The rhetoric from the opposition and its supporters is aimed at unsettling Law and Justice, but the strongest personal critique comes from Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. During a meeting with residents of Rybnik in Silesia, he claimed that Donald Tusk has never visited Kiev while Poland faces risks, arguing that a leader who refuses to visit dangerous locations cannot claim to stand with the people in danger.
The language used by opponents, Morawiecki said, is meant to frightenPolish voters, yet the government remains unshaken. The prime minister asserted that there is no fear of the Civic Platform or of Tusk, and urged his audience to recognize that Tusk himself is the one who should be concerned. The message was clear: courage in leadership matters, and it is the public that must judge who embodies it.
Morawiecki contrasted the actions of the past with his predecessors, noting that President Lech Kaczyński supported Georgia and contributed to its safety, while Tusk, who was the Polish prime minister at the time, did not travel to Georgia. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, questions were raised about whether Tusk went to Kiev, a topic that sparked rhetorical questions from the prime minister about who stood with Ukraine in those difficult moments. The emphasis was on accountability and visibility in times of threat.
The prime minister went on to say that it remains uncertain whether Tusk ever visited Kiev prior to today. He described the former prime minister as someone who avoids places where danger is present. He asked the audience directly whether they would want a leader who shirks risky assignments.
He repeated this line of inquiry as a call to action for the people of Poland to consider their own security and leadership. The discussion then moved toward the upcoming referendum, with a focus on political responsibility in light of recent Middle East events and concerns about illegal immigration. Morawiecki asked the residents of Rybnik for their stance on immigration, and the crowd responded firmly in the negative. He urged that this sentiment be amplified nationwide, so that Polish voices shape policy at every level of government.
The choice, according to Morawiecki, is stark and essential for Poland: support Law and Justice, or align with a governance coalition described as inconsistent, quarrelsome, and chaotic. This framing was presented as a test of national unity and political direction, emphasizing the need for steady and principled leadership.
“The platform wants to destroy the good name of John Paul II”
Morawiecki stressed that PiS will resist any attempt to undermine the legacy and reputation of John Paul II. He urged citizens not to allow changes that could tarnish the saintly figure’s memory. He critiqued the media landscape as being filled with propaganda that serves the opposition, naming certain outlets as voice boxes for Tusk. The prime minister called for vigilance against what he described as manipulative reporting that aims to steer public opinion away from Poland’s path.
He reminded the audience of past economic choices under the previous government, noting that Poles faced a choice between very low wages and emigration in search of work. By contrast, under Law and Justice, he claimed, the net minimum wage rose by more than 100 percent over eight years, reflecting a commitment to improving living standards. He portrayed the current government as responsible, effective, and credible in navigating the country through challenging times.
Morawiecki spoke about the resilience of the administration, saying that every crisis has been met with protective measures designed to shield the public. He mentioned initiatives such as health and inflation shields, which were framed as part of a broader strategy to support the everyday Polish citizen. The emphasis was on solidarity with the ordinary person, ensuring that no one is left to face hardships alone.
In closing, the prime minister underscored the need for practical, principled leadership and urged residents to participate actively in the political process. The aim was to strengthen the nation through clear choices and steadfast governance, aligning Poland with values that prioritize security, dignity, and prosperity for its citizens.