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"Putin only needs you to be anti-Western," says FM Sikorski, criticizing PiS for its stance

28.04.2025 17:17
The head of Polish diplomacy, Radosław Sikorski, commented on President Andrzej Duda's official endorsement of right-wing populist Karol Nawrocki as a presidential candidate, criticizing the opposition PiS party for its "anti-Western stance."
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski speaks at a public event in Poznań on April 27, 2025, alongside Civic Coalition presidential candidate and current Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski speaks at a public event in Poznań on April 27, 2025, alongside Civic Coalition presidential candidate and current Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.Photo: PAP/Paweł Jaskółka

FM Sikorski downplayed the impact of Duda’s support, arguing that it would not boost Nawrocki’s electoral chances.

Poland's top diplomat also criticized Duda's presidency, describing him as an ideological figure who hampers government progress, and emphasized that Poland requires a new phase of modernization that balances patriotism with progress.

Sikorski criticizes PiS for anti-Western stance, downplays Duda’s endorsement of Nawrocki

Sikorski made these remarks on Monday in an interview for Radio ZET, reflecting on Poland's need for innovation and drawing a historical parallel to the millennium celebration of King Bolesław Chrobry’s coronation as Poland’s first king, which took place last weekend.

In a conversation with Beata Lubecka on the "Gość Radia ZET" program, Radosław Sikorski raised questions about the PiS party's financial resources, pointing out their significant international activities, including in Hungary and the United States. He expressed skepticism about how the party manages such extensive operations despite claiming a lack of funds, suggesting it raises concerns about potential misuse of public money.

Polish politicians react to President's challenge of the upcoming elections' legitimacy

In response to President Duda’s comments casting doubt on the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, left-wing Deputy Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty accused the president of sowing uncertainty and attempting to rally his supporters.

Patryk Jaskulski from the Civic Coalition criticized Duda for promoting a divisive narrative of a coup, arguing that it misleads the public given the strong support for Poland's current government.

The first round of Poland’s presidential election is scheduled for May 18, 2025, with a potential runoff on June 1 if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.

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Source: IAR/PAP/Radio ZET/X/@Gosc_RadiaZET