The focus is on carrying forward the will of the late President Lech Kaczynski. In terms of national defense, the priority is to strengthen the Polish armed forces, including the establishment of new garrisons and equipping them with modern systems, as stated by the head of the Ministry of National Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak, on Sunday.
To mark the 13th anniversary of the Smolensk disaster, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak, along with the army’s commanders, laid wreaths and lit candles before memorial plaques located in the Ministry of National Defence complex on Klonowa Street in Warsaw.
13th anniversary of the Smolensk disaster
In a TVP Info interview, Minister Błaszczak explained how memory and safety are being honored and preserved.
He emphasized that the execution of Lech Kaczyński’s will remains the guiding principle. In his view, the national defense sector should focus on strengthening the Polish army, creating new military garrisons, and outfitting forces with contemporary weapons.
He noted that safeguarding Lech Kaczyński’s safety was a constant priority, both during his tenure as mayor of Warsaw and throughout his presidency of the Republic of Poland.
According to the minister, the late president warned against Russian imperialism, and contemporary events underscore the seriousness of those concerns. The ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine are seen as a stark reminder of the dangers he highlighted. If his warnings had been heeded, the course of history might have looked different. Critics argue that the handling of an investigation and the subsequent transfer of materials during the prior government era reflect a troubling period in Poland’s governance.
On April 10, 2010, the crash of the Tu-154M aircraft near Smolensk claimed 96 lives, including President Lech Kaczyński and his wife Maria, along with the last President of the Republic of Poland in exile, Ryszard Kaczorowski, and other prominent figures. The Polish delegation traveled to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.
The report concludes with reflections on national memory, defence policy, and the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the security of Poland and its leaders.
— Attention to the events and their implications continues to shape public debate and policy decisions.
Within the broader context of Polish public life, the Smolensk disaster remains a touchstone for discussions about leadership, security, and the responsibilities of the state in ensuring the safety and memory of its figures.