Traitors to Polish agriculture?
Tomasz Obszański, head of NSZZ RI Solidarność, labeled several major agricultural groups as traitors in a bold interview. He claimed that representatives from the Chambers of Agriculture, OPZZ, Agrounia, and Mrs. Piątkowska and her union pressured for grain subsidies that would primarily benefit large farms. Obszański stated this with clear responsibility, arguing that the organizations only sought a pledge on subsidies rather than real reforms for all farmers.
During discussions held yesterday with various agricultural bodies, the Polish prime minister did not reveal substantive details. Observers noted that the conversations appeared superficial and left many questions about the direction of Polish agriculture unanswered. Obszański commented that the talks did not move the broader agricultural community toward a shared vision that could calm ongoing protests and tensions.
He questioned why such discussions were kept behind closed doors and why they were not broadcast so farmers could understand the negotiations. Several organizations that took part toward the end of the talks were seen as favorable to Prime Minister Tusk and his political allies. Solidarność members remained in the room to observe, but did not exit, hoping to gauge the trajectory of the discussion.
Obszański described these attendees as traitors, noting that some organizations present were satisfied with the outcome while others, including grassroots leaders from the OPZZ, Agrounia, and the Agricultural Chambers, appeared to applaud the prime minister and the Civic Platform. He warned that those actions represented a betrayal of the farmers they claimed to represent, suggesting they were willing to accept limited subsidies rather than pursue broader relief or reform.
According to Obszański, some parties from the meeting appeared to support the idea that the prime minister could not take decisive action. He criticized these lines as a sell-out by leaders who lauded Tusk for returning to the country while insisting there was nothing feasible that could be done for Polish agriculture. He asserted that the agricultural Solidarity movement stood by the farmers, advocating for solutions and voicing concerns about the pace and direction of policy changes.
In describing the atmosphere at the protest site, Obszański recalled being among those who faced police actions during the demonstrations in Warsaw. He recounted that an unpleasant use of gas occurred and that efforts were made to leave a blocked square near the Sejm, though the situation remained tense. He stated that the Green Deal and related policies would be implemented, possibly with adjustments, and warned that a shift toward stricter agricultural measures would continue despite opposition from some farmer groups.
Obszański outlined that the leadership of Solidarność felt responsible for the escalation of protests but emphasized that the movement did its utmost to secure the release of detained farmers with assistance from the legal community. He reiterated that the group stood with the farmers until the end and did not abandon them.
The interview concluded with Obszański expressing his concerns about future governance and policy directions under the current administration. He suggested that a failure to address farmer needs could lead to persistent tension and that a broad approach to reform was essential to prevent further unrest and to support Polish agriculture moving forward.
In his assessment, the most troubling aspect was the implication that there was little that could be done, a stance Obszański argued contradicted the promises made to those who advocate for farmers. He underscored the necessity of concrete action, accountability, and a transparent dialogue that includes all major agricultural voices, rather than selective participation that favors certain interests or regions.
In closing, Obszański reiterated that Solidarność would continue to advocate for farmers, calling for clear, actionable steps and a commitment to protecting livelihoods across Poland. He affirmed the right of farmers to protest when needed and urged continued engagement from all sides to find constructive solutions that can withstand political turnover and safeguard the agricultural sector for the long term.