MEP Patryk Jaki criticized Donald Tusk with strong language after hearing the former prime minister’s remarks. He stated that he listened to the speech twice and found it unbelievable. Jaki claimed that Tusk asserted people in Pomerania and Greater Poland possess better qualities than the rest of Poland because they are more influenced by Western culture. He interpreted this as an implicit praise of the German partitions and accused Tusk of harbouring a lower self-image or a mindset of appeasement toward Germany, posting the recording on Facebook to back up his claims.
Tusk’s alleged German influence in Polish politics
During a campaign stop in Piła, Donald Tusk addressed voters and spoke about certain traits that he said are valued in Pomerania and Greater Poland, noting that the area’s history involved stronger Western cultural influences. He added a provocative remark about how people might label him as “German” for these perceived influences.
He argued that some political considerations require a basic, orderly approach in light of these cultural distinctions. Tusk insisted that he might be called German, but his aim is to win the elections and establish a fundamental order that he believes is necessary for the country’s governance.
— the PO leader declared, emphasizing that the political agenda could benefit from clarity and decisive leadership.
READ ALSO: Will he call for German-style order? Tusk responded that he could be labeled German, but his objective remains electoral victory and the establishment of the order he envisions.
Jaki’s response: a Germany-centered governor with complexes
Jaki challenged the interpretation of Tusk’s comments, arguing that suggesting half of Poland is culturally inferior because it was not under German occupation is historically flawed and politically risky. He criticized the remarks as a reminder of old disputes over legal systems and cultural hierarchies that once framed Poland’s relationship with neighboring powers.
Jaki recalled that in the past, some German officials argued that Poles could not share the same legal framework due to what they described as poorer traditions and culture. He warned against elevating such narratives and stressed that Polish sovereignty and national identity should guide political choices, not external stereotypes.
If someone supports a leader who seems to be ashamed of Polish roots, Jaki asked, what does that mean for the future of Poland? He queried whether a government perceived as too conciliatory toward German influence would serve the country’s long-term interests.
As a member of the ruling party, Jaki asserted that Poles are unlikely to accept a governance style he characterized as overly German-influenced or self-doubting about national identity. He called for a political path that reinforces Polish values and autonomy in the face of regional histories and cultural legacies.