Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Kaczyński described the event as a "scandal" and an "intense illustration of a very sad and unfortunately increasingly advanced process threatening the future of Christian civilization."
Critics say Kaczyński has consistently made what can be seen as hyperbolic statements for decades. He has denigrated the European Union and the West, equating gay rights, gender equality and other liberal policies with moral decay and cultural decline.
The ceremony, which featured drag queens and a transgender model portraying Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, did not intend to reference Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, according to artistic director Thomas Jolly.
The organizers apologized if anyone was offended by the performance.
'Erosion of free speech'
Kaczyński also addressed another controversy involving the suspension of Przemysław Babiarz, a journalist for the Polish public broadcaster TVP.
Babiarz was suspended after criticizing the ceremony’s performance of John Lennon's song "Imagine," which he linked to communism.
Kaczyński defended Babiarz, asserting that the suspension was evidence of "the erosion of free speech in Poland."
In response to Babiarz’s suspension, a number of his colleagues and viewers have rallied in support, urging that he be allowed to continue reporting on the Olympics.
Przemysław Babiarz. Photo: Polish Radio/PR2
The Polish Ombudsman, Marcin Wiącek, has requested clarification from TVP’s management concerning the suspension.
The head of TVP Sport, Jakub Kwiatkowski, stated that sports should remain apolitical, emphasizing that sport has the power to evoke positive emotions and bring people together.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Kwiatkowski said: "In response to the letter from TVP Sport journalists, I am particularly saddened because I have repeatedly defended Przemek Babiarz in recent months, and yet Przemek has been silent for several days.
"He has made no gesture towards anyone. He hasn't apologized and has put his colleagues from his department in a very uncomfortable situation. I came to TVP with the intention of depoliticizing it and that has been my focus.
"Today, my family and I are relentlessly attacked by right-wing circles and largely by politicians from the Law and Justice (PiS) party, who actively participated in the destruction of Polish Television and were beneficiaries of past arrangements."
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP/PAP/PAP
