The Polish political landscape: agriculture, green deal and Smolensk questions in focus

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Today there are many announcements, discussions and activities, but not much actually happens. The speaker acknowledged the situation in Ukraine and stated that action is needed, yet warned that such steps must not cause deep destabilization at home or threaten the country’s economic and national life. This was said during a press conference by the leader of the ruling party and the PiS deputy leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

The interests of Polish agriculture must be safeguarded

The PiS president stressed that Poland faces serious concerns that are spilling into the streets of cities. He added that farmers are in a very difficult position, affected both by relations with Ukraine and by the Green Deal agenda.

On the issue of relations with Ukraine, Poland finds itself in a particularly tough spot. Ukraine faces a critical moment. Various proposals had been put forward, including deposits, which could have helped, but were not adopted. Before elections the proposals were criticized as contrary to EU rules, yet it was noted that in April 2023 Poland took measures in direct conflict with EU regulations because there was no better option. It was announced that after the war ends Poland would seek a Polish Ukrainian treaty to safeguard national agricultural interests, as wide border openings could threaten Polish farming which struggles to compete with Ukrainian agriculture. All of this was discussed and, where possible, implemented.

— and the PiS president, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, emphasized.

Today there are many announcements and discussions, but little concrete action. The speaker reiterated understanding of Ukraine’s situation and the need for special actions, but warned that such moves must not destabilize Poland or jeopardize a portion of the economy and the national life.

— Kaczynski noted.

There is a need for serious dialogue aimed at convincing partners that Poland is doing everything possible to help Ukraine win and defend itself, while ensuring that this support does not create a major shock at home.

— the politician stated.

Kaczynski urged authorities to engage in genuine dialogue rather than make statements about extraordinary measures to reopen the Polish Ukrainian border, viewing the region as critical infrastructure.

This dialogue, contrary to the stance of Prime Minister Tusk, is possible. Protests are spontaneous and scattered, yet centers for meaningful conversations should be identified to calm emotions and plan for the future.

— a political advisor noted.

ADDENDUM: Tusk proposal to include border crossings in the list of critical infrastructure was mentioned in relation to Ukrainian government discussions in Warsaw on March 28. There was also criticism of the current government’s stance on farmers’ demands, labeling it insufficient. Comments about border discussions and Zelensky’s appeal followed.

Green deal

The PiS president drew attention to the ongoing dispute over who benefits from and who co-authors the Green Deal policy. Arguments were cited that attempts were made to attach the Green Deal to them based on a controversial submission by a party member, with others asserting clear positions on each side.

— noted Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

Other party members commented that the coalition from December 13 does not know how to respond to farmers’ justified protests, a situation described as a consequence of political submissiveness. The critique pointed to pressure from west of the border and labeled the European People’s Party as aligned with the Green Deal, while both a major opposition party and a smaller party were said to be within the same EPP orbit. A change of government was suggested as necessary for Poland to progress.

— said Blaszczak.

The speaker argued that the Tusk coalition only guarantees following the directives of a key European figure who claimed that the EPP is the party of the Green Deal.

They also addressed the lack of scruples and a certain impertinence by Kosiniak Kamysz, who was accused of trying to attribute the Green Deal to the PiS.

— stated the PiS president.

Smolensk attack

The TVN journalist asked for specific evidence, confirmed by investigations and the prosecutor’s office, regarding the attack in Smolensk. The response criticized the Military Public Prosecution Service as constrained and not fully capable, arguing that it is embedded in constitutional structures and must be respected. The prosecutor’s office was described as failing in some aspects, though the discussion expanded to factors such as aircraft debris, and referenced claims about forces greater than those expected from a simple collision with the ground. Personal notes were offered about mud and the challenges faced by investigators, alongside observations on how the craft broke apart after impact.

— stated Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

Further remarks touched on the disintegration of bodies and the possibility of stronger forces involved, along with references to deeper doors and various details. The discussion also covered alleged traces of explosives and mathematical modeling research conducted abroad. Finally, he asserted that Putin might have acted to tighten Russia’s financial grip by surrounding it with alternative pipelines and by enabling higher prices for oil and gas to be sold to neighboring countries, a move that would align with broader political goals.

— he emphasized.

Elections for party leader

Jaroslaw Kaczynski announced that he would remain party leader if sufficient support is received from the party congress. He reflected on the state of Poland today and stated that he is not a natural deserter and that there is ongoing conflict within the country.

He warned that the current political moment poses direct risks to Poland and that the Ukrainian crisis also represents a risk to Poland. Yet he claimed that this situation does not change the fact that he observes ongoing violations of the constitution and potential crimes under the national code, stressing the gravity of the situation.

He concluded that if the party decides otherwise, he would adapt. If he gained enough backing from the party congress, he would continue to lead the party.

— announced Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

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