Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged restraint, saying that supporters of PiS who insist Tusk only noticed the flood should remain quiet, as they have grounds for embarrassment. He also called on all politicians to avoid political fights at this moment, describing it as a time for solidarity across every part of society and government.
On Wednesday, he faced questions on TVP Info about a statement attributed to Jarosław Kaczyński, the PiS leader, claiming that after days of appeals from residents harmed by the flooding, Tusk finally acknowledged that the rhetoric of success and a supposedly well-functioning government during a crisis did not match the reality. Kaczyński argued that PiS had called for stronger state involvement in relief efforts, but those calls were dismissed by opponents.
“The opposition can mock
The prime minister said critics who mock his muddy shoes would have worn the same mud if they had walked the streets with him in Kłodzko, noting that such scenes reveal the harsh reality on the ground.
He added that he did not want to dwell on the criticism and that politics should be set aside for the moment. He noted that the crisis response team met for the first time on Friday and that concrete steps were already underway at the local level on Thursday.
He reminded observers of the opposition’s behavior during that period.
He added.
Those who accuse Tusk of only having noticed the flood should stay quiet, he argued, as they have good reason for embarrassment.
The prime minister underscored this sentiment.
“I can respond to the accusations.”
Asked about remarks from the head of the National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, which noted that in many cities there was limited time to prepare for the flooding and that local mayors were sometimes told there was no reason for alarm, the prime minister answered:
He said he could easily dispute these accusations or voice his opinions about his opponents, but he preferred not to engage with them, noting that more pressing concerns occupied their attention.
He urged all politicians, from both sides of the spectrum, to avoid political fights at this time.
He stressed that this moment calls for unity across the board and that political chatter would not help anyone.