Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski criticized nationalist groups on TVN24 for what he called a “synthesis of snitching, servility, and foolishness” aimed at the Polish government.
Sikorski’s Criticism of Nationalists
Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski, speaking on TVN24, discussed differences of opinion between the government and president. He also addressed the SAFE program and the invitation of Karol Nawrocki to Donald Trump’s Peace Council. The strongest words were in the context of criticism of the Polish government directed abroad. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly accused some nationalist circles of acting to the detriment of the state.
“What our nationalist colleagues are doing, this synthesis of snitching on the Polish government, servility and foolishness, is not something that serves our interests,” stated Sikorski. At the same time, he emphasized that the United States is an important and friendly ally for Poland, but even close relations cannot mean renouncing national interests.
Poland’s National Security Strategy
Radosław Sikorski referred to the words of Prime Minister Donald Tusk cited by the host. The head of the Polish government directly addressed Andrzej Duda and Karol Nawrocki, accusing them of exceeding the role they should play in foreign and security policy. “Your role is not to lobby for the interests of other countries, even the closest allies, but to stand guard over the dignity of the nation and the interests of the Polish state,” wrote the prime minister on the X platform. Sikorski emphasized that Poland has its own national security strategy, defense plans, and procurement plans that should not be undermined by statements that fit the narrative of other countries.
The SAFE Program and Defense Industry
One of the main points of dispute is the EU’s SAFE program, from which Poland is to receive approximately 44 billion euros. According to the deputy prime minister, these funds should primarily support the domestic defense industry. “We want the Polish defense industry to benefit primarily from the SAFE program,” he noted. Sikorski reminded that Poland spends huge amounts from its own budget on arms purchases from the United States and South Korea, so in his opinion, the natural direction is to strengthen national production capabilities.
Criticism of BBN Head and the “Poland First” Principle
The deputy prime minister also responded to the statements of the head of the National Security Bureau, Sławomir Cenckiewicz, who critically assessed the SAFE program in the context of the new US Defense Strategy. “Mr. Cenckiewicz receives a salary from the Polish budget, not the American one, so he should primarily think about what is good for Poland,” said Sikorski. “Listen to your boss – ‘Poland first’.” The United States is a friendly country to us, but it’s another country. They also have a nationalist president who openly says that he advocates for American interests, not Polish ones,” he added.
