President Karol Nawrocki faced criticism after appointing Paweł Swinarski, a YouTuber known for pro-Russian views, to a new media advisory council in Poland.
President Nawrocki Defends Council Appointment
President Karol Nawrocki addressed questions regarding the formation of the New Media Council during a Friday evening appearance on Kanal Zero. The Presidential Office website states the council is an expert body providing support to the President on digital transformation, the media market, and new technology challenges.
The 27-member council includes Paweł Swinarski, known online as Paweł Svinarski, whose appointment sparked debate. Nawrocki stated that councils are meant to be forums for public input from all sectors of society, and he aims to have diverse representation in his advisory bodies.
Council Includes Diverse Political Views
Nawrocki noted the council includes representatives from the Razem and Konfederacja parties, as well as individuals unaffiliated with any political group. He added that some members have been critical of him and did not support his presidential bid.
He emphasized that Swinarski is just one of hundreds of council members with expertise in social media, and dismissed accusations of pro-Russian bias as simplistic. He stated, “It is very easy today to try to label someone a collaborator of Putin, even the President of Poland.”
Appointment Process and Authorial Intent
Nawrocki clarified that the councils are the creation of the ministers responsible for them, representing their individual vision. He stated that his appointments are based on personal trust and long-standing relationships, which was not the case with Swinarski’s selection.
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Swinarski Denies Pro-Russian Allegations
Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the appointment on X, questioning why Nawrocki would include individuals spreading Russian disinformation. MSWiA head Marcin Kierwiński also expressed concern on X, stating the appointment was ill-advised.
The accusations of disinformation stem from a September 11, 2025, video by Swinarski on his YouTube channel “Dla Pieniędzy,” where he questioned the origin of Russian drones that entered Polish territory, suggesting they may have come from Ukraine as part of a provocation to draw Poland into the war—a narrative consistent with Russian disinformation.
Swinarski’s Defense and Criticism of Labeling
Swinarski stated in a recent video that he does not receive any compensation for his council membership. He strongly criticized Putin and asserted that he would fear traveling to Russia, preferring imprisonment in Siberia for his outspoken views.
He lamented the tendency to label anyone with dissenting opinions as pro-Russian, fascist, or a conspiracy theorist.
