Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister criticized President Nawrocki’s newly formed Media Council, citing concerns over vetting and potential disinformation.
New Media Council Established, Draws Immediate Scrutiny
Deputy Prime Minister Gawkowski addressed the appointment of the New Media Council by President Karol Nawrocki on April 16th during a press conference. He stated the President frequently establishes bodies to aid in decision-making, but the increasing number raises questions about oversight of those appointed.
Gawkowski suggested the focus appears to be on assembling individuals rather than thoroughly vetting their backgrounds.
Concerns Over Pro-Russian Narratives and Appointees
Gawkowski questioned the council’s purpose, suggesting it could be used to spread disinformation or, less effectively, to counter it. He asserted that President Nawrocki “doesn’t have a good eye for people.”
Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously stated that individuals promoting Russian disinformation were included in the council’s membership.
Controversial Youtuber Appointed to Council
President Nawrocki appointed the New Media Council on Wednesday, aiming to support the head of state in matters of digital transformation, the media market, and new technologies. The 27-member council has drawn criticism due to the inclusion of Paweł Swinarski, a Youtuber known for his channel “Dla pieniędzy.”
Swinarski’s History of Disinformation and Legal Issues
Swinarski has previously published content suggesting the September 9-10, 2025, Russian drone attack on Poland was a Ukrainian provocation, a claim cited as an example of Russian disinformation by the Polish Armed Forces General Staff and investigated by NASK.
He also promoted narratives aligning with Russian propaganda, claiming NATO forces were fighting in Ukraine and making unsubstantiated claims about President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s wealth. He further disseminated conspiracy theories about migration to Europe.
Swinarski was arrested in 2015 for operating a marijuana plantation in his apartment, facing charges of drug possession and cultivation, though the conviction was later expunged.