On Wednesday, 12 November, a TVN24 interview sparked controversy when commentator Olejnicka alleged that Sławomir Mentzen’s grandfather served in the Wehrmacht, prompting a sharp rebuttal.
TV Interview Draws Controversy Over Banner Claims
During a TVN24 talk with Grzegorz Schetina, Olejnicka asked about a banner calling for Tusk to return to Berlin. Schetina criticized the use of EU flag displays and personal attacks on the prime minister, and later Olejnicka claimed that Mentzen’s grandfather had served in the Wehrmacht.
Allegation About Wehrmacht Service
Olejnicka initially alleged that Mentzen’s grandfather had served in the German army, but later clarified during the broadcast that the remarks were actually about his brother. She noted that the surname was “especially Piast‑sounding,” shaping listeners’ perceptions.
Mentzen’s Counter‑Statement
Mentzen posted to TVN24, labeling the claim a lie. He stated that his grandfather served in the Polish Army and fought in the September campaign on the Polish side, with a German father and Polish mother. He also accused TVN of continuous lies.
Family History Context
Mentzen explained that his great‑grandfather, Józef Mentzen, was 100% German and lived near Tuchola before WWI. Józef had two sons, Jan and Józef; the elder son fought for Czechoslovakia and died in WWI, while the other served in the Polish Army. Mentzen expressed that he feels proud of his grandfather’s heroism but not ashamed of the family’s complex past.