issues because “I have a very strong will.” However, he advised against using nicotine, stating, “It’s better to live without it.”
When asked if the nicotine pouches he uses give him a “high,” Nawrocki denied it. “I never smoked. Now, thanks to my colleagues in the services, I’ve gotten used to these pouches. They don’t really give a high; they might just supplement nicotine deficiencies. I’ll quit them someday,” he added.
Controversy at the UN General Assembly
Karol Nawrocki was also seen taking something to his mouth during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, sparking controversy. He was criticized by, among others, MEP Krzysztof Brejza. Nawrocki explained that it was a nicotine pouch, emphasizing that it is a widely available substance that can be purchased in stores and gas stations.
He found it amusing that the nicotine pouch attracted so much attention, while many delegates and presidents at the UN forum smoke cigarettes and cigars without raising eyebrows. “If someone smokes a cigarette, it’s fine; if someone smokes a cigar, it’s a requirement of international salons and diplomacy. But if someone uses a nicotine pouch, it becomes a big tragedy,” he added.
Brejza’s Reaction
MEP Krzysztof Brejza expressed outrage over Nawrocki’s behavior, particularly noting a collaborator who handed him a container with nicotine pouches. Brejza announced an intervention in the President’s Office regarding the role of this individual, questioning his duties and compensation.
Jakub Nadstawny, the collaborator in question, responded to Brejza’s post, confirming he had handed the container to Nawrocki. He also pointed out that Brejza’s responsibilities as an MEP were more important than scrutinizing his job description. “I am the assistant to the President of the Republic of Poland,” he wrote, adding, “PS. Please don’t lie.”
