Presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz condemned Włodzimierz Czarzasty’s praise of Spanish migration policy on Tuesday, claiming the Deputy Speaker has lost touch with reality and is undermining Poland’s international security relations.
Presidential Spokesperson Criticizes Włodzimierz Czarzasty
On Tuesday, presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz stated on wPolsce24 that recent remarks by Włodzimierz Czarzasty were “terrifying and shocking.” Leśkiewicz claimed that Czarzasty has “long since lost touch” and exists on a completely different orbit, failing to understand the current architecture of threats to Polish and international security.
Leśkiewicz further asserted that Czarzasty “has not grown into the role of Deputy Speaker of the Sejm.” He noted that President Karol Nawrocki remains firmly opposed to illegal migration and will not consent to solutions similar to those introduced by the Spanish government.
Dispute Over Spanish Migration Policy
The criticism follows the IX Polish-Spanish Parliamentary Forum held on May 11. During the event, Czarzasty praised Spain’s migration policy, specifically the plan to legalize half a million migrants. He described it as a “wise policy” that treats people as an opportunity for economic growth and budget revenue rather than a threat.
Czarzasty and Polish-American Relations
Leśkiewicz also addressed Czarzasty’s comments regarding the United States and the potential extradition of Zbigniew Ziobro. Czarzasty had suggested that if the U.S. does not extradite Ziobro, Poland might need to rethink its cooperation with Washington on various joint decisions.
According to Leśkiewicz, Czarzasty is “questioning relations with the United States,” which he believes aligns with the current government camp’s policy. He argued that the ruling coalition is failing to properly care for national security, instead using it as an “arena for conflict with the president.”
Public Perception of Zbigniew Ziobro’s Departure
The spokesperson also commented on Zbigniew Ziobro’s departure to the United States, highlighting that the Polish prosecutor’s office has not yet secured a final arrest warrant. Leśkiewicz claimed the prosecutor’s office, led by Waldemar Żurek, has been unable to substantiate the allegations against Ziobro.
Leśkiewicz admitted that public perception of Ziobro’s move to Hungary and then the United States is “decidedly negative.” However, he maintained that the former minister could not count on a “fair and impartial trial” within the current Polish legal environment, alleging the case is being used for political warfare against the conservative camp.