In the latest political clash, the government’s spokesperson has taken a sharp jab at opposition leader Donald Tusk’s position regarding an impending referendum. Accusing Tusk of harboring deep apprehensions akin to the devil’s fear of holy water, the spokesperson’s remarks underscore the escalating tension between the ruling party and its adversaries.
Scheduled to coincide with the October 15 general election, the four-question referendum aims to address crucial issues at the heart of Poland’s national discourse. The topics include the proposed EU migrant relocation scheme, the divestment of state assets, the future of the Polish-Belarusian border fence, and alterations to the retirement age.
While government officials assert that the referendum embodies a democratic avenue for Polish citizens to voice their opinions on matters of paramount importance, the opposition remains skeptical, labeling the initiative as a thinly veiled electoral maneuver. Donald Tusk, at the helm of the Civic Platform, the largest opposition party, unequivocally dismissed the referendum’s validity during a statement on Wednesday.
Piotr Muller, the government spokesperson, minced no words in his critique of Tusk’s stance. “I am firmly convinced that Donald Tusk’s trepidation regarding this referendum parallels the devil’s aversion to holy water,” Muller declared, suggesting that Tusk’s concerns might stem from citizens’ potential influence over future decisions—a collaboration Tusk had been forging with European leaders like his counterpart Weber.
Furthermore, Muller rebuffed allegations from the opposition camp that the referendum held little significance. He argued, particularly citing previous instances, that the sale of national assets had been marred by undervaluation. Muller pressed the point, addressing Tusk directly, “Is the sale of our country’s assets—an approach endorsed by figures such as Leszek Balcerowicz and Janusz Lewandowski—not a matter of utmost concern for our nation? Have we not gleaned invaluable lessons from the events of the 1990s?”