“If Kosiniak-Kamysz wanted to make a jab at the First Lady—and, by extension, at all Polish women—he should have chosen someone more suitable. Instead, this reveals a craving for publicity. It is arrogance, I would even call it primitive arrogance,” said Bartosz Kownacki, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, commenting on the decision to appoint Paulina Kosiniak-Kamysz, the wife of Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, as the “godmother” of Poland’s F-35 fighter jets.
On Friday, the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask hosted ceremonies marking the official induction of F-35 fighter jets into the equipment of the Polish Armed Forces. The event was attended by President Karol Nawrocki, government representatives, military commanders, and invited guests. Former Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak was also present, having been invited by President Nawrocki. It was Błaszczak who, at the end of January 2020, signed the agreement on behalf of Poland for the purchase of 32 of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft.
Earlier that day, at approximately 9:45 a.m., three F-35 jets appeared over Gdańsk, flying above the Westerplatte area. They then headed toward Warsaw, where they could be seen around 10:10 a.m. over the Vistula River near the Warsaw Citadel. The final stage of their route took them to Kraków, where they flew near Wawel Hill at approximately 10:35 a.m.
Before the ceremony began, Telewizja Republika reported that the “godmother” of Poland’s F-35 “Husarz” fighters would be Paulina Kosiniak-Kamysz, wife of Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The decision regarding the selection of a “godmother” for the Polish F-35 fleet is made by the Ministry of National Defence following consultations with military representatives.
The matter sparked public controversy, including criticism from opposition politicians. Although several days have passed since the announcement, it continues to attract media attention.
Kownacki: “Primitive Arrogance”
Speaking on TV Republika, Bartosz Kownacki, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, argued that appointing Kosiniak-Kamysz’s wife as the “godmother” of the F-35 Husarz fighters was an attempt at image-building.
“This is something distasteful. In this entire matter, I have the impression that it came from the PSL environment, which often displays a certain lack of political culture. Traditionally, these roles were held by First Ladies. It was never about honoring the president himself—whether the late Lech Kaczyński or Andrzej Duda—through their spouses. Rather, it was a way of honoring the entire nation, symbolically making all Polish women the godmothers of the first aircraft,” the Law and Justice (PiS) politician said.
Asked whether the information had shocked him, Kownacki replied:
“It did shock me because I remember when VIP aircraft were purchased during my time in office. There were also discussions about who should become the godmother. The ministry was then headed by Antoni Macierewicz, and I knew his wife—she had no such aspirations. It never even crossed anyone’s mind to appoint the defence minister’s wife as the godmother. There was no such discussion whatsoever.”
He added:
“There was actress Halina Łabonarska, and there were two female soldiers—one a highly respected doctor who had served in Afghanistan, and another with Olympic achievements. These were the kinds of people chosen: individuals somewhat outside the world of politics.”
“If Kosiniak-Kamysz really wanted to make a statement against the First Lady—and, symbolically, against all Polish women—he should have chosen someone more appropriate. Instead, what we see is a desire for the spotlight. It is arrogance, I would say primitive arrogance,” Kownacki concluded.