President Andrzej Duda issued a message to the nation summarizing the end of 2022. The past twelve months have been dominated by the war abroad for the Poles. Russian aggression against Ukraine is also reflected in Poland and Poland.
“The consequences of this barbaric aggression also affect our country, Poland. Energy crisis, rising prices, economic slowdown, uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring. We must say it plainly: the imperial policies of Putin’s Russia are responsible for this!
said the chairman.
FULL PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE BELOW:
Dear compatriots, ladies and gentlemen!
We live in dangerous times. There is a full-scale war going on beyond our eastern border. There hasn’t been one in Europe since the end of World War II. Brutal Russian aggression against an independent and democratic Ukraine brought death, pain and suffering. This is a war with no end in sight. We in Poland, like no other in the world, see the enormity of human tragedies every day with our own eyes, we meet mothers and children who seek shelter with us, escape the nightmare of war. They are our guests.
The consequences of this barbaric aggression also affect our country, Poland. Energy crisis, rising prices, economic slowdown, uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring. We must say it plainly: the imperial policies of Putin’s Russia are responsible for this!
Unfortunately, the consequences of this war will not suddenly disappear in the coming year. We’ll have to deal with it.
Despite this uncertainty, despite these numerous challenges and problems, as Poles we opened our hearts and homes to our neighbors in need. We did not allow ourselves to be divided, we did not succumb to Russian propaganda and disinformation.
This is a phenomenon that the whole world is talking about, an attitude that we can be proud of. We all passed the exam of humanity, solidarity and patriotism brilliantly in 2022. I want to thank you again with all my heart!
Ladies and gentlemen,
When I ran for re-election, I committed myself to be the President of Polish Affairs, and this is what guides me every day. Today, the absolute most important Polish issue is security. The security of Poland, the security of Polish women and men.
And I wanted to assure you with all my might Poland is safe!
At the beginning of 2023, I will do everything I can to strengthen this certainty. Both military security – hence the unprecedented increase in spending on the development and modernization of our military, hence the massive purchases – internal security and security of our borders.
Today everyone agrees that we are right the prelude to the Russian aggression against Ukraine was a hybrid attack on the Polish border with the territory of Belarus. It was a test of our resolve, a test of preparedness. As a country, we did it perfectly. Our uniformed services: Border Guard, Police, Fire Brigade, but also military deserve the greatest respect for this.
However, the energy, health and economic security of Polish families are equally important. These matters will be of great importance in the coming year. All the more so because it will be an election year, which, as we know, brings with it even more political disputes and emotions.
Therefore, I now appeal to the entire political class: matters concerning the security of Poland must be above political divisions! They should be excluded from the partisan dispute! As in the past, Poland’s entry into NATO and the European Union was a common goal over division.
I would like to emphasize it again: Poland’s presence in the North Atlantic Alliance and in the European Union is Poland’s raison d’être. NATO membership and an alliance with the United States is our military security. And membership of the European Union means our economic security and development opportunities. And we really, really need this development after the pandemic and the consequences of the war. That is why I was and am in favor of a sensible compromise with the European Commission. Poles and Poles earn money from the reconstruction fund. We are entitled to it. That is why in February, on the eve of the outbreak of war, I proposed a compromise.
Ending this dispute is in the interest of both Poland and the European Union as a community. Because in these difficult times, unity should be the most important thing. But it must be a wise and fair compromise that does not violate the provisions of the Constitution and guarantees the legal certainty of Poles. This is fundamental to me.
Dear compatriots,
We Poles have been in Europe for more than 1000 years. We have a great history that we can be proud of. And we have a bright future ahead of us. At the beginning of 2023, we can achieve success as a state and as a society. But we have to work together.
Because I wish you that we would be able to rise above what makes us different and look for what unites us. So that no matter what our views or beliefs, we can talk to each other kindly and always shake hands for permission.
Happy New Year!
Source: wPolityce