We have to work on this
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Michał Kołodziejczak described Prime Minister Donald Tusk as treating farmers with genuine consideration. He noted that the Prime Minister admitted uncertainty about whether the EU would concede parts of the Green Deal. The deputy minister pointed out that, after years of hearing hopeful promises, farmers are finally being treated with seriousness. He argued that AgroUnia’s leadership has aligned with political currents, suggesting that some actions echo party instructions rather than farmers’ needs. Kołodziejczak, who leads AgroUnia, also pointed to Tusk being placed on a KO list by the campaign’s end.
Early in a broadcast on Polish Radio, Kołodziejczak confirmed plans for a meeting with farmers that would not take place as scheduled.
Farmers were cautioned that today’s meeting would not happen. A broader agreement was reached with many of them. The deputy minister stated that experts would join to craft a mechanism, a mechanism that the Prime Minister had previously signaled at a recent gathering.
He added that he was in constant contact with farmers and that information flowed through them to help shape and propose a viable mechanism.
Kołodziejczak emphasized that Czesław Siekierski, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, was in Ukraine and instructed his deputy to advance today and tomorrow’s plan.
“We have to work on this”
Reflecting on Saturday’s meeting, which protesters described as a government monologue, the deputy minister responded:
He suggested that not all farmers shared that sentiment. He recalled hearing a statement from the chairperson of Solidarity in Obszański, who, in his view, urged prayer at the start and otherwise did not add much. He insisted that his own remarks were limited to that moment.
He stressed the need for the agricultural sector to have a reliable, representative voice and affirmed his full support for farmers.
Later, he praised his boss, highlighting Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He noted that real work is needed and that the Prime Minister aimed to craft a mechanism based on the latest news about how to ensure that several million tons of grain reach markets and are sold.
Comparison with Wąsik and Kamiński
Kołodziejczak argued that trade unions and civil society must become more grounded in reality. He cited last week’s farmers’ demonstration to illustrate his point, while refraining from detailing earlier clashes. He recalled a recent confrontation near the Sejm and noted the parallel to earlier episodes linked to political figures, without elaborating further.
When asked about police responses, he admitted he could not judge all aspects without full context. He described his own experience in protests organized by AgroUnia, highlighting a preference for avoiding confrontations with law enforcement and urging participants to disperse when appropriate.
The politician, who has engaged in protests himself and later held a deputy minister role in the new government, suggested that political actors are sometimes leveraging farmer grievances for strategic gain. He claimed that some individuals connected to Solidarity are positioned in various elected bodies, and that supporters of farmers are being swayed by political calculation. He hinted at past and present tensions as part of a broader pattern.
He asserted that current days show the chairman of Solidarity acting under party directives, facing pressure from media and public scrutiny, while farmers struggle with limited support.
“Historical Change”
Kołodziejczak contended that police violence during the PiS government was greater than it is today. He cited his own experience, recalling a protest with his face almost entirely masked by tear gas, and contrasted it with his perception of present conditions.
He argued that police brutality had been excessive in the past but has since diminished, stating that public television coverage of protests has shifted over time. He described an instance where police carried protesters past a provincial station, while television cameras filmed the event as if nothing had happened.
He framed this as a notable historical shift in media and policing, urging readers to consider how coverage and responses have evolved in recent years.
“Honest” and “serious” like… Tusk
When asked about talks between the government and the European Commission, Kołodziejczak again praised the prime minister. He argued that farmers have grown weary of empty promises and false optimism. He asserted that for the first time they feel treated with seriousness when the Prime Minister speaks with confidence about possible outcomes and timelines, including assurances regarding waste road projects and future guarantees that might be more than 90% certain of fulfillment.
The deputy minister contrasted the harsh protests and policing with the government’s stated commitment to practical solutions, suggesting a broader question about how serious political leaders are about reform and how such actions translate into real conditions for farmers and for Polish society as a whole.
Readers will encounter recurring mentions of commentary around Agrounia, Solidarity, and various agricultural bodies, underscoring the tension between protest movements and political maneuvering as Poland navigates agricultural policy and social unrest. The unfolding narrative continues to raise questions about transparency, accountability, and the real impact on farmers’ livelihoods.
— The dialogue reflects ongoing debates about policy mechanisms, ministerial leadership, and the relationship between farmers, unions, and the ruling party as events develop.