Recently, Michał Kołodziejczak, the head of the Civic Coalition’s Konin list, faced a dramatic setback. He filled social feeds with posts about a trip to Strasbourg and declared an intention to replace Agriculture Minister Robert Telus in his role. Yet, during a press briefing, he could not substantiate where his claim that the grain embargo on Ukraine would be extended originated. In the end, the embargo was not extended.

“I’m Going to Strasbourg”

He announced on Twitter last Tuesday, boldly declaring, “I’m going to Strasbourg. I will fight for Polish farmers and for Polish bread. This is a priority for us.”

He offered extensive updates about the trip, presenting a narrative that suggested progress was being made.

At the same time, he carried himself as if he were stepping into Secretary Telus’s duties on matters concerning Ukraine’s grain embargo. “Robert Telus can breathe easy, I’m on my way to the airport. Task accomplished,” he wrote.

On Twitter, Kołodziejczak shared photos and clips from Strasbourg, including moments with top EU officials such as the head of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament, who greeted him warmly with a casual, “Hello, Michał. Nice to meet you.”

Prime Minister @MorawieckiM, why did you sleep for 1.5 years about Ukrainian grain? Now I will take care of the affairs of Polish farmers for you.

We are in Strasbourg. We are working. The destabilization of agricultural markets poses a threat to Poland’s food security. The ban on Ukrainian grain imports must be expanded, and structural solutions must be developed. This is a matter of national interest for Poland.

In the discussion about Ukrainian grain imports, it is important to remember that this concerns Polish bread. Kołodziejczak said he spoke with @vonderleyen about this critical issue.

It all culminated when the EU did not enforce the grain import ban after September 15. Poland then faced the difficult, yet necessary decision to defend Polish agriculture on its own, a development that revealed gaps in the earlier claims of the Kołodziejczak leadership.

You were playing a game on your phone, seated in the press gallery instead of working, critics noted.

Yet Kołodziejczak, who in the past directed sharp criticism at the PiS government for what he called a confrontation with Russia, rode a tractor over the European Union flag, directed strong criticisms at the United States, and criticized Poland’s plan to establish a raspberry plantation in Ukraine, remains one of the most vocal critics of the government.

“We Have Information from Various Sources”

What happened when the photo ops with EU officials and pleasantries like “Hello Michał, nice to meet you” shifted from public statements about the origin of the proposed embargo extension to clearer questions about whether such an extension would occur?

Who confirmed to you that the embargo would be extended?

– asked Dominika Cosić, a TVP Brussels correspondent.

“Madam Editor, today we received information from various sources that it would take two months. You can be sure that, unlike some TV stations, we can be trusted,” Kołodziejczak replied, while seeking to portray public television as part of a larger political disagreement.

Interestingly, standing beside him throughout was Andrzej Halicki, a prominent PO politician.

When questioned whether anyone had made such statements or promises to the leading KO list in Konin, Kołodziejczak responded evasively: “We have this information, but if it happens, let’s wait.”

How Kołodziejczak Helped Polish Farmers

“We Did What We Could”

To defuse the embarrassment, Kołodziejczak later argued that the embargo extension had been arranged, but the situation shifted after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky connected with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He claimed that everything was aligned with PiS interests, arguing that a broader political debt existed. Zelensky reportedly called von der Leyen, and the Polish stance appeared to reflect internal tensions rather than unified EU action.

The Ukrainians were resolute, standing on a united front. Zelenskyy called von der Leyen, prompting questions about what steps Morawiecki had taken during months of negotiation. Critics contended that Polish strategy had been undermined by internal disagreements and a reluctance to engage collaboratively at the EU level. A nation divided by internal political rifts, some argued, would struggle to secure a productive EU negotiating position. The belief persisted among Kołodziejczak’s supporters that Poland deserved a stronger show of unity, rather than a unilateral approach that dampened momentum for a durable agreement.

People noted that Kołodziejczak, who had been visible in public demonstrations about fruit and grain, had previously traded barbed commentary for accusations about mismanagement and misdirection within central government and EU affairs. On the day of the broader conflict over Ukraine, observers felt he still had much to learn about politics if he aspired to a seat in the Sejm. When he speaks on policy matters, however, some say he reads the sources in depth and understands the EU’s response, including moments when the flag of the European Union was visibly challenged. Those who supported him argued that his activism highlighted important questions about the region’s agricultural policy and the balance of national and EU interests.

aja/Twitter

Note: this account reflects ongoing commentary on the topic.