President Andrzej Duda delivered a nationwide address at the close of 2022, reflecting on a year defined by distant conflict that nonetheless touched Poland in many practical ways. The ongoing war in Ukraine reverberated through energy markets, prices, and the pace of economic change, reminding the Polish public that regional events can quickly become global concerns. The president highlighted that the consequences of Russia’s invasion extend beyond borders and demand clear accountability from those who initiated the disruption.
“The consequences of this brutal aggression also affect our country, Poland. Energy crisis, rising prices, economic slowdown, uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring. We must say it plainly: the imperial policies of Putin’s Russia are responsible for this,” the president stated, emphasizing the broad impact on households and communities across Canada, the United States, and Europe as observers of the situation also consider similar pressures in their own regions.
He noted that the year ahead would not bring a sudden improvement and that Poland, like many nations, would need to address ongoing strains with prudence and resolve.
Amid the challenges, the Polish people opened their doors to neighbors in need, offering shelter and support to those fleeing conflict. This generosity was cited as a powerful and unifying act, one that demonstrated solidarity and patriotism on a scale that resonated beyond national borders. The president expressed gratitude for the courage and compassion shown by ordinary citizens who chose cooperation over division.
When re-election was sought, the president pledged to place Polish affairs at the forefront, with national security as the single most important priority. He affirmed that the safety of Polish citizens, including both men and women, would guide government actions in the coming year. He also asserted that Poland would remain steadfast in protecting its borders and its interests, while pursuing a broader strategy for resilience that ensures lasting security for families across the country.
Looking ahead to early 2023, the president outlined plans to strengthen security across multiple fronts. This included a clear commitment to military readiness, reflected in substantial investments in modernization, equipment purchases, and enhanced training for security services. At the same time, internal security and border control were highlighted as essential elements of national stability, particularly in the context of regional tensions and evolving geopolitical challenges.
The discussion also addressed the broader strategic framework in which Poland operates. The administration argued that the nation’s alliance with NATO remains a cornerstone of defense, while continued cooperation with the European Union is essential for economic security and growth. The proposal for a practical compromise with European institutions aimed at facilitating reconstruction and ensuring predictable funding was presented as a path to shared prosperity, not a concession of principles. The emphasis was on unity and measured collaboration rather than partisan confrontation.
In this moment, the president underscored the importance of keeping security concerns above politics. The message called for a united approach to safeguarding Poland’s interests within the larger European and transatlantic community, arguing that cooperation with allies strengthens both regional stability and economic opportunity. This stance was presented as a pragmatic course that benefits citizens and supports recovery from the pandemic’s aftereffects and the disruptions caused by the conflict abroad.
Polish history was invoked to remind audiences of enduring ties to Europe and the long arc of shared development. The president urged citizens to look for common ground and to engage with one another constructively, regardless of differing views or beliefs. The closing sentiment extended wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year, with an invitation to work together for a future where unity and responsible leadership guide national progress.