On Children’s Day, a photograph of a baby posted by Donald Tusk on Twitter sparked debate. Rather than offering a simple tribute to children, the Civic Platform leader used the moment to highlight his upcoming march in Warsaw scheduled for Sunday. The post drew attention to his stance on abortion and prompted commentary from commentators and historians alike about his past positions.
The head of the Civic Platform commented on the occasion, saying:
Children’s Day. We will meet them on Sunday.
Responses to the post came from journalist Goran Andrijanić of Sieci and historian Prof. Slawomir Cenckiewicz, who offered their perspectives on the issue.
One participant remarked that anyone who opposes abortion should be pushed out of the party, reflecting a heated intra-party debate about core values and policy direction.
Critics noted that the Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, frequently spoke about abortion on demand in public meetings and linked the issue to candidate selection for party lists, suggesting that a candidate’s stance on abortion could shape their prospects.
Tusk’s abortion promises
In September 2022, Tusk stated that on the first day after winning the election, a bill would be introduced in the Sejm to permit abortion up to 12 weeks as a woman’s decision. He also indicated that opponents of these provisions would have limited or no representation on electoral lists. He reiterated his commitment to this position while preparing parliamentary lists, asserting that voters should be assured of a policy that prioritizes a woman’s right to choose.
The statement was reiterated publicly, underscoring a clear intention to establish abortion policy early in a hypothetical administration and to control the composition of party slates accordingly. The commentary surrounding these remarks highlighted the tension between party discipline and individual beliefs within the broader political landscape. [citation: wPolityce]