After Deputy Minister Szeptycki compared the UPA to Polish “cursed soldiers” in a radio interview, Przemysław Czarnek demanded the immediate resignation of the entire government, labeling the remarks national treason.
Czarnek Calls for Cabinet Resignation
During a meeting with voters in Nowy Targ, Przemysław Czarnek demanded the resignation of the entire government, led by Donald Tusk. The Law and Justice politician, viewed as a potential future prime ministerial candidate, labeled Szeptycki’s presence in the cabinet a “major scandal.”
Czarnek accused the government of failing in healthcare, fiscal management, and national security. He further criticized European Union migration and climate policies, while accusing the Ministry of Culture of supporting creators who offend Polish national identity.
Controversy Over Historical Comparison
The outrage stems from Deputy Minister Szeptycki’s Friday interview on TOK FM, where he referred to the UPA as a formation fighting for Ukrainian independence and likened them to “Ukrainian cursed soldiers,” despite acknowledging the Volhynian tragedy.
Marcin Przydacz, head of the Presidential International Policy Bureau, also condemned the remarks. He argued that comparing those responsible for the murder of children and women to Polish underground heroes is unacceptable and urged the government to dismiss Szeptycki immediately.
Diplomatic Tensions and Historical Reckoning
Przydacz expressed support for President Duda’s potential reconsideration of President Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle, following Zelensky’s decision to name a military unit “Heroes of the UPA.”
The UPA was a nationalist formation that conducted ethnic cleansing against Polish civilians in Volhynia and Eastern Lesser Poland between 1943 and 1945. Historians estimate that these actions resulted in the deaths of 60,000 to over 100,000 people.
