On October 10, Jarosław Kaczyński laid flowers at the Smoleńsk disaster memorial in Warsaw, sparking a clash with counter‑demonstrators who shouted “liar” at him.
Kaczyński Pays Tribute at Smoleńsk Memorial
On October 10, Kaczyński and fellow PiS politicians laid flowers beneath the Smoleńsk crash memorial in Warsaw during the monthly remembrance ceremony.
Confrontation with Counter‑Demonstrators
Opposing demonstrators yelled “liar” at the president, whom he rebuffed angrily, criticized the current government, and vowed more action concerning the Smoleńsk tragedy.
Claims of Russian Interference
Kaczyński alleged that a “Putin”‑aligned group influences the protests, noting authorities allow the breach of demonstration law to keep counter‑demonstrators at least 100 metres from the site.
Pledges and Future Plans
He said he hopes the counter‑demonstrations will cease, perhaps after almost two years, and pledged to fight for the truth of the Smoleńsk crash, Putin’s crimes, and the supporters of those who disrupt monthly ceremonies.
Call to Treat the “Sick” Protestors
Kaczyński urged that those he described as “sick,” including the person standing opposite him, receive treatment instead of interrupting mournful observances.