A Ukrainian journalist sparked controversy by comparing Polish President Andrzej Duda to a prison gang leader, prompting the President’s Office to demand official prosecution.
Mazurenko on the Presidency
In a Tuesday episode of the “Debata Gozdyry” program on Polsat News, Ukrainian journalist Witalij Mazurenko stated, “The rhetoric and behavior of Mr. Nawrocki are not presidential conduct, but the behavior of a prison gang leader—who is referred to as a ‘prison leader’ in Russian prisons.” Host Agnieszka Gozdyra protested, calling the comparison a violation of the boundary of respecting the president’s dignity. Mazurenko clarified, “I am comparing the behavior of a specific individual, not challenging the institution of the president. His actions harm vulnerable Ukrainian immigrants.”
Head of the President’s Office: Should Be Prosecuted Officially
Mazurenko’s comments faced backlash on social media. Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the President of the Republic of Poland’s Office, stated the journalist should be “officially prosecuted for publicly defaming the president of the Republic of Poland.” He added, “The behavior of this Ukrainian citizen, who obtained Polish nationality, strongly confirms the legitimacy of the president’s initiative to extend the period of permanent residence in Poland to 10 years before naturalization.”
Nawrocki’s Spokesperson on “Useful Idiots”
Bogucki further noted, “This case is a basis for initiating a serious discussion on introducing laws to revoke citizenship obtained through naturalization, similar to U.S. and German models.” He justified President Nawrocki’s stance to draft a new constitution, claiming it “requires a constitutional amendment.” President’s spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz added, “If anyone doubted that so-called ‘useful idiots’ support antagonisms fueled by cynical politicians, these remarks should eliminate that doubt. The answer to whose interest this serves is obvious.”
Mazurenko: Apologizes to Those Whose Feelings Might Have Been Hurt
Mazurenko posted an apology on Facebook overnight, stating, “With deep sorrow, I accept that my remarks in yesterday’s ‘Debata Gozdyry’ program offended many of you. Vox populi, vox Dei. As a Polish citizen, I emphasize my full respect for the state institution, led by the president of the Republic of Poland. I apologize to everyone whose feelings may have been hurt by my words.”
The Editorial Team Reacts
In a statement, the editorial team of *Obserwator Międzynarodowy* announced, “An immediate decision has been made to terminate cooperation with Mr. Witalij Mazurenko.” They noted, “This individual also loses their role as deputy editor-in-chief in our editorial team.” The portal emphasized, “We guarantee our readers, viewers, and partners that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future. Our mission remains to foster dialogue around international political processes, rooted in professionalism, mutual respect, and alignment with Poland’s national interest.”
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/polsat#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/polsat#anchorLink), https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/granica#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/granica#anchorLink), https://www.tokfm.pl/Tokfm/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/fakt#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/fakt#anchorLink)
