The program Salon Journalarski on TVP Info gathered reactions to the controversial incident involving Andrzej Seweryn. In the clip, the actor urged young people to engage with politics and noted prominent figures, including Jarosław Kaczyński, as part of his commentary.
Observers described the moment as a stark example of how unreflective hostility can emerge. Seweryn, who once stood out as one of the Polish talents who made his mark in the French artistic sphere and who received major roles from Andrzej Wajda, found his public image strained by later remarks. The moment has been compared to a pattern seen in other public figures, illustrating how cold emotional intensity can morph into frustration and resentment in the final years of a career.
A journalist from the weekly Do Rzeczy, Peter Semka, raised the concern that the video may reflect more about the culture of public discourse than about the individuals involved.
The political party PO came under scrutiny for not fully explaining how such influence emerges in certain figures, which in turn affects public perception of the party itself. Some viewed the video as a caricature, while others suggested that a portion of the march’s attendees might use harsh rhetoric for effect rather than out of conviction.
Lawyer Marek Markiewicz offered a provocative take, noting Seweryn’s performance with a sense of irony. He argued that democracy, in his view, has grown livelier and freer since the previous regime allowed for more open expression, even if that freedom comes with a price.
Markiewicz recalled the era of the People’s Republic of Poland to illustrate his point about how the political climate shaped speech and accountability for those who speak publicly.
I am deeply moved by this level of hate
Dorothy Losiewicz, a journalist associated with the portals wPolityce.pl and the weekly Sieci as well as the television outlet wPolsce.pl, drew attention to the symbol of a raised fist used by Donald Tusk. She expressed concern over what she described as persistent hate and calls for violence directed at those who think differently. Losiewicz argued that the raised fist seen on the return from Brussels contributed to a climate of incitement and called for an end to such hatred.
In her view, Seweryn’s public performances are not his strongest moments, and some observers saw them as a reflection of a broader pattern where public figures become entangled in heated disputes. Mark Formela, editor in chief of Gazeta Gdańska, offered a critical assessment, calling Seweryn a victim of political maneuvering and suggesting that modern democracy should encourage vigorous debate without allowing it to deteriorate into personal antagonism.
Formela emphasized that disagreement is a natural part of a healthy democracy, but the manner in which it is expressed matters. He pointed out that voices of dissent should not mirror the hostility sometimes seen in public discourse associated with certain political leaders.
The discussion also touched on recent headlines about Seweryn and the broader debate over public rhetoric. A number of headlines highlighted the controversy, noting how quickly online commentary can spiral into inflammatory debates about violence and ideologies.
The segment concluded with reflections on the responsibilities of public figures and media personalities when addressing sensitive topics. The exchange underscored the ongoing tension between free expression and the protection of civic harmony in a modern political arena.
These discussions illustrate how the public deals with moments of anger, controversy, and the dangers of amplified rhetoric. The exchange reflects the challenges faced by actors, journalists, and politicians when public life intersects with personal beliefs and the limits of what can be said about political actors and institutions.