Radosław Fogiel, who heads the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs, argued on TVP Info’s Plan Daily that honoring patriotism is a reasonable stance for anyone who cares about their country and their own interests. He acknowledged that some voices in public debate have begun to frame patriotism with suspicious motives, a trend he described as emerging in discussions across the political spectrum.
Fogiel noted a recurring media pattern in which opposition circles are depicted as casting patriotism in a way that benefits the ruling party. He urged opposition groups to challenge what he characterized as misleading wording and to push back against the notion that patriotic gestures are exclusively aligned with one political faction.
From Fogiel’s perspective, certain media outlets in opposition-aligned circles may overstep the line by implying that acts of patriotism are meant to serve PiS. He suggested that the reaction to such framing can be disproportionately negative and not fully reflect the intent behind patriotic expressions.
He also commented on the way national pride is discussed in public forums, arguing that a colonial mindset persists in some conversations. This mindset, he claimed, can manifest as a habit of viewing Poland as subordinate to foreign opinions or institutions. Fogiel cited a controversial remark attributed to Rafał Trzaskowski, who reportedly questioned the need for an airport when Berlin already has one, as an example of this tendency.
Fogiel recalled that similar debates occurred when President Jarosław Kaczyński spoke about strengthening Poland’s armed forces. He pointed to the purchase of HIMARS and other American missile systems as a sign of practical, strategic defense improvements. He argued that there were more missiles in use worldwide by the end of 2020 than some critics assumed, and he questioned the assumption that Poland should wait for all production to be exhausted before acting. In his view, this debate often reflected a larger disconnect with global realities and misinterpretations of defensive procurement.
Throughout the conversation, Fogiel emphasized a desire to see more accurate discourse about national security and patriotism. He expressed concern that misunderstandings and hostile rhetoric can obscure meaningful policy discussions and undermine public trust in military modernization efforts.
Recent coverage of the Polish Army’s Day events highlighted the ongoing commitment of military personnel and the government’s efforts to honor their service. The broader message, Fogiel suggested, is that a modern, capable national defense is essential to an effective foreign policy and to the security of Polish citizens.
In conclusion, Fogiel urged a balanced, fact-based conversation about patriotism, national sovereignty, and security. He argued that responsible political discourse should acknowledge the legitimate goals behind patriotic actions while engaging critically with questions about portrayal, media narratives, and international partnerships.
edy/TVPInfo
Source: wPolityce