They argue that a tightening grip on power could emerge if people do not stand up. On June 4, citizens have a chance to show unity and push for change, said Paweł Kowal, a Civic Coalition member who appeared on Monika Olejnik’s show and shared the stage with Senator Michał Kamiński on TVN24.
Tusk under the scrutiny of the parliamentary agenda
Throughout the discussion, topics shifted rapidly and commentaries from politicians and the host filled the air. A focal point was the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office investigation from 2014 that concerns possible abuses of power by Donald Tusk.
It was noted that prosecutors might pursue Donald Tusk for actions around attempts to curb trade with Russia, even as later statements suggested possible non-action. The conversation underscored a broader need to define the state of affairs in Poland, highlighting a fragile but growing sense of authoritarianism. Speakers noted that authorities possess tools that should not be used in a democratic framework, and that power tends to corrode reputations and distort priorities.
Kowal summarized by saying the governing power should be held to account and possibly shifted out of office. Today, most Poles reportedly want the leadership to depart. Yet topics like the coal policy attack on Donald Tusk were discussed, with Kowal suggesting that one misstep of the opposition is failing to understand why some voters support PiS. Patriotism, a subjective feeling that PiS stands for national values, is seen by many as a decisive factor in political choices.
Kaminski contributed to the dialogue, while both Kowal and Olejnnik pushed back against his assertions. The exchange carried a sharp tension as Olejnik pressed the idea that the opposition faced a concerted effort to undermine key figures.
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Pressure on the presidency and the call for oversight
The discussion also touched on plans to establish a commission to examine Russian influence. Kowal warned that rising authoritarian tendencies could escalate into situations where the president may face scrutiny or even political jeopardy, urging caution about how leadership exercises authority. He warned that a president who signs questionable measures could damage Poland’s standing on the international stage.
Kowal emphasized that the June 4 march should be open to all who wish to join, not limited to a few leaders, and he reiterated the push for a commission to investigate Russian influence while pressing the president to consider the long-term consequences of any signature.
On the June 4 topic, Kaminski and Olejnnik debated who should participate and what the effects would be. The conversation reflected concerns about party tactics and the broader implications for the opposition, as well as the role of public demonstrations in shaping political discourse.
The discussion also shifted to media independence. Kowal argued that television is undergoing significant restructuring to restore pluralism and fairness in reporting, insisting that the current state of broadcasting lacks balance. He suggested that real changes could begin after the elections, signaling a potential turning point in the media landscape.
Kowal criticized the handling of public information programs, describing the prevailing style as overbearing and manipulative. He asserted that important issues have often been sidelined in favor of rhetoric, and he warned of the risk that propaganda could erode democratic norms.
In closing, Kowal and Kamiński, alongside Olejnnik, returned to their shared critique of PiS while noting the difficult reality faced by citizens. They expressed disappointment that the discussion left little room for the opposition to present its own programs and proposals for the people. The program concluded with a collective sense that citizens deserve accountability and tangible alternatives.
kk/TVN24