The latest issue of the weekly publication Sieci examines the harsh suppression of a peaceful peasant protest. It asks whether the crackdown signals a return to the approach of the previous Polish government under Donald Tusk, when provocations were allegedly staged against demonstrators and miners faced fatal consequences. The current issue is accessible through the Network of Friends subscription with a summary of the edition available at the publisher’s site. [Source: wPolityce]
“Tusk at Full Speed”
In recent days, reports and recordings have circulated showing police aggression toward farmers marching in Warsaw. Marek Pyza notes in the article “Tusk at full speed” that the conduct mirrors scenes from the era of the first PO and PSL administrations. The piece suggests that the coalition government aims to portray farmers as a dangerous faction that triggers unrest, thereby undermining broad public sympathy for the demonstrators’ legitimate demands.
Observers may wonder what the new government intends with such actions. It appears that farmers, alongside other professional groups and unions supporting them, represent a significant political threat to the current leadership. The narrative, some argue, is crafted to cast the protesters as hooligans unworthy of dialogue, while the prime minister presents a different version of events. He claims the police acted with restraint and insists that no aggression came from officers, framing dialogue as reserved for farmers rather than agitators. The overall rhetoric, critics say, seems to align with a predetermined outcome for the protest.
– as written by Marek Pyza.
Public observers are left to question the motivation behind the government’s moves and the broader message being sent to the public.
There is a fear that the opposition to Tusk’s team could rally fewer people to the streets. The risk, some argue, is a chilling effect: people are discouraged from participating in demonstrations or supporting opposition movements. A propagandistic portrayal of unrest as the work of hooligans can serve to legitimize a broader clampdown and the perception that external powers approve this approach. The question remains whether such tactics will succeed in quieting dissent.
– presents the publicist as the piece concludes.
“The Revolution That Sows Fear in Europe”
Marek Budzisz analyzes global electromobility trends and notes that major carmakers may not retain leadership if new entrants gain ground. He observes that legacy brands struggle to compete on equal terms with agile newcomers. Sales data from recent years show that, despite efforts to roll out numerous electric models, traditional manufacturers often lag behind market leaders such as BYD and Tesla.
The author highlights Tesla as a primary challenge to established carmakers, stressing its model of concentrating production and limiting the number of partners. A second challenge comes from BYD’s expansion into the European market, especially Germany.
Two weeks earlier, a BYD shipment docked at Bremerhaven, capable of transporting thousands of vehicles at once. Industry observers interpret these ships as a sign of planned expansions. Michael Shu, overseeing the European market for BYD, is quoted describing rising demand and increased online interest in BYD models, signaling ambitions to capture a significant European share.
“Planet of Fat Men”
New research published in The Lancet shows that global obesity rates have more than doubled since 1990, with the 5 to 19 age group experiencing a quadrupling of figures. The issue is increasingly critical as noted in the article by Aleksandra Rybińska.
Over the same period, the study finds declines in underweight populations across genders and age groups. The authors state that obesity has become a greater global health risk than hunger for the first time. In Poland, roughly one in six adults is overweight or obese, and the trend is rising especially among the less affluent. Similar patterns are reported in several other regions, with substantial shares of adults and school-age children affected by elevated body mass index.
The fight against obesity is complicated not only by the availability and freshness of healthy foods but also by affordability. In many places, processed foods remain cheaper than fresh options, and sugary drinks compete with water. Fast-food chains have proliferated for decades, with global brands expanding their reach in many markets.
What Else Is in the Latest Issue?
Readers will find a roster of opinion pieces and analyses from notable writers. The edition includes perspectives by Konrad Kołodziejski on current times, Jan Rokita on recent political shifts, Stanisław Janecki on electoral dynamics, Grzegorz Górny on a controversial anonymous cardinal, and Dariusz Matuszak on leadership and governance. Additional voices include Bernard Margueritte on EU policies affecting family farms.
The issue also features conversations and interviews, including discussions with prominent figures in politics and academia, as well as reflections on current events by well-known columnists.
Further, the weekly continues its coverage of timely topics through fresh commentary from the editorial staff and invited contributors, offering in-depth analysis and diverse viewpoints.
Note: the current edition is available online via the publisher’s subscription platform. [Source: wPolityce]
A television program associated with the publication is also available for viewers seeking complementary coverage.
These materials come from the same source and are intended for readers seeking engaged, wide-ranging analysis of recent developments in Poland and beyond.