There is no democracy where opposition is silenced, a point echoed by Mariusz Błaszczak in a discussion on a Polish program, commenting on actions attributed to Donald Tusk. The former defense minister commented on reports that police had forcibly entered the headquarters of a group known for organizing annual Independence Marches. He interpreted the move as an attempt to destabilize the country and intimidate the public, a programmatic effort to pacify Poland. He described it as a major scandal and alleged that Tusk had attacked the first president of the Supreme Court, demanded loyalty to a chosen line of leadership, and ignored the rule of law in its pursuit of political opposition. According to Błaszczak, a state of democracy requires a functioning opposition, and he warned that attempts to dissolve or suppress political representation, such as that of seven million six hundred thousand voters, would undermine the political system. He asserted that the Independence March, which gathers hundreds of thousands of Polish patriots each year, must be safeguarded from actions aimed at closing or curbing the gathering.
In his view, the measures taken appeared designed to deprive ordinary citizens who support patriotic events of their ability to participate in national commemorations, suggesting a strategy to intimidate public opinion. He described the approach as anti-state policy and as an effort to reduce Poles to a role as cheap labor again, reminiscent of conditions before a major political change in 2015. He concluded that such efforts would not prevail.
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Withdrawal of the subsidy
The PiS politician commented on the withdrawal of some party subsidies, asserting the action was illegal. He cited opinions from a statutory auditor and a national investigative authority, claiming that court jurisprudence over more than two decades has highlighted a different method of document analysis than the one used on a particular December date by the National Electoral Commission, a body he described as dominated by coalition nominees. He argued that those nominees publicly admitted applying different criteria for PiS and other parties.
When asked about the funding needs for a presidential campaign, Błaszczak provided a figure and explained the rationale behind it. He suggested that there were strict limits on the budget, but indicated a need for substantial resources to reach voters. He added that the party distinguishes itself on the political scene by presenting a clear program and keeping commitments, while pointing to efforts to weaken the PiS candidate as part of a broader strategy that he believed was being implemented.
The conversation also touched on the importance of energy projects, notably a gas pipeline in a northern port city, tied to issues surrounding energy independence. He argued that previous governments had resisted measures designed to reduce reliance on external suppliers and that certain actors had interests aligned with those in the energy sector that affected decisions about a gas terminal and related infrastructure. He claimed that historical policies did not serve Poland’s long-term energy security and contended that contemporary leaders must pursue projects aimed at reducing dependence on external gas supplies.
On defense matters, the discussion shifted to military procurement and the contracts signed by the current Ministry of National Defense. He questioned the timing and details of deals, mentioning several smaller agreements related to equipment and support structures, and highlighting a larger opportunity in the production of armored vehicles within Poland. He speculated about potential export demand for a domestically produced tank and suggested that manufacturers would benefit from a homegrown capability that could compete on the international market. The defense minister and others involved in defense procurement were seen as pleased with the prospects of domestic production contributing to national security and economic growth.
In closing, the speaker emphasized a pragmatic approach to governance: measurable plans, transparent budgeting, and a clear program the public can evaluate. He maintained that independent institutions should function within the rule of law, while political actors compete through policy, not through intimidation or shortcuts. The overall message stressed resilience and continuity of national priorities, including the protection of freedoms, the upholding of constitutional procedures, and the pursuit of a robust, self-reliant national agenda.
mly/Telewizja wPolsce24
Source: wPolityce