The profile of culture has clearly risen. This reflects a deliberate choice by the leadership of the political faction, stated the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Piotr Gliński, on TVP Info on Sunday.
During the discussion, the minister emphasized that the core changes Poland has witnessed over the last eight years stem from the political will to implement them.
One can plan a future well or execute a political program effectively, but it is equally essential to show political will and, above all, to actually transform reality.
He described this as a bold and courageous program aligned with the vision of a sovereign Poland, and noted that the next step was to put it into action. The commitment has largely been taken up, he added.
Important changes
The head of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage highlighted reforms in the cultural field among the most visible shifts. Culture has often been deprioritized in political agendas, but its profile has been raised substantially. This shift is a conscious decision by the leadership of the governing camp, resulting in a more robust cultural budget that has grown by well over 100 percent, enabling numerous investments.
Gliński pointed to eight thousand cultural investments, more than three hundred museum projects, renovations, and improvements in art education, along with significant funds for heritage-related projects and a broad increase in spending on monuments.
All these moves translate into meaningful social changes. A national community cannot be left defenseless without policies and institutions that protect heritage, otherwise the memory and identity of the nation could fade away, he warned.
He assessed that the upcoming elections will hinge on Poland’s ability to defend its sovereign interests rather than submit to external pressures, referencing a contrast with past events.
Przemysław Czarnik, Minister of Education and Science, commented on the changes in education. Polish youth have long faced a pedagogy of shame that neglected contemporary history. While a few chose history in high school, many did not have a clear understanding of events after World War II, making them vulnerable to manipulation about Poland’s role during and after the war.
Czarnik noted that some MPs argue that reparations lack moral basis, but he emphasized that this perspective overlooks the broader historical context and the need to teach modern history within the curriculum. The approach to history and the present was broadened to include a more complete view of society and its evolution.
The MEiN head described a concept of community education and a pedagogy of pride. The aim is to foster pride in ancestors and the everyday people who built the country, countering the previous pedagogy of shame.
He warned that the political choice on October 15 could determine whether Law and Justice will continue to govern or whether alternative leadership will prevail and bring disruption to the country.
Geopolitics and history
Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau recalled that every policy, especially foreign policy, is rooted in geopolitics and history. He suggested that a significant portion of Poland’s historical narrative had been left out for too long.
The success of the current foreign policy is attributed to policies built on certain core assumptions. Poland’s foreign policy should serve its raison d’être by becoming a spokesperson and defender of a sovereign Poland.
Former administrations, the minister said, often relinquished sovereignty, a consequence of Germany and Russia’s influence on the region.
Today, a different stance has shaped relations with the United States, reinforcing Poland’s position in the region. Poland is viewed as a cornerstone of NATO’s eastern flank, a strong pillar within the alliance on the eastern front. This stance has underlined a broader leadership role within the transatlantic community.
As evidence of this leadership, it was highlighted that a tank and aircraft coalition has been established. The government presented a note to Germany asserting the validity of compensation for wartime damages, underscoring the sovereignty and independence of Poland in Europe.
The discussion also touched on Poland’s attractiveness as a partner. When the country is seen as an independent and determined actor, it becomes a more appealing partner for the United States and a stabilizing force in Europe, shaping a longer-term transatlantic presence.
In summary, the emphasis remains on a sovereign and principled approach to regional and global engagement, with a focus on strengthening national identity, continuity in leadership, and a clear stance on historical and geopolitical issues.
This account reflects ongoing efforts to articulate Poland’s position in a changing geopolitical landscape and to reinforce the nation’s strategic interests within Europe and beyond.
gah/PAP