Polish politician Włodzimierz Czarzasty displayed unusual behavior toward a TV Republika reporter in the Sejm, repeatedly attempting to hug him during an interview request.
Unusual Interaction in Sejm
Video footage emerged showing Włodzimierz Czarzasty, the Marshal of the Sejm, in a strange interaction with Wojciech Szymczak from TV Republika. As Szymczak attempted to conduct an interview, Czarzasty kept his hand on the reporter’s neck. “You know I like you… But you see how it is. I’ve been with you for two years…” Czarzasty said. Szymczak tried to free himself from the politician’s embrace, and when he succeeded, he attempted to maintain distance. “Mr. Marshal. Okay, no touching,” the reporter protested. Czarzasty ignored the remark and placed his hand on the reporter’s shoulder again. “Alright, but I like you,” he responded, adding after a moment, “Don’t get nervous.”
“I’m not nervous, I just want you to tell me why you didn’t fill out the security questionnaire?” Szymczak asked.
Czarzasty’s Insistence on Hugging
“I really like you. And now watch: I’m going to hug you…” Czarzasty began, to which Szymczak again protested, “Could you not hug me?” “No, but please, I want to talk with you, warmly,” the politician insisted. Shortly after, Czarzasty mentioned that he hasn’t given interviews to TV Republika for two years. When asked for the reason, he explained: “Unfortunately, you have a television station that without stopping…”
The marshal’s last words were inaudible as Szymczak moved the microphone, explaining that the conversation was being broadcast live. Czarzasty ignored this and began opening a door. “Will you come into my office?” he asked the reporter. “And will we be talking?” Szymczak inquired. “Well, sure,” the marshal encouraged, but after a moment asked, “Do you want to come in yourself?” “Please, with a camera,” the reporter clarified, to which the politician smiled and closed the door after a moment.
Nawrocki’s Response
Tomasz Kalinowski, another TV Republika employee, posted the video clip online. “Is this normal behavior? Are nerves getting frayed before the National Security Council?” he wrote. For context, Karol Nawrocki has called for a National Security Council meeting on Wednesday, February 11, where he plans to discuss state authorities’ actions aimed at clarifying all circumstances of the eastern social-business contacts of Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty.
This refers to alleged relationships described by “Gazeta Polska” between the leader of the New Left and a Russian citizen active in the art market. The politician himself claims to have “nothing to reproach himself for.” In response to Nawrocki’s expectations, Czarzasty stated that he cannot be intimidated and is waiting for a statement regarding the president’s past. During a press conference on February 4, Czarzasty requested an investigation into Nawrocki’s past connections with hooligan environments and persons associated with organized crime, as well as his work as a security guard at Grand Hotel Sopot, which was allegedly a meeting place for criminal elements in the 90s and early 2000s.
