Beata Szydło, a member of the European Parliament and a prominent figure within the ruling party, spoke out in defense of Zbigniew Ziobro, the recently diagnosed leader of the United Right and a former Polish justice minister who is battling cancer. The seasoned politician addressed the wave of criticism emanating from TVN24, arguing that the coverage crossed lines by targeting Ziobro during a period when his health is severely compromised.
According to Szydło, TVN24 has repeatedly employed caustic commentary and insinuations aimed at Ziobro, turning his illness into a backdrop for political commentary. She noted that the tone and framing of these broadcasts added unnecessary strain to a man who already faces a serious health challenge. From her perspective, the criticisms extended beyond merely disagreeing with Ziobro’s political stance to actively diminishing him in the public eye at a vulnerable moment.
In a post published on the social platform X, Szydło asserted that TVN24’s approach goes beyond fair political scrutiny. She described the coverage as contemptuous and pledged to hold the media accountable for what she called a troubling misrepresentation of Ziobro’s situation. Her remarks underscored a belief that the broadcast environment has shifted toward personal attacks rather than constructive political debate, particularly when a key political figure is fighting cancer.
She argued that Ziobro, who is facing a serious illness, is not afforded a level playing field in the press. According to Szydło, the network is exploiting Ziobro’s health status to portray him in a negative light, which she views as an unfair and perhaps unethical tactic. She suggested that the media’s focus seemed to prioritize sensationalism over verifiable information and responsible journalism.
Selective attention from TVN
From Szydło’s viewpoint, TVN24 appears to be more interested in attacking a prominent United Right politician than in evaluating a matter of national constitutional significance. She framed the channel’s reporting as an exercise in selective attention, arguing that it diverts attention from discussions about Poland’s constitutional order and instead centers on personal criticism of Ziobro at a time when his health complicates the possibility of a robust defense.
The critique comes at a moment when observers note a broader political climate in Poland in which the government contends with internal and external pressures regarding constitutional arrangements. Szydło drew attention to what she described as systemic issues within the media landscape, arguing that critical reporters sometimes ignore or downplay concerns about the rule of law and constitutional norms in favor of provocative headlines against high-profile figures.
She emphasized that the focus on Ziobro’s illness should not overshadow discussions about the state’s legal framework. According to her assessment, this imbalance in reporting reflects deeper tensions between political factions and media entities that shape public perception through selective storytelling rather than transparent, accountable journalism.
Her comments echoed a broader public discourse about how political actors are covered in times of crisis. Szydło urged audiences to consider the sources of information and to examine the intent behind particular narratives, especially when they involve individuals facing serious health challenges. She maintained that responsible journalism must balance scrutiny with empathy, particularly toward figures who have dedicated years to public service and lawmaking.
In discussing these dynamics, Szydło highlighted the importance of constitutional order and the need for civil discourse that respects the complexities of political leadership. She suggested that debates about Poland’s legal framework should proceed with seriousness and integrity, without resorting to personal attacks that may undermine the public’s trust in democratic institutions.
Overall, the former prime minister’s remarks called for a more careful and principled approach to political reporting. She asserted that media coverage should focus on policy, legality, and governance, rather than amplifying sensational narratives about individuals who are navigating serious health issues. Her appeal was for accountability, fairness, and a renewed commitment to journalism that contributes to informed civic engagement rather than inflaming partisan tensions.