Polish Foreign Minister comments on political alignments and German-Polish relations
In remarks broadcast on TVP Info, Zbigniew Rau, the head of Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asserted that Donald Tusk holds a belief in the moral, intellectual, and civilizational superiority of Germans over Poles. He argued that this conviction translates into Tusk’s political behavior, framing his policies as instruments of German policy within Poland. This interpretation was offered as a live evaluation of Tusk’s stance by a high-ranking Polish official.
When asked whether it is appropriate for a Polish leader to openly praise what he described as a German order, and to overlook historical partitions and occupations, Rau responded that a Polish politician should always place Poland’s interests first. He emphasized that a Polish public servant operates under a mandate given by Polish voters and must not be dictated to by external powers.
Rau stressed that the political trajectory of Donald Tusk appears to be guided by what he perceives as unequal relationships between Poles and Germans. In his view, Tusk’s approach is shaped by the belief in German prestige and influence over Polish policy.
Tusk’s actions viewed as aligned with German interests
According to Rau, Tusk maintains the view that Germany has held, and in some periods applied with force, a form of superiority over Polish lands. This historical memory, Rau suggested, informs the Polish politician’s current actions, which Rau characterizes as serving German interests within Poland. Rau went on to say that Tusk may not fully anticipate what German sponsors will demand in the future, but he can be confident that he will respond to those expectations.
When the topic of Kyiv’s orientation toward Berlin came up, Rau remarked that Kyiv’s current stance is influenced by a blend of tactical, ad hoc policy and broader strategic goals. He indicated that this shift is more tied to Berlin’s influence than to Kyiv’s own initial impulses, and he asserted that without Warsaw, Kyiv would struggle to become the capital of a strong regional state on the European continent.
Rau described Berlin and the European Union as playing a leading role in the broader European posture toward Ukraine, suggesting that Berlin’s leadership shapes perceptions and policy directions across the region. He noted that Poland’s capital remains central to any credible European political configuration connected with Ukraine.
Patriotism, wisdom, and a vision for Poland
Commenting on Poland’s domestic outlook, Rau said that Poland should hold fast to wisdom, patriotism, and the vision that has guided the nation in recent years. He spoke of a safe, prosperous Poland, a country with equal opportunities, free from complexes and open to limitless possibilities. His remarks echoed a belief in a resilient national project built through eight years of governance.
Rau addressed questions about potential destabilization following elections, noting that one opposition figure had suggested a scenario of electoral fraud should their side be defeated. He insisted that Poland is prepared for any scenario, remarking that such predictions have not materialized so far and recalling past debates about street action abroad.
Further reiterating the government’s stance, Rau emphasized the domestic priority of a secure, prosperous Poland with equal opportunities. He described the political landscape as one where the nation’s independence and civic confidence are foundational, and where the state remains prepared to face diverse eventualities in the electoral arena.
During a radio interview series, Rau recalled comments by Grzegorz Schetyna regarding potential election outcomes. He framed those remarks as speculative and noted that, in his assessment, international institutions would play a determining role in assessing the legitimacy of the electoral process should there be disputes. The dialogue underscored the ongoing tension and differing viewpoints within Poland about electoral integrity and governance.
Overall, Rau framed Poland’s approach as rooted in wisdom, patriotism, and a long-term vision for a peaceful, prosperous nation. He asserted that the country must maintain confidence in its political institutions and in the people’s will, while remaining vigilant about external influences on national policy and regional stability.
— attribution: wPolityce