The weekly Sieci continues to challenge Donald Tusk with fresh claims, this time targeting fears about Muslim workers entering Poland. Tusk, who recently criticized PiS for its stance on immigration, did not oppose relocation—a policy Germany has actively promoted. Observers suggest he is trying to reshape the narrative and persuade the public that PiS is not pursuing one of its own signature proposals, as analyzed in the latest Sieci issue by Konrad Kołodziejewski.
Articles from the current issue are available through the Friends Network subscription.
Game around immigrants
In the piece Game around immigrants, Konrad Kołodziejski examines Donald Tusk’s most recent statements on immigration. The Platform Leader appears to have reversed course in a single day, shifting attention to immigration policy. Even in June he seemed reluctant to close borders to newcomers.
The author notes that with a fresh migration crisis pushing resettlement back onto the EU agenda and Jarosław Kaczyński calling for a referendum on the topic, Tusk has altered his position, accusing the United Right government of mishandling immigration. Kołodziejski points out that Tusk posted a social media recording claiming that Kaczyński is drafting a document that would allow people from Muslim countries to come to Poland. He mentions Pakistan and Iran to emphasize what he presents as an Islamic influx. The draft regulation described aims to streamline work-permit procedures. Work on that document was left unfinished, with a note not to fuel political skirmishes. Tusk hailed this decision as a major victory for his side.
Kołodziejski also scrutinizes the numbers Tusk provides. The politician claims that Kaczyński brought more than 130,000 Muslims from the United States last year. The author notes that Poland issued 610,999 visas to foreigners in 2022, with only 77,289 going to citizens of Muslim countries. Throughout 2022, residents of Islamic nations filed 35,912 residence-visa applications, and just 18,842 received positive outcomes. That makes it hard to speak of a flood of Muslims entering Poland. Tusk, the article argues, is bending the truth to sow fear among Poles.
Identity and hate
In Identity and Hate, Aleksandra Rybińska analyzes the balance of tragic riots in France. Roving bands damaged shops, public buildings, and transport hubs. Le Figaro cites MEDEF data forecasting private-sector damage at about one billion euros. Early damage claims from insurers show around 280 million euros already paid to nearly 6,000 claimants, and the number continues to rise. Public facilities — libraries, mayoral offices, schools, trams, and metro stations — suffered widespread destruction. More than 12,000 incidents were recorded across the week, with over 800 police officers injured. The French government estimates reconstruction costs could exceed 250 million euros, while thousands of tourists faced canceled hotel bookings. Analysts warn the economic impact may exceed that of similar events from nearly two decades ago.
Rybińska argues that French immigration policy is not delivering results and that politicians fail to draw lessons from past events. She notes that parallel social worlds persist, acting as reservoirs of poverty and social tension that continue to fester. The text also examines the cost of supporting newcomers from poorer regions. The French Court of Auditors reports that the state has spent about 10 billion euros annually in recent years on improving living conditions in immigrant neighborhoods, on education programs, and on urban revitalization. The message is clear: despite substantial spending, the outcomes remain elusive. Philosopher Remi Brague is quoted expressing concern that parts of society hate the country they live in, a problem few are willing to discuss openly.
War in hibernation
Marek Budzisz considers a feared scenario in which President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledges that Russia could strike the Zaporozhian nuclear plant, potentially blowing up two reactor blocks to end the war through catastrophe. The Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly suggested Moscow might accuse Kyiv of an irresponsible missile strike on nuclear facilities. The article also cites Yuri Orlov, the mayor of Enerhodar, who provides updates on the plant. Budzisz notes that Rosatom workers were evacuated and later sent back for reactor inspections. In four southern Ukrainian districts, authorities have prepared for possible disaster scenarios, and residents are being advised on protective actions through media campaigns.
The piece also covers Washington’s stance. Joe Biden is quoted as acknowledging the credible risk of Russia using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, shaping U.S. policy on military aid. Bruno Maçães, a former Portuguese deputy minister, argues that Washington’s cautious approach is driven by a need to focus on China and concerns about escalation. Budzisz highlights voices suggesting pressure from the White House on Kyiv to begin negotiations with Moscow, alongside more hopeful assessments from Admiral Rob Bauer, head of NATO’s military committee, and Oleksiy Danilov, who indicates that Ukraine’s plan is proceeding as intended.
Readers are reminded of additional pieces by Stanisław Janecki, Jan Rokita, Marek Pyza, Marcin Wikła, Jakub Augustyn Maciejewski, Grzegorz Górny, Małgorzata Wołczyk, and Dariusz Matuszak. The issue also features a conversation between Włodzimierz Redzioch and the Italian Senator and former President of the Senate, Marcello Pera, titled The Legacy of Benedict XVI.
Further commentaries on current events are provided by Bronisław Wildstein, Andrzej Rafał Potocki, Marta Kaczyńska-Zielińska, Wojciech Reszczyński, Aleksander Nalaskowski, Jerzy Jachowicz, Piotr Gontarczyk, and Andrzej Zybertowicz. More in the new Sieci issue. Articles from the current issue will be available online July 10 as part of the Friends Network subscription. Viewers are invited to watch the TV broadcast on wPolsce.pl.