A surprising stance surfaced as Warsaw’s mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski, positions himself as a border guardian. He criticized Germany’s 2015 approach, arguing it gave the impression that the country would take in all migrants. Yet there were many other stories in play. He conceded that promising everything would be done within 100 days might have been optimistic.
A border defender who criticizes Germany. This happened!
At a meeting in Bielsko-Biała, Trzaskowski recalled the stance of Prime Minister Donald Tusk: securing the border is essential, and the right to asylum may need to be temporarily suspended during heightened threats.
Today the migratory pressure is not seen as spontaneous but as part of a hybrid war. Russia and Belarus are using this tactic to threaten Poland’s border, sow destabilization, and frighten the public. The message is clear: the border must be secure. This is the signal Poland and its allies aim to send to the world.
Trzaskowski added that Germany’s 2015 approach gave the impression of accepting everyone. He argued that while helping refugees is necessary, signaling readiness to absorb all economic migrants is another matter entirely.
He noted that Poland has welcomed millions of Ukrainians and that solidarity should not be assumed to be limitless or automatic. In a broader EU debate, he urged reevaluating the union’s willingness to accept refugees during times of war and destabilization, linking this to Donald Tusk’s proposal to temporarily suspend the right of asylum. The aim, he said, is to send a clear signal that Poland cannot be the target of a hybrid war.
He also cited support for this stance from Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and from several EU member states.
Abortion and colleagues from PSL
On liberalizing abortion laws, Trzaskowski suggested that a change of president might apply pressure to the process. He recalled that some PSL MPs have argued they would not oppose a portion of voters if the President vetoed liberalization. If a president supports liberalization, that argument fades, he indicated, and there would be a chance to adopt such provisions in the Sejm.
When asked about the euro, the politician said Poland is not ready yet. He noted that the euro is part of the Accession Treaty, but the timing remains open. It could be years or longer; the crucial point is that adopting the single currency would be a strong argument for greater integration, and today Poland is not prepared for this step.
Platform propaganda
In the end, the conversation often echoed PO messaging even as it faced criticism over legal chaos and constitutional questions attributed to the government led by Donald Tusk. The presidential election would be pivotal, seen as a milestone for democracy where no president could veto every decision. Trzaskowski spoke of pursuing constitutional changes with care, aligning with the constitution so that the legal framework remains solid and predictable.
Even amid the heat of debate, he urged restraint and a disciplined turn to the law, underscoring the importance of lawful procedures to ensure a fair transition.
100 days
Trzaskowski acknowledged that promises such as raising the tax-free allowance had not yet materialized, and he conceded the budget picture was worse than anticipated. Yet he insisted that the government would keep its commitments and that claiming everything would be done within a hundred days might have been overly optimistic. He reaffirmed the intention to fulfill the platform’s pledges.
Observers noted the public statements were unusually compelling for some and questioned whether they signaled a campaign. Nonetheless, the discussions reflected real tension between policy goals and a functioning government in the capital.