The interview outlines a stark view of how Russia’s actions at sea are aimed at triggering shortages and higher prices, with the ripple effect expected to push migrants toward southern Europe. In this discussion, Deputy Prime Minister and PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński explains that Moscow seeks to pull Europe into a broader crisis. Excerpts of the conversation with Gazeta Polska Codziennie are set to be published by Monday’s edition of Gazeta Polska, offering insights into Ukraine’s war, Poland’s current situation, and potential consequences.
The PiS leader is explicit: inflation stands as one of the foremost challenges facing the country outside the immediate war in Ukraine.
When pressed about the most significant challenge beyond the conflict, the president of PiS identifies inflation without hesitation. The conversation turns to the pressing question of whether inflation can be restrained in the months leading up to the election while still delivering relief to the most affected groups. The response emphasizes a dual approach: pursuing measures that curb inflation while implementing protective policies that do not always move in the same direction. A comparison is drawn with Western economies, where measures often suppress purchasing power and can show quicker results; Poland, however, must chart a different course. The party plans to roll back some taxes starting July 1 to ease the burden. The aim is to clearly explain the situation to voters and keep the focus on national priorities within Poland.
– says Jarosław Kaczyński.
The PiS leader also offers his assessment of the public debate in Poland, noting that the media landscape shapes perceptions in a way that can misrepresent reality. He argues that a broad opposition movement is paired with media outlets that can create a counter-reality that resonates with people. He cites Russian propaganda as an influence that saturates some media, leading to a perception that PiS is aligned with Moscow. He insists that Poland pursues an ambitious energy independence policy from Russia and supports Ukraine in its defense, including substantial military aid, while contending that these efforts are mischaracterized as Kremlin-aligned by some outlets.
– says Jarosław Kaczyński.
The PiS president also indicates that Kukiz’15 is likely to withdraw from PiS’s electoral lists, noting that while negotiations are ongoing, the reshaping of alliances remains on the table and will be clarified in due course, according to the United Right leadership.
Donald Tusk’s Attitude
In another part of the interview, Kaczyński comments on Donald Tusk, the head of the Civic Platform, and his stance on transporting Ukrainian grain. Tusk has suggested routing part of the grain through Poland, including shipments to North Africa, while allowing a portion to stay in Poland for sale at lower prices, a move that could affect Polish farmers. Kaczyński dismisses this as not surprising, arguing that when Poland’s vital interests are at stake, Tusk often opposes them. He contends that in this case, Tusk’s position aligns with Russian messaging. The point is made that Polish farmers should understand that the grain in question does not threaten their sector; the intended recipients are in North Africa and the Middle East. The message from Moscow, according to Kaczyński, is designed to disrupt Europe by driving up food costs and inflaming migration pressures, with a goal of destabilizing the continent. Poland’s stance is framed as resisting such influence and preventing a wide-scale crisis on the European stage.
– says Kaczyński in the interview for Gazeta Polska.
†Gazeta Polska Codziennie adds that the interview with Jarosław Kaczyński, available from Wednesday in Gazeta Polska, covers a range of geopolitical and political topics.
gah / PAP