In a discussion on the WP program Tłit, Marcin Mastalerek, the head of the president’s office, commented on the political climate in Poland. He warned that if PiS MPs Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik were imprisoned, it would be framed worldwide as political persecution by Warsaw, a claim he described during the show.
The president will extend a hand to the public
Mastalerek noted in the same interview that President Andrzej Duda is scheduled to deliver the New Year’s address on December 31 at 8 p.m. The speech is expected to reflect on the past year and outline plans for the year ahead. While public media will likely be a recurring topic, the focus will remain on the central challenge anticipated for 2024: ensuring the safety and security of Polish citizens.
That assessment was clear when the presidential aide spoke about the country’s evolving political landscape and the need for constructive dialogue with the governing coalition to address the most pressing issues.
The discussion also touched on the issue of pardons. Mastalerek reiterated the president’s position that a presidential pardon remains in effect and that the judiciary has no authority to review it in this context. He warned that should Kamiński and Wąsik face imprisonment, it would broadcast to the world the existence of political prisoners in Poland, a claim he asserted with emphasis.
Regarding the governance of public media, Mastalerek expressed surprise at shifts following the new government’s formation, noting that some individuals who previously displayed symbols of constitutional allegiance appeared ready to challenge its principles. The president has signaled openness to dialogue and systemic reforms in the media sector, a stance echoed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, suggesting a period of transition and collaboration on the path forward.
Overall, the presidential team signaled a readiness to engage with political counterparts while maintaining a firm stance on the constitutional and legal frameworks that guide governance in Poland. The situation remains dynamic as public discourse and political decisions continue to unfold, with observers watching for how the executive will balance reform, accountability, and national security concerns. [citation: wPolityce]