Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized PiS lawmakers for missing Sikorski’s foreign policy speech where he declared Poland won’t be “suckers” in alliance with America.
Tusk’s Criticism of PiS Absence
Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on Minister Radosław Sikorski’s speech and the low attendance in the parliamentary chamber. “The president, marshals, and government are listening to the head of Polish diplomacy. Kaczyński and most PiS MPs are not in the chamber. Too bad, because Sikorski directed these words to them: ‘We have been, are, and will be loyal allies of America. But we won’t be suckers,'” Tusk wrote on platform X.
Security and US Relations Speech
In his speech, Sikorski focused on relations with the United States and defense spending. He emphasized that Poland cannot abandon its own interests. “We have been and will be a loyal ally of America, but we cannot be suckers,” he said from the parliamentary rostrum. The minister noted that defense expenditures in 2025 are set to reach 4.7% of GDP and rise to 4.8%, which will amount to approximately 200 billion złoty. “Our defense spending at 4.7% of GDP in 2025, proportionally the highest in NATO, shows that Poland’s actions match its words,” he added.
Kaczyński’s and PiS MPs’ Absence
During the speech, PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński and some MPs from his party were absent from the chamber. Politicians and viewers following the proceedings on social media noted the low attendance in the opposition benches. Sikorski addressed in his speech the threats from Russia, EU-US relations, and the risk of Polexit (Poland leaving the EU). He criticized the anti-EU rhetoric of some right-wing politicians, noting that weakening Poland’s position in the EU serves Moscow’s interests.
Call for Cross-Party Cooperation
In conclusion, Sikorski called for cooperation beyond party divides. He stated that “success on the international arena can only be achieved through joint effort.” “So less sectarianism, more cooperation,” he appealed.
