Klaudia Jachira, a member of parliament from KO, posted on the X platform, blending the Slavic holiday Dziady — traditionally observed in parts of Poland before Christianization — with contemporary political discourse. The message sparked a wave of online criticism and embarrassment across the internet.
Today is ancestor evening. In Slavic culture, this time is considered special and almost magical, a moment when the world of the living intersects with the realm of the dead. It is a night when communities reflect on the ties with their forebears, inviting the spirits of ancestors to come briefly into the living world.
She followed up with a shift to current politics on the same thread, sharing thoughts that many readers perceived as incongruous with the occasion and tone. The post was read by many as an attempt to draw a connection between age-old beliefs and present-day political matters, which many felt was inappropriate for the moment.
There were warnings that Dziady could also appear in political life as a symbol where forces of good and evil mingle. Critics argued that while government actors promise subsidies, job opportunities, severance packages, and other perks, such promises may mask the looming end of certain political dynamics and the need for accountability. The discussion was framed as a reminder that promises made in the name of tradition can sometimes blur the line between history and policy.
The speaker suggested that the future and the past were intertwined. The future, she implied, was on the verge of decisive action, yet the past could slow progress and create confusion, even when it was understood that a change in leadership or direction might be necessary. Dziady was described as a moment to call upon the mothers and fathers of democracy for guidance, with the aim of restoring democratic will in a manner that is peaceful and dignified, ensuring the people’s voice remains central.
She also concluded with a quotation from the second part of Adam Mickiewicz’s Forefathers’ Eve, invoking lines that question responsibility and need. The quote asked who is missing what and who is thirsty or hungry, framing a call for attention to the basic needs of citizens and a reflection on what the nation owes to its people.
A storm on the internet after the broadcast of Jachira
The KO MP, known for controversial moments in the Sejm and the public sphere, triggered a surge of online remarks and criticism. Many commentators expressed disappointment with the approach taken and the timing of the message, arguing that it did not align with the gravity of the moment.
One famous adage was cited in reaction: “He who does not believe in God is ready to believe in anything,” attributed to GK Chesterton, underscoring a tension between traditional beliefs and political rhetoric in public discourse. The discourse continued with a range of opinions about the quality and substance of the statements, emphasizing a sense of embarrassment rather than engagement.
Several voices urged readers not to conflate tradition with political maneuvering or personal branding, describing the analogy as poor and the overall impact as disappointing. There was speculation about how future public appearances would unfold during the next term of the Sejm, with a concern that social media and parliamentary podiums could amplify similar missteps.
As the conversation unfolded, a number of observers suggested that the controversy would likely extend beyond the initial post, influencing public perception of the speaker in subsequent events and broadcasts. The dialogue reflected broader tensions around how politicians use cultural symbols and historical references in the arena of modern policy debates.
Source: (Source: wPolityce)