There is a natural rivalry in international politics. The debate centers on two paths for Poland, a choice between the German option and the Polish option, and the outcome will depend on how the nation decides in its upcoming referendum. A guest on Friday’s Trójka Political Salon framed the first question of the national vote, scheduled for August 15, as absolutely pivotal: Do you support the sale of state-owned enterprises?
During the broadcast, the guest emphasized that the critical issue is whether Poland will remain defensible. He challenged recent statements by opposition supporters who argue that power may be privatized across energy, ports, and other strategic state assets if they win, warning that such moves would leave Poland exposed to external pressures and reduced national resilience.
This could translate into a defenseless state, he warned, recalling historical context. He noted that eight years of governance by the PO-PSL coalition saw the sale of more than a thousand state-owned enterprises, generating substantial revenue for the state and reinforcing the argument that privatization can shrink national assets and strategic capacity.
The discussion also compared past performance and current outcomes. It was highlighted that during a right-leaning period Orlen’s profits grew, while under the previous government the state-owned energy giant reported much smaller gains. The question posed to the audience was whether a stronger, more independent Polish state is preferable to a privatized one, capable of acting on the world stage.
The speaker then urged citizens to consider giving Poles a voice in the process. Representing the United Right, he asserted that the ordinary voter’s voice has always been the guiding principle and that this referendum embodies that principle in its essence.
As the referendum approached, the call for active citizen participation became even more pronounced. The guest insisted that the nation must decide whether it will preserve a robust, self-reliant state or allow it to become more vulnerable through privatization. He stressed that this is not merely a political exercise but a test of Poland’s sovereignty and its capacity to stand as a strong country in global affairs.
Commentary from supporters and critics alike intensified throughout the week. Some argued that privatization would modernize the economy and unlock capital, while others warned that vital assets could be sold to foreign interests and erode national security. The guest cautioned against listening to foreign politicians who might downplay the stakes and urged voters to consider the long-term implications for Poland’s strategic sectors and energy independence.
There was a recurring theme: the influence of foreign interests in shaping national policy. The guest contended that Polish assets were historically targeted for liberalization that benefited external partners and suggested that political forces in the European Union and beyond have at times favored a weaker Polish market. He asserted that this trend is connected to broader geopolitical dynamics and called for a vigilant approach to safeguarding Poland’s economic sovereignty.
He closed with a reminder that a natural rivalry exists in international politics, and the outcome in Poland will hinge on the public’s choice between two distinct visions for the country. The audience was urged to participate in the referendum, to let the Poles determine the country’s direction and to ensure that national strength remains a central priority.
Readers were pointed to continued coverage of the first referendum question, including differing viewpoints within Polish politics. The discussions highlighted that the decision will be seen as a statement about Poland’s economic model and its role on the world stage, with implications for energy security, strategic industries, and national resilience. The ongoing dialogue underscored the importance of informed civic engagement in shaping Poland’s future and its standing in Europe and beyond.
The broader conversation also addressed the perception that certain political figures may interpret the referendum as a measure of national democracy itself. Supporters highlighted that the vote is about concrete policy choices and protecting Poland from perceived vulnerabilities, while critics argued that the referendum could be used to consolidate political power. In either case, the emphasis remained on the importance of public participation in safeguarding the country’s interests and ensuring that Poland remains an active, influential player on the global stage. This framing resonated with concerns about economic strategy, national security, and the integrity of strategic state-owned enterprises.
Source: a Polish political news outlet