About a week ago, Polish politics saw a clash over the border dam with Belarus. The project, started last year by the government now led by PiS, was described by former Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak as a sign of a sudden reversal by opponents who had once rejected a border barrier. He criticized the opposition for now calling the barrier necessary after previously opposing it, arguing that they had mocked the army and border guards and talked about migrants in negative terms during the debate. The exchange showed how quickly political positions can flip when circumstances change.
A banner appeared on the social feed of a Civic Platform account featuring an image of Marcin Kierwiński with the caption “closing the border with Belarus.” A photo of former Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak bore the caption “leaky fence.” The ruling party’s supporters pointed out that the KO group, including Civic Platform, had initially opposed the barrier back when construction was criticized, and noted the apparent turnaround by the Tusk camp.
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— Prime Minister Tusk is maneuvering at the border with Belarus. “Border protection will take priority, but the humanitarian aspect cannot be ignored.”
– Dawid Wildstein: Some may have missed it, but Tusk confirmed that pushbacks at the border are a reality and there is little room for alternative approaches
Volta Tusk
Tusk himself had earlier argued that the border dam was unnecessary and even questioned whether PiS would need to connect power to it. He referred to migrants involved in the hybrid attack at the border as “poor people.” Consequently, the KO club, including Civic Platform, voted against the dam’s construction in 2021. As PiS’s Błaszczak reminded everyone, Tusk and his allies sharply shifted their stance since then.
Attention—there was a notable conversion within PO. They opposed the border barrier, criticized the military and border guards, spoke of poor migrants, and now profess to support the barrier. The question remains whether the intent is sincere. Some observers feel relief that PiS was not wrong on this issue, while others remain skeptical.
– posted the former Defense Minister on Platform X.
READ ALSO: A European Parliament member from Hołownia’s camp criticizes the dam on the Belarus border. The mechanism for migrant flow? “Proud of my votes.”
Marcel Bielecki of Sovereign Poland recalled how opposition politicians behaved during the hybrid attack on Poland’s eastern border. He cited a protest with sleeping bags by MPs Szczerba and Joński and praise for a film by Agnieszka Holland that depicted Polish border guards in a controversial light.
This situation feels almost like a circus. First they vote against the barrier in the Sejm, then Franek organizes a border marathon, Sherlock and Watson bring sleeping mats for migrants, and now they claim to ensure border security? The platform’s voters may feel misled.
– wrote Marcel Bielecki.
READ ALSO: Actor Piotr Z. faced court for insulting a Border Guard spokesperson, remarking that she had the face of harsh, strict PiS norms.
Kierwiński made a misstep
People are curious about what modernization of a recently completed dam would involve, especially since it would include upgraded monitoring equipment. The sense some readers get is that additional cameras are being installed and the effort labeled as sealing the border. Critics argue that some officials who opposed the dam earlier now appear to be shaping the narrative to fit a different position. Skeptics say the real job was done by people like Kamiński and Wasik, and that the current moves feel like a staged gesture. After a supposed sealing, the barrier might no longer be seen as a feat but as a political photo opportunity.
– wrote Michał Sząpdrowski on the X platform.
Łukasz Żygadło of DoRzeczy.pl described the behavior of Tusk and his ministers as cheap propaganda. Critics contend that PO did not even want to build the dam at first, and now they contend it is leaky and that the new government will close it. The criticisms suggest a lack of accountability among some opposition figures.
What kind of seal is this? The critique continues to frame Błaszczak’s role in creating the barrier as a positive move, while others question the sincerity of the current opposition. The commentary highlights how political rhetoric can shift as opinions and conditions change.
– this is the take offered by journalist Zuzanna Dąbrowska.
READ ALSO: Tusk had to acknowledge that PiS was right; the dam on the Belarus border is essential and will undergo modernization. The Prime Minister’s comments about Agnieszka Holland’s film sparked debate about Polish uniform sentiment and migration policy.
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Source: wPolityce