The situation in the Gaza Strip remains extremely difficult and complex. Officials emphasize that information about Polish citizens is being actively gathered, with more than twenty people identified and the authorities doing everything possible to locate them. Some have dual nationality, which adds to the challenges of coordinating safe returns from Israel and the Gaza Strip. This difficulty is a focal point in conversations between the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ambassadors from Egypt, Israel and representatives from Palestine, as authorities strive to resolve the crisis.
The deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the process is extremely difficult and complicated. He noted that intensive discussions are underway with a goal of facilitating safe exits for those trapped in the region, and he affirmed the ongoing, high-intensity diplomacy surrounding the issue.
On Sikorski’s return to diplomacy
When asked about the potential return of Radosław Sikorski to lead the Foreign Ministry, the deputy minister spoke in the negative. He described Sikorski as a candidate of problematic implications, recalling past policies and international alignments and suggesting that the outcomes of those choices did not fulfill hopes for a stronger Polish role on the world stage. He characterized Sikorski as responsible for major diplomatic shortcomings and questioned his suitability for a renewed leadership role in Polish diplomacy.
Censorship and immunity cases in the European Parliament
The ministerial discussions also touched on the case involving members of the United Right. The European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee had moved to lift immunities for four MEPs, with a plenary vote anticipated on the matter. The deputy head of the Foreign Ministry cautioned against actions that could limit freedom of expression and warned about potential political overreach. He argued that the efforts to remove immunities should be carefully weighed against fundamental rights and the proper exercise of legal processes.
He pointed to what he described as a campaign by some European elites who advocate for a strict rule of law while pushing political opponents under the spotlight, and he suggested that this approach risks undermining legitimate political debate. The deputy noted that any decision to lift immunity would require careful legal assessment by the relevant authorities, including the justice ministry, and would need to involve consideration of the specific harms claimed by an injured party.
Karpiński’s case
The discussion also covered Włodzimierz Karpiński, who faced custody and is pursuing membership in the European Parliament. According to the deputy head of the ministry, any criminal offenses alleged before his election would not be protected by parliamentary immunity once taken up as an MEP. He argued that immunity would apply only to actions conducted during the exercise of parliamentary duties, and the immunity waiver procedure exists to address situations that arise during a mandate. He concluded that there is no basis to claim that Karpiński would move from prison to Brussels, since the actions under dispute occurred before his election as an MEP.
Media and public broadcasting
The conversation also touched on proposed changes in public media and the opposition’s policies on personnel changes. The deputy minister warned that any rapid legal or political moves could lead to chaos and conflict. He suggested that the current security, defense and economic imperatives require stability and a careful approach to institutional reform. He cautioned that reform plans should prioritize safeguarding national security and public integrity rather than becoming a battleground for political fighting.
In closing, the deputy head reiterated that the government would remain focused on strengthening institutions and addressing the country’s security, armament and economic priorities, even as debates about media reform unfold. The tone of the discussion reflected a belief that prudent governance must outpace political theatrics in difficult times.
[citation: wPolityce]