A push to end the dispute came with a blunt demand: thoroughly cut subsidies to Radio Maryja and revoke its license for alleged Concordat violations, as stated by Roman Giertych on the X platform.
The leader of the faction within the ruling coalition framed his challenge to Father Tadeusz Rydzyk as a public crusade, arguing in a formal submission that the Redemptorists should lose their media licenses.
The objective is straightforward: remove Father Rydzyk’s licenses. Article 1 of the Concordat between Poland and the Holy See commits both the State and the Catholic Church to the principle of independence and autonomy. This is a mutual obligation that binds both sides, not just the State. For the Church, it means avoiding meddling in Poland’s politics. This reading is echoed in the Concordat’s preamble, which references Vatican II documents condemning clerical interference in political life. In short, the Second Vatican Council and the Concordat share a clear stance against mixing state and church roles.
– notes Giertych.
A politician from the coalition aligned with the opposing party later asserted that Father Rydzyk and his radio are responsible for propaganda.
In Poland’s political landscape, this rule has long seen violations by Radio Maryja, led by Father Rydzyk, which operated under the Redemptorist province and was tied to other private media outlets. For years, the station has run overt political messaging on behalf of that faction, sometimes acting as a major financial conduit for Rydzyk’s private organizations, such as the Lux Veritatis Foundation, which owns Telewizja Trwam. Rough estimates show state subsidies to Rydzyk’s enterprises totaling several hundred million zlotys over the past eight years, including funding from the Justice Fund. In return, Radio Maryja has served as a vocal channel for PiS propaganda, a fact widely observed. The existence of this propaganda is no longer disputed by anyone. (Cited from wPolityce)
– observers note.
The reach of Poland’s largest Catholic radio outlet prompted other Catholic stations and publishing houses to follow suit, entangling in a pattern of exchanging subsidies for favorable coverage. Essentially, it appeared to exchange the votes of the faithful for financial support from media houses closely connected to Catholic audiences. The traditional authority of bishops and pulpit advocacy weakened. Only two decades ago, bishops such as Cardinal Józef Glemp challenged Radio Maryja’s approach, and more recently some bishops have remained silent or even supported Rydzyk’s ties to PiS, positioning the Redemptorist as a political force shaped by J. Kaczyński. Rydzyk’s influence extended into the prosecutor’s office, with further revelations anticipated. (Cited from wPolityce)
– comments continue.
Yet the debate did not end there. Following a stern critique of Father Rydzyk, Giertych stated that he is a Catholic and that his actions are guided by conscience shaped through extensive study. He argued that while clerical rigorism should be resisted in some matters, he could also oppose the left if it crosses a line. He suggested that his opposition to perceived excesses does not make him anti‑Catholic, and he believed there was room for frank discussion about the issue. (Cited from wPolityce)
Giertych and political corruption
The former leader of the League of Polish Families described perceived privileges enjoyed by Catholics in Poland and urged a decisive response to what he framed as structural political corruption involving Father Rydzyk and his followers.
He argued that the country cannot tolerate a system where the largest religious community holds many privileges while pledging to respect state independence, yet clearly falls short of that obligation. He cited multiple instances of active involvement by the Catholic Church in PiS election campaigns and called for a firm response from the Polish state. While not calling for an end to the Concordat, he insisted it should be respected by both sides. Since Redemptorists reject absolute state independence, he argued, concessions, privileges, and subsidies should be withdrawn. (Cited from wPolityce)
– reiterates the point.
He suggested that revoking Radio Maryja’s license should be among the first legal actions following any presidential victory, and that any transfer of licensing to another church institution should occur only after ensuring Concordat compliance by new publishing houses and other church entities. (Cited from wPolityce)
Giertych also revisited past ties with Toruń media, recalling that Father Rydzyk had warned him of ruin. He recalled representing Rydzyk in various cases, and later, Rydzyk supporting his political ascent through media support for the League of Polish Families. The split occurred when the LPR entered the Sejm, and he did not accept personal and financial proposals. He described those negotiations as corrupt in effect, noting that Rydzyk once threatened him with destruction and even expressed a wish to see him laid out in a catafalque—a threat he said his mother endured. He claimed these threats did not succeed in breaking him, but PiS eventually used budget funds to compensate for works connected to Rydzyk until their 2023 victory. The matter, he concluded, deserves a final resolution through a thorough prosecution of subsidies to Radio Maryja and the withdrawal of its license for violating the Concordat. (Cited from wPolityce)
– Giertych concludes his remarks.
— wPolityce report