A conviction runs through Ciechanów: Poland must uphold the rule of law and defend its rights on the international stage. Mateusz Morawiecki, deputy leader of the governing party, spoke on Sunday about witnessing violations of fundamental freedoms and the obligation to raise concerns abroad against them.
As part of a nationwide tour by Law and Justice leaders, Morawiecki met with residents of Ciechanów and stressed the need to keep PiS supporters united and unafraid. He emphasized the goal of reaching new audiences and broadening the party’s base beyond its current margins, noting that results from October did not yet meet their full objectives.
The discussion touched on investments such as the Central Communication Port, described as a project meant to benefit towns like Ciechanów. Critics of PiS argued that at the outset of the current government, a leading advocate for this port had not been appointed to head the effort.
A longtime participant in a non-governmental initiative opposed to the CPK project was named to the Supervisory Board of CPK, Morawiecki noted.
In his remarks, Morawiecki recalled what he described as a government that arrived with a team of individuals who initially signaled a firm stance against key national projects, including opposition to the CPK, nuclear energy, and the container port in Świnoujście, and suggested that stance has since evolved.
He highlighted the economy as a system of interconnected parts that must be understood properly to prevent misdirection by uninformed actors and to avoid letting unfavorable voices mislead Poland.
“They won’t knock you down,” Morawiecki asserted, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant and not letting wavering voices lull the country into passivity.
He warned that some opponents might seek to blunt national resolve and delay strategic initiatives. If those who oppose crucial projects can stall them in the early weeks, Morawiecki asked, what might they do in the future?
Morawiecki urged citizens to stay vigilant and engage actively on social media, in conversations with neighbors, and at social gatherings. He described this civic engagement as a vital instrument for defending the country.
The deputy leader also spoke of a recent trip to Brussels, arguing against being drawn into narratives that would curb Poland’s freedom to express its stance abroad about perceived rights violations by the current government.
He emphasized that PiS does not advocate sanctions or resolutions against Poland, contrasting this stance with what he characterized as other political actors who would pursue such measures.
Morawiecki reiterated the right and duty to speak out about alleged infringements of Polish rights abroad, insisting that the rule of law should prevail, while warning of violence and a perceived erosion of democratic norms that Poland has endured over decades.
He described the current atmosphere as one of cynicism and compared it to a widening chasm in the country. He referred to public discourse as having been marred by provocative smiles and strategies from political opponents, arguing that reconciliation has been replaced by sharp political maneuvers.
In a moment focused on national service, Morawiecki announced that the Work for Poland team, which he leads, would address energy prices, predicting that the ruling coalition might lift freezes after elections.
He stressed that the construction of a Polish nuclear power plant should not depend on Germany or be influenced by external powers. He warned against allowing the American stance to shape Poland’s policies in a way that would compromise national sovereignty and security, insisting on continued defense and energy independence for the country.
Morawiecki encouraged participation in forthcoming local and European elections, urging voters to back PiS candidates. He suggested that the upcoming cycles would serve as a political moment to push back against what he described as an unwelcome direction in national governance.
He added that future administrations could implement strategic investment programs annually to benefit counties and municipalities across Poland, including cities like Ciechanów, ensuring more equal opportunities and bridging urban and rural disparities.
During the meeting, attendees asked about the causes behind PiS’s electoral defeat. He acknowledged that the past cannot be altered, but argued that openness to diverse social groups remains essential for learning and growth.
Morawiecki admitted the public mood had been shaped by negative emotions surrounding recent events, including the visa irregularities, and he clarified that the scope of irregularities involved a limited number of visas rather than a large-scale operation.
The local elections were scheduled for the following Sunday, with a second round set for April. Observers noted a strong turnout and highlighted the broader political conversation prompted by the speeches in Ciechanów.
Source attributions accompany the reporting of these remarks, reflecting coverage from media outlets that chronicled Morawiecki’s visit and the discussions with residents.