Katarzyna Lubnauer and Kamil Bortniczuk appeared on the program “Kropka nad i” on TVN24, where they discussed the new government’s alleged illegal influence over the media and touched on the cases involving Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik. The conversation explored the broader implications for parliamentary conduct, media independence, and the ongoing political dynamics in Poland.
When the topic turned to Mariusz Kamiński’s display of a gesture often referred to as the Kozakiewicz gesture, Lubnauer weighed in with a clear assessment of the parliamentary atmosphere. She argued that the sequence of gestures from different lawmakers signals a troubling trend: the Sejm should be a forum marked by civility, dialogue, and rigorous debate, yet she observed a pattern that risks eroding those standards.
Bortniczuk emphasized that interpreting such gestures requires an awareness of their historical context. He reminded viewers that Kamiński and Wąsik still benefit from the privileges afforded to MPs and urged a careful consideration of the legacies and precedents that shape present actions. He also recalled the controversial figure Roman Giertych as part of the broader political memory that informs current debates.
Lubnauer acknowledged the historical complexity surrounding the gesture and suggested that it should be measured against the backdrop of past episodes. She commented that it is difficult to understand how coalition politicians can advocate imprisonment for Minister Kamiński while he retains his parliamentary rights and continues to participate in Sejm sessions. She urged viewers to seek clarity by asking the people involved about their motives and perspectives, including whether the gesture was aimed at specific individuals with a historical point of reference. She pointed out that Jarosław Kaczyński had the option to overlook the moment.
Lubnauer also highlighted Kamiński’s role in anti‑corruption efforts, noting that many charges against him had not resulted in convictions and that a looming threat of legal action against him persisted. She described this as part of a pressure-filled political climate where allegations and legal battles intersect with high‑level public life.
She added that President Duda bears responsibility in the way pardons have been used in political cases involving PiS politicians. The discussion suggested that presidential decisions, coupled with judicial outcomes, influence how lawmakers can participate in public proceedings, even after convictions. Lubnauer argued that the political environment has allowed these dynamics to shape parliamentary participation and public perception.
Bortniczuk revisited the question of how Kamiński and Wąsik appear in the Sejm, noting a curious sequence of moves by the Speaker that raised questions about consistency and rule-following. He urged a steady application of the law and criticized actions that seemed out of step with constitutional norms or parliamentary protocol. The speaker’s conduct, in his view, has a direct impact on how lawmakers are seen to operate within the chamber.
Lubnauer continued to critique PiS for what she described as attacks on the Polish legal framework, arguing that the country has faced ongoing episodes of chaos and legal uncertainty. She warned that the pattern of disruptions threatens the stability that citizens rely on for predictable governance.
Media takeover
The conversation shifted to public media, with Bortniczuk raising concerns about what he termed an illegal shift of influence over media channels controlled by the state. He called attention to issues involving leadership and governance in public broadcasting, stressing the importance of transparent and lawful procedures in managing institutional reforms. He referenced incidents where broadcast signals were altered in ways that drew comparisons to historical disruptions to media continuity during periods of national upheaval.
Lubnauer underscored concerns about the compensation and career trajectories of TVP journalists, suggesting that salaries may reflect broader political calculations rather than solely professional criteria. She argued that the public media landscape should be guided by fiscal responsibility, objectivity, and a clear mandate to serve the public interest. The discussion underscored feelings of a governance vacuum and the need for accountability in how public media entities are steered during times of political transition.
Bortniczuk turned attention to the Polish News Agency, pointing to actions that appeared to violate established norms and procedures. He described the moves as inappropriate for a state institution and warned that such steps undermine the credibility of public information channels. The participants stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of public communications and ensuring that legal boundaries are respected in any organizational changes.
The dialogue closed with reflections on the broader implications for democratic institutions in Poland. The participants emphasized the need for rigorous adherence to the rule of law, consistent standards in parliamentary conduct, and a commitment to media freedom as essential components of a healthy political system.
mly/TVN24