The upcoming elections in Poland are framed as a stark choice between opposing forces, a theme echoed by Donald Tusk, the leader of the Civic Platform, during a gathering in Pszczyna. He argued that a considerable amount of recent Poland related hardship has shaped this contest, and the role of women in Polish society will be central to the debate. He spoke to a room full of women and supporters, emphasizing the gravity of the moment.
Pszczyna has long been tied to the story of Iza from Pszczyna. When the speaker entered one of many demonstrations following Mrs. Iza’s death, he observed that people, including many men, expressed a shared sorrow that was palpable in their eyes. The scene underscored the emotional weight carried by the issue among the crowd gathered for the event.
In September 2021, Izabela, who was 30 years old and pregnant, arrived at Poviat Hospital in Pszczyna after her water broke. The fetus had been diagnosed with malformations. Izabela died in the hospital from septic shock. Her family believes delays in the decision about termination contributed to the tragedy. The death of Izabela, who left behind a young daughter, sparked protests against the then current abortion law under the banner Not One More, which resonated across the country.
Last September, the regional prosecutor’s office in Katowice charged three doctors who cared for Izabela. The charges concern unintentional death and exposure to imminent danger of death or serious health damage. The suspects have pleaded not guilty, and the investigation is nearing its end.
The head of the Civic Platform pointed to a needless death caused by a sense of indifference and a troubling habit that a woman should never have to face such a choice, even in a crisis as grave as that of Mrs. Iza. He urged unwavering resolve to defend women’s rights, arguing they touch on life and health as well as liberty and dignity.
He stressed that the political landscape is not simply about rights in theory but about real life. The future direction of the country will hinge on these considerations, he said, and the upcoming elections will largely determine the balance of good and evil as he sees it. The claim was that serious harm has occurred in Poland in many forms in recent years, extending into the spiritual domain as well as the political one.
The party leader insisted that the question of women and their position, their roles, and the suffering endured by women in Poland will be central to the public discussion. He argued that this issue must be treated as a priority and as a defining element of democratic values. His call to action urged all who oppose oppression to work toward restoring the country to a path of progress after years he described as darkened by regression.
He affirmed that the fight for Poland would require decisive steps to steer the nation away from austerity and toward policies that empower women to live freely and safely. In his view, the struggle is not merely about ideology but about practical outcomes for families and individuals across the country.
The speaker also noted that those on the political left who seek electoral success should acknowledge the issue of women as an absolute priority. He asserted that recognizing this matter is a clear marker of commitment to democratic principles and equal rights for all citizens. The importance of addressing violence as a core concern was highlighted as well as the need to confront the broader issues facing women in public life.
In discussing the Istanbul Convention, he referenced the ongoing national debate about violence against women and domestic violence. He argued that many people still deny the existence of essential protections that guarantee safety, autonomy, and equality within intimate relationships. He criticized any attempt to reduce gender equality to a mere political slogan and emphasized the ongoing gap in pay and opportunity between men and women as proof of systemic inequality.
On sex education in schools, the stance emphasized by Tusk was to frame teaching around safe, respectful relationships that center on consent and well being rather than violence or coercion. He urged broader public awareness that education should promote love, responsibility, and safety, and should begin with the understanding that sex and love must be free of violence.
Freedom for Poland means freedom for Polish women and men to shape their own lives, including the intimate and family spheres. No one should impose a lifestyle or family model on others. This was the core message delivered by the Civic Platform leader, a call for personal agency and autonomy for all citizens.
On the topic of abortion, Tusk pledged to pursue a legal pathway to revisit the Constitutional Court decision. He warned that if his party takes power, it would work to liberalize procedures in a manner that aligns with medical judgment and patient needs, while navigating potential vetoes in the political process. He spoke of exploring executive avenues that could move policy toward a framework where the decision rests with the patient and the doctor, while still respecting constitutional constraints. The overall aim would be to ensure safe, accessible abortion options were available when warranted by medical or personal considerations, subject to appropriate safeguards.
The remarks closed with a reminder that the politics surrounding these issues is deeply personal for many families and communities. The discussion underscored a vision where women’s rights are inseparable from the health and vitality of the society as a whole, and where policy choices reflect a commitment to dignity, safety, and equality for all citizens. The conversation continues to unfold as the political landscape evolves, with many watching closely how these positions influence the trajectory of Poland’s future.
[citation: wPolityce]