Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced today he would end collaboration with former Prime Minister Donald Tusk for Poland’s good, while stating he harbors no personal grievance.
Nawrocki Hopes to Avoid Violence in Warsaw
In a TV interview, President Nawrocki said he hopes there will be no street fighting in Warsaw.
Assessing Poland’s History: Second Republic
Nawrocki was asked to evaluate the history of the Second Polish Republic. He noted that he is a historian himself, views the Second Republic as a state to which Poland should return, and warns that contemporary political debates resemble those of the Third Republic, with a danger of repeating past conflicts.
He added that the country must avoid approaching a situation similar to the “Bereza kartuskiej” event and vows that the political class, including himself, will strive to keep such unrest from occurring.
Referendum Proposal to Resolve Judicial Conflict
Nawrocki announced he will actively work to resolve conflicts concerning the judiciary. He said these will be concrete actions, not just rhetoric.
He noted that if political circles fail to reconcile, the destabilization process will not cease, and he is ready to push for a referendum in the coming year to let citizens decide on institutional changes.
President Addresses Withholding of Honor
He was asked about the confusion over officer nominations. He said the situation where service heads refuse the president’s invitation and fail to attend prearranged meetings is disgraceful but something he did not want to discuss publicly.
He cited that this occurred about two weeks ago and, for the state’s safety and public welfare, he withheld this dishonor, not for himself but for Poland. He said that if the prime minister chooses to speak publicly about this, citizens should know.
Nawrocki on Donald Tusk
Nawrocki said he views Tusk as the worst prime minister Poland has had since 1989, but he does not hold a personal grudge.
He stated they can discuss fundamental issues about state functioning and that, as president, he expects to debate with Tusk. He believes respect is public and that the prime minister can put personal attacks aside for the Republic’s benefit.
