Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sharply responds to President Andrzej Duda’s aide amid escalating political tensions.
Sharp Exchange Over Travel
Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a sharp response on social media X: “Mr. President, I understand fear, I understand nerves, but away from my granddaughters.” This was Tusk’s reply to comments made by President Andrzej Duda’s aide Bogdan Rymanowski during a Sunday interview. Rymanowski recalled Tusk’s previous statement that the government would give the president a free hand regarding travel to the first Peace Council meeting in Washington. “If he wants to, let him fly,” Tusk had said.
The president responded: “Mr. Prime Minister, will not be telling me where to fly. Mr. Prime Minister, what kind of words are these? The prime minister can tell his son where to fly or his granddaughters. But the prime minister will not tell the President of Poland where to fly. I can fly wherever I want.”
Dispute Over Peace Council
The situation began with differing opinions between the Presidential Palace and the government regarding Poland’s entry into the Peace Council founded by Donald Trump. Council head Karol Nawrocki does not hide his desire to see Poland in this group. Government representatives have decisively different views.
“It would be good to have the voice of the entire region in the Peace Council. Here, Prime Minister Tusk and the government are acting like Pontius Pilate, publicly saying on one hand that the government will not initiate Poland’s entry into the Peace Council, and on the other hand not passing a resolution,” stated Nawrocki. “We are in this context from beginning to end with the prime minister our hostages. In the sense that the government must inspire Poland’s entry into the Peace Council, and the president can conclude this process,” added Nawrocki.
National Security Council Discussion
The topic of the Peace Council was also discussed at the National Security Council. “We should use our good relationships around the world to benefit Poland. Our country is a faithful ally of the United States. I am a supporter of transatlantic ties. However, we will not be anyone’s vassal,” stated the premier after the meeting.
This is another brick in the growing conflict between the government and the presidency. The Council of Ministers accuses the president of blocking work through frequent vetoes of laws. Disputes also concern international relations and ambassador nominations, as well as the judiciary.