“Today, Republika is our only reliable source of information on what’s happening in Polish politics. I’ve had numerous meetings with people across the country, and let me tell you this: if it weren’t for outlets like Republika, people would be completely in the dark,” said Edward Siarka in an interview with Niezalezna.pl. The Law and Justice (PiS) MP also emphasized: “I would prefer it if MP Giertych refrained from commenting on my health and stopped using it for his private political vendettas.”
Niezalezna.pl: Roman Giertych is known for his aggressive attacks on political opponents. From what we’ve heard, you’ve also been a target. Is that true?
MP Edward Siarka: It’s hard for me to talk about it, as it concerns my health. The situation is highly unusual… But I must say, I would really prefer if Mr. Giertych stopped making statements about my condition and exploiting it for his own political games. It’s simply inappropriate.
Yesterday, a threatening post aimed at TV Republika appeared on Giertych’s social media profile. It’s not the first time that members of the December 13 coalition have talked about revoking the channel’s license. What’s your take on that?
Republika is currently our only consistent source of information on political developments in Poland. They cover the most important events. After many meetings with ordinary Poles, I can say this: if it weren’t for Republika, people would be left without any information. This is something people keep repeating. The current situation is extremely difficult for all of us. I’ve been in politics since I graduated from university. I was raised with the belief that public service should benefit the people. That’s how I try to act, and it’s deeply painful that, after years of working to improve people’s lives, I’m suddenly being asked what legal interest I had in a new road being built, a fire truck being delivered, or a hospital receiving new equipment. It turns the very idea of the state upside down. We’re starting to feel increasingly insecure. At the same time, we hear about so-called “militant democracy.” And there’s no doubt—it’s already here.
Exactly. The slogan “militant democracy” being pushed by the current government is causing real anxiety.
Yes, that phrase alone—“militant democracy”—makes people anxious. Poles want stability, and that stability has been lost. I understand that some people may want to hold us accountable for our years in office—and that’s fine. But when we spent public money, it went to local governments. Now we’re being told it was all misused. Why, for instance, shouldn’t the Church receive funding for renovations and maintenance? Why shouldn’t the state support our traditions? If every initiative is twisted into a personal attack on those who supported it, then yes, everything is truly being turned upside down. Poles are feeling less and less safe.
Poles were deeply moved by the case of Ms. Anna Wójcik.
That case once again raises serious concerns about the state of the law in Poland. The more we hear in Europe about freedom, equality, and justice, the less of it we see in practice. The example of Ms. Wójcik is especially tragic. What exactly are civil servants like her—or like those women from the Ministry of Justice—guilty of? They simply signed off on documents in line with procedure. Now they’re being thrown in jail, handcuffed, and treated like criminals. It’s all being done to intimidate society. That’s the goal—intimidation. We’re supposed to be afraid of civic engagement… Meanwhile, major decisions about our lives and future are being made behind the scenes. This is all part of a calculated strategy to discourage public involvement. But I still believe in the importance of civic activity. We need it. Even if, as in my case, it comes at the cost of one’s health…
And Ryszard Cyba? A murderer walks free, while civil servants are cuffed and held in detention…
Before Cyba’s release even happened, we had seen plenty of warning signs. High-ranking Civic Platform members openly said: “If you’re with us, nothing will happen to you. We’ll protect you like our independence.” And now we’re at the point where even murderers are protected. It’s a toxic attitude… These actions demoralize society. And in the end, it’s Poles who pay the price for this kind of destructive politics. In this case—as with Cyba’s release—it’s also a direct hit on the right-wing community. This government is sending a clear message to the political right: “We can do whatever we want to you.”