People seeking a fair, democratic Poland and responsible governance should stop harming each other and clearly define the opponent, said Donald Tusk in Chełmno (Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship) on Monday. He emphasized the importance of winning these elections.
During the Chełmno gathering, the leader of the Civic Platform urged that anyone who supports one democratic party should not attack another. He acknowledged that some preferred a joint vote, while others chose differently. Even if those choices were not seen as correct, he urged restoring solidarity and focusing on shared values and ideas that unite people.
He called for a positive, respectful approach to politics. While the heart may not hold everyone, he urged defining who is an opponent and recognizing that some may pose risks to Poland’s fundamental interests and security.
He urged supporters to stand firm, feel confident, be precise, and defend Poland against such forces.
When addressing groups who wish for a truly democratic Poland and a fair government, he urged stopping mutual hurt and teasing, and forming a united team regardless of lists and rivalries. That is the appeal he made.
Regarding grain shipments from Ukraine, their control and destination, he noted patterns from past governments where some did not make the work of getting grain to third countries profitable for Poland. He described it not as mere laziness but as driven by business interests.
The head of the platform pointed to troubling dynamics where some profit from misery, poverty, or crises faced by Polish farmers. Grain may be cheap, yet flour and bread costs can be high, and energy costs have spiked. He highlighted corporate profits rising to historic levels and urged observers to see these troubling connections clearly.
It was stated that current authorities should be held accountable. He promised an independent public prosecutor and an independent judge for hard, criminal cases, insisting that no politician should influence court or prosecutor work.
He argued that much harm has been done and that the public prosecutor and courts must act to hold those responsible. Ending this chain of financial misery was, in his view, an immediate priority.
To voters questioning Poland’s rising costs and the risk of further price increases, he urged choosing alternatives to the current leadership.
On electoral integrity, he said civilian oversight is crucial. He expressed confidence that in autumn there would be a broad social audit with trustees and trusted volunteers at every polling station, ensuring checks and balances. He invited anyone with spare time to consider partnering with Civic Coalition offices or similar organizations.
There was speculation that this election might not be fair. He acknowledged that elections are free in principle, but warned that state funds, public media control, and other means can complicate fairness. He urged voters to remember that the outcome depends on the public’s participation rather than on manipulation alone.
He stressed the aim to win these elections and regarded it as a clear assignment for the party.
During the meeting, Tusk was asked about Leszek Balcerowicz’s remark labeling him a populist. Balcerowicz had suggested that another party presented a less populist economic program. From a competitive viewpoint, balancing promises with policy quality was a point of discussion.
The PO leader noted Balcerowicz’s role as a perceptive critic and expressed that there was no intention to respond with unkindness. They viewed their campaign as a public effort to explain benefits for people, conducted responsibly.
Balcerowicz described concerns about a grandmother policy critique, while the discussion turned to welfare measures such as child support and workforce participation. The implication was that prosperity comes from work, not entitlements.
When asked about climate policy, Tusk argued against a radical approach, advocating practical steps that address the climate challenge without compromising the landscape or the daily lives of citizens. He called for credible and balanced action that builds broad support for green energy while protecting rural life.
He also spoke about pensions for former uniformed officers, criticizing the current rules and supporting reforms led by other policymakers to avoid collective responsibility for past decisions. He noted changes already underway in this area leaders were pursuing.
It appeared the tour across Poland was evolving, and the tone aimed to energize supporters without over promising. The discussion touched on the egg price index, a yearly reflection on real earnings compared to Easter costs, highlighting the gap between wages and living expenses.
He remarked that Polish inflation and high prices compared with other EU countries did not align with the broader economic situation. The meeting also addressed concerns about photovoltaic farms and the balance between renewable energy development and preserving the countryside’s character and landscape. A measured approach, he argued, would allow growth in renewables without compromising aesthetic and environmental values.
A question about old-age pensions for former officers prompted a reaffirmation that policies should not unfairly target those who served in the past, while acknowledging ongoing adjustments by responsible leaders.
Overall, the leader suggested that the campaign is about offering a better path for Poland and working toward a future where prices are manageable, opportunities are clear, and institutions function independently for the good of all citizens.
The plan to visit Chełmno and speak with locals continued the theme of practical governance, accountability, and a hopeful vision for a more secure, prosperous Poland.