Speeches, tensions, and media responses in late 2023 Poland

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Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz faced criticism for installing authorities on Polish television who later chose to return to the tiresome routine of the Teleexpress program, including the reintroduced host. The new-old presenter of Teleexpress signaled how independent the news service would appear by posting a message on X, where he criticized President Andrzej Duda and seemed to favor Donald Tusk in a sugar-coated way.

Speeches by the President and Prime Minister

At the close of 2023, President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk delivered their respective speeches. Duda stressed that even with a governmental reshuffle, the core mission remained protecting the homeland. He warned that chaotic legal changes and domestic quarrels threaten Poland by weakening the state and, in turn, its safety.

He recalled a past moment from his career, noting that he served as a minister in the Chancellery during the tenure of President Lech Kaczyński and that lessons had been drawn from that period. Duda expressed willingness to cooperate on issues of national importance but also prepared himself for a scenario where the government would resist such cooperation.

– he stated.

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– Duda’s call for the government coalition to uphold the principles of a democratic constitutional state

– A symbolic gesture during the speech, with a portrait of the late President Lech Kaczyński in the background, which online observers described as very expressive

In response, Donald Tusk spoke of accountability and correcting past wrongs.

And on public television, in his capacity as Prime Minister, Tusk repeated the oath taken during the “Million Hearts March.” He asserted that victories had begun, that evil would be faced, wrongs would be righted, and reconciliation would be pursued even if it proved arduous. He voiced confidence that Poles could come together as a united, resilient nation and that he would not rest until that goal was achieved, praising Poland as a country of possibilities and remarkable people.

– he declared.

SEE ALSO: Tusk’s TVP speech about addressing wrongs and pursuing reconciliation, acknowledging the difficulty of that task

Orłości’s response to Tusk

Maciej Orłości assessed the speeches by the President and the Prime Minister, who had just been reinstalled as host of Teleexpress by the new leadership in Telewizja Polska, a move linked to Sienkiewicz’s actions. It appeared Orłości sought to repay the favor, posting a respectful if critical note on X that spared little criticism of President Duda.

The contrast between the two leaders’ addresses was noted: Tusk spoke with ease and warmth, offering a positive tone, while Duda often appeared tense, projecting stern expressions that some interpreted as intimidation.

– a remark attributed to Maciej Orłości.

Public reaction

Online responses to Orłoś’s remarks flowed in.

“I admire you, Mr. Tusk,” commented one reader.

“How long must this man prove himself mediocre and shallow? Not a professional actor or journalist, merely known for reading the prompter on television. The media will distort everything,” added another observer.

There were calls for a genuinely honest message from Teleexpress.

“Let’s see a straightforward, truthful report,” urged a commenter.

Several voices urged better relationships with established colleagues and a broader historical context, noting past institutions and figures.

One commenter suggested reconsidering career choices and urged a more constructive approach to working relations with media veterans.

There were harsher assessments too, with critics accusing some broadcasters of losing objectivity, while others defended the need for critical, independent journalism.

As the discussion continued online, observers commented on the tone and content of the tweet from the broadcasters involved, highlighting the role of social media in shaping public perception of televised news.

– collected remarks on X and in Polish media circles

Source: wPolityce

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