Poland’s future safety and prosperity hinge on a government staffed by people who truly carry the nation in their hearts. This was the message delivered by Beata Szydło, former Prime Minister and current PiS member of the European Parliament, during a public rally in Dobre, Mazowieckie. She spoke to local residents at the volunteer fire brigade headquarters about the years under PiS leadership and about new program ideas, with the Local Shelf being highlighted as a key initiative.
The Local Shelf program envisions requiring supermarkets to allocate at least two thirds of vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat products, and bread to goods sourced from local suppliers. Szydło described it as a system where the goods produced nearby would live in every store, accessible to shoppers from the surrounding area. The aim is to benefit consumers, farmers, and local communities alike.
In discussing this program, she recalled the 500 Plus initiative, noting that it became a symbol and a catalyst for how Polish families were supported. She stressed that the 500 Plus program defined the party’s electoral messaging and political outlook at the time. Many doubted its feasibility, yet the policy helped reshape public discourse in Poland by underscoring that family well-being should be a central priority for those in power.
Szydło emphasized the continuity of PiS’s agenda, arguing that Poland needs a strong government composed of people who are truly invested in the nation, not just in rhetoric. She urged that the country deserves responsible leadership, especially given the current difficult times marked by international conflicts and security concerns, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. She noted that the country cannot afford politicians who display casual indifference toward national borders and security.
During the discussion, attention turned to border security with Belarus. The former prime minister criticized opposition figures for overlooking the situation along the Polish-Belarusian frontier, recalling earlier debates about building a dam on the border and asserting that the policy was framed as a necessary response to hybrid warfare led by external actors. She argued that such threats require steady and pragmatic leadership rather than political grandstanding.
She also touched on the migration crisis, attributing responsibility to decisions made at higher levels of the European Union, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council, which she said was led by Donald Tusk at the time. She recalled Jarosław Kaczyński’s stance from the Sejm podium, indicating that there was no authorization for certain policies. According to Szydło, EU policy has shifted and the crisis remains a persistent challenge for Europe today, calling for resolute and coordinated action from member states.
Looking ahead, Szydło argued that this is a moment for careful, assertive Polish leadership along the eastern border. She urged politicians who understand how to safeguard Poland and its people to step forward, especially given the broader security landscape. The emphasis was on strengthening national defense, energy security, and the broader safety net for Polish families—ensuring every household, every child, and every senior citizen can live with dignity. The aim is to prevent ordinary people from worrying about essential needs, such as buying food, paying bills, or securing clothing for winter.
The speaker also highlighted that the focus is on practical measures that support everyday life while reinforcing national resilience. The discussion underscored the importance of accessible, locally sourced goods and a government that prioritizes long-term stability in the face of international pressures. The conversation resonated with many residents who view these policies as tangible steps toward a more self-reliant Poland, where local production and national security go hand in hand.
Related discussions around the Local Shelf program have continued to echo in public discourse, with observers noting that the policy aims to bring better food options to Polish tables while strengthening rural economies. The exchange at the Dobry meeting illustrated a broader view of governance that favors concrete results for families and communities, rooted in a sense of national responsibility and civic duty. [attribution: wPolityce]
Source: wPolityce