“The slander in Poland is, unfortunately, a trademark of some circles. This change is a great credit to all of us, first of all our compatriots, for creating such an incredible phenomenon for Poland with their spontaneity, with their gift of heart,” said President Andrzej Duda in an interview featured by the weekly Sici. The interview underscores a collective sense of pride in the country’s vibrant civic energy and the spontaneity that many observers associate with Polish public life. (citation: wPolityce)
Current articles are available through Friends Network subscription. (citation: wPolityce)
READ FULL INTERVIEW: INTERVIEW. President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda: We must be strong. “We’re going to be on a whole different level.” (citation: wPolityce)
In response to a question about whether Poland has managed to fend off a long-running campaign of image attacks aimed at the country, the president suggested there has been progress, while acknowledging the likelihood that similar efforts could persist across different arenas. (citation: wPolityce)
When asked whether the crying need is to address political sanctions perceived to influence electoral outcomes, Duda replied that much of the policy debate appears to hinge on non-substantive considerations. He described a domestic elite clique that relies on its connections with European institutions and with influential left-liberal figures within the EU to preserve its privileges. (citation: wPolityce)
Angry about the election results in Poland? Readers are directed to editors Michał Karnowski and Michał Wiśkwa for perspectives. (citation: wPolityce)
According to the president, democracy is celebrated by supporters and contested by opponents. A political meme referenced in the discussion highlights questions about the timing and distribution of social benefits, drawing a contrast between different governing periods. The president suggests that opponents struggle to explain where social programs and funding went during prior administrations, implying a gap in accountability for past fiscal choices. (citation: wPolityce)
– answers President Duda.
“The Polish state could be robbed”
The discussion turns to fiscal history: the budget in 2015 stood at under 300 billion PLN, while today it exceeds 600 billion PLN. The question is raised about where the money went and who benefited. The president contends that there was sustained pressure from influential international circles urging the withdrawal of funds from Poland and seeking to prevent any interruption in those flows. He notes numerous strategies that allegedly enabled such transfers on a grand scale, including a scenario reminiscent of the VAT gap, which he says could be filled substantially and redirected toward social programs for retirees and general societal wealth, rather than enriching a narrow elite. (citation: wPolityce)
The interview also mentions ongoing discussions and the hope that funds from national initiatives would reach Poland promptly, reinforcing the link between national priorities and social welfare programs. (citation: wPolityce)
Readers are invited to engage with more excerpts from President Duda’s interview with the weekly magazine Sieci, which discuss the timing and sufficiency of funding for Poland’s needs. (citation: wPolityce)
Additional articles from the current issue are expected to become available online in late February within the Friends Network subscription. (citation: wPolityce)
The program also recommends watching broadcasts on wPolsce.pl TV for broader coverage and context. (citation: wPolityce)