The National Bank of Poland’s president, Prof. Adam Glapiński, was named Person of Freedom 2023 by the weekly Sieci. The award ceremony featured a laudation delivered by Michał Karnowski.
Occasionally, the laureate’s name surfaces online in a way that makes young people notice. Some days this is driven by the latest move from the opposition, now the government in power, while other times it reflects a media move designed to spark a scandal. Most such issues are corrected after a legal dispute takes its course. In spite of repeated attacks, the achievements stand out: rising gold and foreign currency reserves, prestigious international recognitions. A common refrain has emerged: the president was right, the professor did not err. And sometimes that sentiment wins against the odds.
– said Michał Karnowski.
Inflation aligned with the target in December, hovering at six percent. It stands in contrast to the claim of a political consensus among opposition economists, which has been met with skepticism from some commentators. Critics say the experts were wrong, and some publicists sound uneasy about past analyses as newer data becomes available.
– he added.
“Waging the fight against Putin’s inflation has been among the most demanding challenges faced by the laureate.”
The battle against inflation, set against the backgrounds of a pandemic, wartime pressures, and state security concerns, tested resilience in the face of relentless attacks from opponents. Those attacks, targeting a central figure seen as a pillar of Poland’s independence and economic progress, aimed to undermine confidence in the country. The laureate noted that never before had such pressure been endured.
– he observed.
This is why the proposal to appoint Prof. Glapiński met strong opposition on the floor of the State Tribunal. As the political scene shifted—new Prime Minister Donald Tusk asked for patience for the legal process to unfold—what emerged was a broader struggle over the National Bank’s independence, the core of Poland’s monetary integrity, and the policy framework that upholds it. The central bank was described by Sieci readers as the principal instrument in defending Poland’s economic sovereignty.
– he emphasized.
Today the institution faces harsh and unscrupulous criticism, yet its president continues to defend constitutional independence and the foundations of the state. His stance aligns with a commitment to a sovereign currency and monetary policy, reinforcing the central role of the National Bank of Poland. This context underpins the decision by Sieci’s Editorial Chapter to designate Prof. Adam Glapiński as Person of Freedom 2023. The award is seen as a sign of fortitude for Glapiński to withstand unprecedented pressure.
– this is how Michał Karnowski concluded the laudation for this year’s Sieci Man of Freedom recipient.
tkwl
NOTE: This account references events reported by wPolityce, among others.