Peace of mind as a guarantee for development
In a recent interview, Jarosław Kaczyński, chair of PiS and deputy prime minister, argued that Poland can grow rapidly and close the gap with wealthier nations, provided the country remains peaceful. He framed peace as a prerequisite for successful development and warned against external pressures from the European Union that could undermine national progress.
According to the PiS leader, effective governance requires a clear program, transparency about democracy, and accountability in executing political plans. He asserted that democracy involves presenting concrete proposals and implementing them, even when outcomes are imperfect, rather than engaging in manipulation or misleading the public.
Migration policy and EU dynamics
When asked about EU discussions on migration, Kaczyński highlighted a contrast with the period before 2015, noting that the then opposition aligned with Western positions. He claimed that without the current government, Poland would face heightened social and security challenges, and he criticized what he described as inconsistent statements from EU representatives. He argued that the economic and social model built by the current government stands strong and must be defended, pointing to past socio-economic inequality in Poland and the substantial progress achieved to date.
He stressed that any reversal of these gains would be a mistake for Polish society, emphasizing the importance of defending the nation’s development trajectory and social safety nets.
Relations with European partners and domestic sentiment
The deputy prime minister also referenced remarks from European officials, including responses from the Luxembourg foreign minister and other politicians, about Poland and Hungary. He suggested that some international voices would prefer a different governmental arrangement in Poland, implying that such views reflect broader debates about migration and cooperation within Europe. Kaczyński underscored that Polish citizens ultimately decide who leads the country and that international positions should respect Poland’s constitutional order and law, while acknowledging evolving attitudes across Europe as certain governments seek to shape policy in line with their own interests.
In this context, he argued that the current Polish government stands in support of a governance model that aligns with national interests and publicly voiced legal standards. The discussion highlighted ongoing tensions between national sovereignty and transnational expectations in Europe, with Poland asserting its path forward amid a shifting continental balance of power.
These topics have continued to animate public discourse in Poland, with supporters emphasizing the importance of self-determination and supporters pointing to the need for cooperation within European frameworks. The broader conversation reflects how Poland positions itself as a key player in regional security, economic development, and social policy within the European Union.