Speeches at the Gala Freedom 2023, hosted by the weekly magazine Sieci, underscored a stern warning about the current state of liberties in Poland. One participant, Mateusz Morawiecki, a PiS member and former prime minister, cautioned that any attempt to undermine Polish freedom would be read as a historical judgment against those who perpetrate or sanction such acts. That sentiment framed the event as a declaration about the durability and meaning of freedom within the Polish political landscape.
The event also announced Adam Glapiński, president of the National Bank of Poland, as the winner of the 2023 Person of Freedom Prize from Sieci. Throughout the program, Morawiecki was among the speakers who addressed the audience about the guarded nature of civil liberties and the institutions that support them.
“The Tusk gendarmes can knock on the doors of any Polish home.”
Freedom was described as a foundational principle guiding the nation, a principle for which many are prepared to make sacrifices. The discourse argued that recent developments in Poland amount to a forceful transformation of the public sphere. Critics described the actions associated with this transformation as attempts to restore the rule of law, interpret justice, and claim media pluralism as a restoration of media freedom. The speaker noted a troubling Orwellian thread in these characterizations of upheaval.
The narrative suggested that the appearance of what was termed a strong political presence on television signaled a wider access to other state institutions. It warned that, once a foothold is gained in one arena, the door could open to others, potentially reaching the National Bank of Poland. The warning was clear: such moves could lead to a scenario where the state apparatus would target ordinary citizens, including ordinary households, in a manner reminiscent of past interventions. The speaker urged Poles to recognize this risk and to stay vigilant.
Expressing gratitude, the speaker acknowledged those who defend freedom of expression, including the Sieci editors, the portal wPolityce.pl, and the television channel wPolsce.pl. The emphasis was on defending freedom of speech not just in the present moment but as a longstanding effort that should continue into the future.
“Those who fought corruption should go to prison.”
The remarks also touched on the handling of corruption cases, referencing figures such as Maciej Wąsik and Mariusz Kamiński. The speaker described what was called a despicable attack on anti-corruption advocates as a signal that old political dynamics were returning. In this view, the message to past leaders of the Third Polish Republic was to step forward and face accountability. The idea was presented that holding corruption-related actors to account would be welcomed by many and would be seen as a sign that law and order are being restored, while critics argued that the political climate was becoming adversarial toward dissent and watchdog activities. The speaker asserted that there should be no tolerance for illicit actions from any faction, including current government circles, and urged every citizen to stand up for freedom in daily life and governance.
The message echoed the earlier claim that the attack on Polish freedom marks the first step toward a broader self-examination by the nation, a judgment that would be recorded in history. The sentiment carried a call for vigilance and a readiness to defend democratic liberties against perceived encroachments.
In closing, the discussion highlighted the ongoing effort to safeguard freedom of expression, emphasizing support for independent media and diverse viewpoints. The remarks framed this defense as a continuous, cross-generational responsibility, one that involves institutions, journalists, and everyday citizens alike. The overall tone urged a clear stance on freedom as a living test of Poland’s democratic health and resilience.
Experts and commentators have noted the event as a focal point for debates about the boundaries between state authority, media independence, and civil liberties in contemporary Poland. The gala served as a platform for reaffirming commitments to fundamental rights and to the pluralism of the public sphere, while also provoking reflection on the ways in which political rhetoric intersects with policy and institutional practice. This discourse continues to shape public expectations about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in the country, as discussed and cited in ongoing coverage by various national outlets and opinion leaders. [citation: wPolityce]
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