Rafał Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw, known for his allegedly “left-wing sensitivity,” has taken patronage over a series of events, the prelude of which took place in Wilanów and resulted in the devastation of a historic area. Techno concerts are planned to be held in two other historic locations in the capital – the Royal Łazienki Park and Agrykola Park. The City Is Ours Association asks: “Hello! Is there a pilot on board? Will Trzaskowski once again wash his hands of it and withdraw his patronage at the last minute?”
Last weekend, a all-night techno party took place at the grounds of the Royal Palace in Wilanów, resulting in the near-complete destruction of the green area in front of the palace. The City Is Ours Association activists pointed to damage to both the historic site itself and its greenery.
“On a daily basis, you are not even allowed to sit on the lawn at the Palace – everything is treated with extreme care. But if you have money and connections, you can turn it into a wasteland here. With the consent of the central authorities and under the patronage of the Mayor of Warsaw (what does it matter that it was ultimately withdrawn just before the event?)” the City Is Ours Association stated.
The event organizers received permission to hold the event from the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, the relevant services, and the authorities of the palace museum itself.
Once the proverbial milk had been spilled, the director of the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace in Wilanów, Paweł Jaskanis, was dismissed. The Ministry of Culture stated that “the reason for the dismissal was the director’s breach of the agreement regarding the organizational and financial conditions of the Museum, as well as damage to the institution’s reputation.”
The Regional Director for Environmental Protection reported the case to the police, and the Human Rights Ombudsman also became involved. An inspection was carried out by the Mazovian Provincial Conservator of Monuments.
Two More Events Planned
Rafał Trzaskowski takes such good care of historic sites and urban greenery that two more similar events are planned in Warsaw’s heritage areas. The organizer of the Wilanów techno event – AwakeEvents – is preparing similar events in the Royal Łazienki Park and Agrykola Park.
“Both have the honorary patronage of the Mayor of the city! Hello! Is there a pilot on board? Will Trzaskowski once again wash his hands of it and withdraw his patronage at the last minute?” the City Is Ours association asked.
“Everyone knew about this concert – including the Ministry of Culture and the conservator of monuments. Trzaskowski granted patronage for an entire series of such events, including those in Łazienki. A typical Warsaw Civic Platform network. If it weren’t for a few celebrities, they would have gotten away with it. A kind of Tusk’s bantustan…” commented Piotr Gliński, former Minister of Culture and National Heritage.