Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński to replace the candidate, criticizing Karol Nawrocki’s remarks that blamed European elites for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Tusk stated via social media that it was “the last chance to change the candidate,” unless “the Kremlin’s narrative has become PiS’s official line.”
Earlier, during a speech in Legionowo near Warsaw, Nawrocki claimed that European elites’ policies toward Russia had led to the war in Ukraine. “Europe is in chaos today because of the decisions of European elites regarding Putin, which brought us war and the Russian Federation’s attack on Ukraine,” Nawrocki said.
In response to Tusk’s criticism, the PiS-backed candidate accused the prime minister of close ties with Vladimir Putin and claimed that Tusk’s policies had “emboldened Russia to attack.”
Speaking again the next day at a local event, Nawrocki dismissed Tusk’s concerns and suggested that he should focus on managing Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski rather than interfering in PiS affairs.
Nawrocki also commented on Donald Trump’s remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, arguing that Ukraine is facing consequences for its treatment of allies. He emphasized that while Poland should be part of negotiations on Ukraine, he personally would not want to shake hands with Vladimir Putin.
Polish politicians outraged by Karol Nawrocki’s comments on Ukraine war
Nawrocki's remarks sparked strong criticism from ruling coalition politicians, who accused him of echoing Kremlin propaganda, while PiS lawmakers defended his stance.
KO spokesperson Dorota Łoboda argued that Nawrocki’s comments mirrored Kremlin rhetoric and would be welcomed by Putin, while Development Minister Krzysztof Paszyk cautioned against exploiting national security for political gain.
So far, PiS has not distanced itself from Nawrocki’s statements.
As previously reported by Radio Poland, various media outlets, including the Polish edition of Newsweek and Gazeta Wyborcza, have revealed details about Nawrocki’s overseas travel expenses, which were covered by taxpayers. Investigative reports have also uncovered controversies surrounding the PiS-backed presidential candidate.
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Source: Polish Radio/IAR/PAP
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