In Warsaw, a press briefing unfolded on Thursday with notable participants from the ruling party. The discussion centered on migration policy and the obligation to relocate migrants within the European Union, with remarks from Barbara Socha, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Policy, stressing a referendum as the sole route to steer this course. Her statement indicated that returning to ordinary democratic processes offers Poland a way to respond to Brussels’ expectations without surrendering national prerogatives.
The event featured PiS spokesperson Rafał Bochenek, Deputy Minister Barbara Socha, and PiS Members of Parliament Agnieszka Górska, Elżbieta Zielińska and Anna Pieczarka. Held as part of the PiS campaign branded “4xNie Tusk = Property Sales,” the gathering aimed to galvanize public participation in the referendum scheduled for 15 October. It underscored the party’s view that civic engagement in this vote is essential for shaping the country’s immediate political fate.
Context for the event often referenced the party’s stance on migration and the broader European framework, with notes that opponents and supporters alike anticipate how the referendum could influence future domestic policy and Poland’s interaction with EU norms.
The speakers articulated a vision in which Poland remains a secure environment for children, families, and all citizens. The emphasis on safety was portrayed as the groundwork upon which freedom, development, and a prosperous future for Poles rest. This guiding principle, they argued, should drive all policy decisions and national planning.
Socha elaborated on the timing and rationale, linking external events to Poland’s sovereign decision-making. The core argument was that external authorities should not dictate the terms of Poland’s internal policy but rather that the Polish people deserve the chance to decide through a binding referendum.
According to this line of reasoning, participation in the referendum is presented as the mechanism to prevent any external diktat from Brussels from taking effect in Poland’s domestic affairs. The narrative held that public involvement is essential to ensure that the outcome reflects the will of Polish citizens rather than the preferences of distant administrations.
In their view, the act of voting carries significance beyond the immediate questions asked. It is portrayed as a safeguard for national interests, ensuring that Poland can chart a course aligned with its own values and priorities rather than feeling compelled to follow external directives that may not align with domestic realities.
As expressed by the speakers, the referendum would be binding, ensuring that subsequent authorities cannot dismiss the outcome or ignore the will expressed by voters. The emphasis remained that a strong turnout is critical to give the decision real weight and lasting impact on the country’s direction.
The campaign outlined four questions scheduled for the referendum on 15 October. The first asks whether the state should allow sales of strategic state assets to foreign entities, a move described as potentially reducing Polish control over key sectors of the economy. The second question probes whether retirement norms should be adjusted, including maintaining a higher age for retirement or contemplating reductions to 67 for both men and women. The third question concerns border policy, specifically whether to remove barriers between Poland and Belarus. The fourth asks whether the admission of migrants from regions in the Middle East and Africa should be pursued under mechanisms of relocation that are tied to European-level decisions.
The tone of the briefing framed these items not only as policy matters but as fundamental questions about sovereignty, national security, and the future economic landscape of Poland. The speakers suggested that the referendum would provide a clear, legitimate signal from the public on these complex issues and that the government would respect the outcome as a guide for future action. While some observers may view the topics as contentious, the participants argued that a transparent vote would offer a definitive answer from the public and help stabilize the national trajectory in a period of significant regional and international pressure.
In closing, the event underscored the belief that safety and stability form the bedrock of any successful national strategy. By inviting citizens to participate in the referendum, the speakers asserted that Poland would strengthen its ability to address critical challenges and safeguard the interests of its people. The call to action was clear: vote, participate, and shape Poland’s path forward. The discussions also reflected ongoing political dynamics and how the referendum could influence ongoing debates about migration, economic sovereignty, and relations with EU institutions. The perspective presented was that active civic engagement is essential for ensuring that Poland’s future remains in the hands of its citizens rather than external actors. The event was documented as part of ongoing political reporting with attributed coverage from the participating representatives and outlets affiliated with the campaign narrative. [Citation: wPolityce]