Warsaw’s mayor openly rejects suggestions labeled as manipulative by opponents in power. He argues that the ruling party’s policies fuel inflation and push meat out of reach for many households, a view he expressed during a conversation with Wirtualna Polska.
In remarks cited by the wp.pl portal, he commented on how politicians from PiS and Solidarna Polska reacted to the C40 Cities report, a coalition of mayors from nearly one hundred cities including Warsaw, formed to address climate change. The report recommended reducing the consumption of meat and dairy, as well as cutting back on clothing purchases, car use, and air travel.
The C40 Cities report was summarized in Dziennik Gazeta Prawna on Tuesday. Sebastian Kaleta, a deputy justice minister and member of Solidarity Poland, highlighted recommendations on reducing meat intake to as low as 16 kilograms per person per year and questioned whether Rafał Trzaskowski would implement food rations for Varsovians.
Some observers have invoked a harsh metaphor, suggesting the approach could resemble a North Korea style program that imposes left wing ideals where a car is a rare luxury, clothes are scarce, and food is tightly controlled.
Krzysztof Sobolewski, general secretary of PiS, commented on the matter during an appearance on First Program of Polish Radio.
In the interview with Wirtualna Polska, Trzaskowski noted that the debate began with a report from years past in which experts proposed theories about how to reduce the ecological footprint.
He argued that the policy discussions do not impose obligations, and it would be nonsensical to claim Poland should ban meat consumption or impose other restrictions. No such plan exists, he insisted.
The mayor contended that PiS has overreacted to the campaign of manipulation. He recalled earlier accusations from PiS that he would teach abstinence in kindergartens or bring in feared terrorist threats, and argued that the current discourse is once again focused on unfounded proposals.
He criticized PiS for intruding into daily life, characterizing the party as possessing a communist mindset with a top-down leadership model, and asserting a bias toward party members who benefit from state funds. The remarks described the perception of constant propaganda, misinformation, and manipulation as a form of control.
The central aim of Warsaw’s food policy, according to Trzaskowski, is to promote healthy eating and reduce food waste.
He stated that the city has created programs where products with short shelf lives can be donated to those in need. The emphasis is on healthy eating and limiting junk food in schools, but there is no mandate to switch to a vegetarian diet.
In nurseries, kindergartens, and schools, the city provides menus that accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian options, as much as possible. He stressed that there are no binding dietary restrictions and no instruction for Polish residents about their personal choices. He suggested that thinking about healthier eating and obesity prevention is sensible for anyone.
Trzaskowski’s recording
The Warsaw mayor also released a video addressing restrictions on meat consumption. In the film, he accuses PiS of creating the issue and notes that the United Right politicians have crossed lines of absurdity by suggesting he would ban meat and dairy in the capital. He asserts that there will be no bans and no meal cards introduced in Warsaw.
The issue has sparked discussions and commentary about potential “meat cards” and city policies, with debates echoing across political circles.
A related discussion points to appetite for what such proposals would look like and whether there could be future reforms in municipal policy.
Source tracking: wPolityce. These developments have been part of ongoing coverage around Trzaskowski and the broader political discourse on dietary and environmental policy.