Jarosław Urbaniak, a member of Civic Coalition (KO), described a heated exchange with Karol Nawrocki, the head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), mirroring recent aggressive behavior displayed by Nawrocki.
MP Details Proposed Fistfight with IPN Head
Jarosław Urbaniak recounted the incident during an appearance on TVN24’s “News Michalskiego” program, referencing a prior altercation between Karol Nawrocki and TVN24 journalist Mateusz Półchłopek. The exchange with Nawrocki occurred during a finance committee meeting concerning the IPN’s budget.
Urbaniak stated that Nawrocki proposed settling their disagreement “with fists” after the MP questioned the IPN’s budget, which he noted exceeded those of military intelligence and counterintelligence. He alleges he was told he was “not a patriot” and “anti-Polish” for his criticism.
Nawrocki’s Reaction to Journalist’s Question
The MP’s account follows a public incident where President Nawrocki reacted angrily to a question from a TVN24 journalist regarding the relationship between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin before a planned visit to Hungary. He reportedly warned the journalist to “listen to what the President of Poland says.”
Politicians Criticize Presidential Conduct
Ruling coalition politicians have criticized the President’s aggressive behavior. Political scientist Prof. Antoni Dudek described the incident as representative of Nawrocki’s true character, stating that others should “get used to it.” Dudek previously labeled the President “extremely dangerous” during the presidential campaign.
Urbaniak’s experience is presented as evidence that such reactions from President Nawrocki have occurred previously.