Bronisław Wildstein’s column in the latest issue of the weekly Sieci sparked a lively debate on social media. Journalist Tomasz Walczak criticized Wildstein’s treatment of Germany and the European Union, while Romuald Sheremetyev and others came to his defense.
READ MORE: Rule of Law or Loss of Independence. Either we can block the EU’s disastrous drift, or we must part with it
On this occasion, Wildstein joined a growing list of right-wing commentators who argue for leaving the EU. The response emphasized that outside the union there are only a Russian sphere of influence or a dangerous gray zone separating the democratic West from the eastern sphere of influence.
– Walczak wrote.
Sheremetyev responded to the insulting post.
He noted that outside the EU there are countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Great Britain and questioned whether they should be labeled as a russkij mir or a grey zone.
– He asked.
In his words, “if placed in that situation I would not ridicule myself by citing Norway, Switzerland, or Great Britain, but I would consider the fate of Ukraine, the uncertainty facing Moldova, or Balkan states outside Western structures.”
Continued Walczak.
Okay, I won’t pretend otherwise—love for the EU should not blind anyone.
– said Sheremetyev.
Clarity is needed: opposing views should not undermine the country’s interests across political, economic, social, and security dimensions. Walczak asserted this position plainly.
Janusz Kowalski, a member of parliament for Solidarity of Poland, also joined the discussion.
There is something inappropriate about attacking Wildstein personally. Harsh insults do not help the debate. The value lies in learning from the memory of Polish freedom and engaging in a reasoned exchange about the EU. This is a moment when the EU acts to discuss how to proceed with the relationship with Russia.
– wrote the politician.
Another Twitter user added:
First, a remark that labels the writer as simply a fool does more to disqualify him than to address the issue at hand. Secondly, it would help to talk calmly about the EU, because much has changed since membership began. As someone who supports the EU as a union of states, there should be an honest, demagogic-free conversation rather than loud slogans about “changing the game.”
What did Wildstein write?
Which fragment of Wildstein’s text drew Walczak’s ire? It appears that the journalist took particular issue with these words:
“We cannot accept such a Union. Either we can block its disastrous drive, or we must part with it. We must be ready to seek allies to do everything possible to halt the current path, to take all necessary actions, to impose all possible vetoes and blockades, and in internal politics to explain to the public why leaving the EU is needed.”
The full column can be found in the latest issue of the weekly Sieci magazine. Consider exploring the e-release for convenience and readability.
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