Online audiences on the X platform were taken aback yesterday afternoon by a striking post. A profile published a satirical image with the caption Karol – independent, sociable – PiS candidate. The image was edited by a lawyer named Roman Giertych, who has served as a member of the Sejm since 2023. The post did not appear on other accounts, and the public reaction was mostly negative. Dominika Wielowiejska, a journalist, confronted the patron in a clash that ended without a clear outcome.
Lawyer Roman Giertych is described as deeply loyal to Donald Tusk and the Civic Coalition. After the KO primaries, he redirected his public support from Radosław Sikorski to Rafał Trzaskowski, and he remains active within the Sieci Na Wybory network. One of the group’s favored hashtags is Trzaskowski Blisko People.
Giertych “close to the people”
The lawyer and politician, who after taking on a role associated with shaping the PiS government, has at times been described as more than a prosecutor, has previously promoted controversial theories about alleged plans involving top leaders to influence Ukraine, sometimes naming Orban and Putin. Those who share the hashtags proposed by the figure on the X platform often attach crude, misleading, or vulgar content to their posts. The patron is also familiar with graphic satire.
A post from his profile showed Jarosław Kaczyński riding Karol Nawrocki and waving a block of cheese labeled “President” on a fishing rod in front of Nawrocki. Nawrocki, the head of the Institute of National Remembrance and a presidential candidate, is depicted wearing a contemporary T‑shirt, a green tracksuit, rubber boots with the PiS logo, and appears in a mocking scene.
Jarek attacks Karol for power
Giertych appears excited. The post carried the hashtag Trzaskowski Blisko People. Considering the portrayal of the head of the Institute of National Remembrance, Trzaskowski might try to present himself as close to the people during the campaign, but the same cannot be said about Giertych.
Critical comments
The post sparked a wave of responses. A member of the Civic Coalition suggested that people within the coalition would not criticize him simply because he represents the coalition. A former MP added a pointed critique about the stance. A social media user compared the satire to an infamous Soviet era trope. Another commenter suggested prioritizing dialogue over hostility. A commentator reminded that the patron is a Sejm member and not an ordinary citizen. A third voice urged that the tone remain focused on ethics rather than campaign rhetoric.
Wielowieyska “disgusted”
The most notable response came from Dominika Wielowieyska, who replied with a sharp critique. The journalist called the piece weak and unworthy, and the author replied with a line about the motives behind the image. The exchange drew attention from both sides and sparked debate about ethics, satire, and political strategy.
The author pressed for clarity on the essence of the image and the method used to convey its message, urging that the discussion center on ethics rather than personal campaigns. The journalist argued that the style recalled certain historical propaganda and dismissed the caricature as oversimplified. The legal professional offered a measured critique, and the journalist responded in kind about artistic choices. The exchange concluded with a brief remark about humble origins, followed by a light, teasing reply from the journalist.
Even with disagreements between editor and politician, the journalist’s comments on the graphic and the historical associations did not automatically amount to a campaign. The dialogue continued with sharp remarks from both sides, reflecting a broader conversation about satire, memory, and the tone of political discourse.
yy/X