At the CPAC conference, Karol Nawrocki, the head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and presidential candidate, delivered a sharp address that underscored the urgent need for strong, conservative leadership, both in Poland and Europe. “I want to start by thanking the organizers of the CPAC conference and Matt Schlapp, as well as the Polish team and all the co-organizers. This wonderful conference connects conservative communities across Poland, Europe, and the world. I thank you all,” Nawrocki began, receiving a warm welcome from the audience.
However, Nawrocki quickly shifted to a critical tone, accusing Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk of failing to prioritize the nation’s most pressing issues. “While you, ladies and gentlemen, are playing a vital role that should be filled by the Polish government and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, he is too busy chasing Zorro and pursuing a civic candidate instead of focusing on what matters most for Poland,” Nawrocki remarked.
He emphasized the necessity for Europe to unite, with both the European Union and the United States charting a common course toward a strong, democratic, and free world. “We need the awareness that the Euro-Atlantic ship—meaning the combined forces of the European Union, which I support, and the United States—must sail in the same direction.”
Drawing attention to past European blunders, Nawrocki noted, “Europe, after the mistakes of recent years, needs a strong, conservative voice, especially from Poland. We remember the informal pact between Europe, Angela Merkel, and Donald Tusk with Vladimir Putin, which allowed millions of euros to flow into Russia for gas, emboldening the neo-imperial Russian regime to attack Ukraine. That was a mistake. So was the climate package that is devastating Poland’s economy and the economies of other European nations.”
He further emphasized Poland’s role in opposing Europe’s growing challenges, particularly the migration crisis. “We, Poland, we Poles, and we Europeans must not push ourselves into yet another problem hanging over Europe—the migration pact. As the future President of Poland, I want to make it clear that I will seek to unilaterally withdraw from the migration pact and defend Poland’s borders.”
Nawrocki also referenced his political opponent, Rafał Trzaskowski, accusing him of dishonesty during the campaign. “If we read the French-language press and ‘Le Monde,’ or listen to Ursula von der Leyen on the climate and migration packages, it’s clear that some of the European Commission’s decisions are being delayed due to the upcoming presidential elections in Poland. One of my opponents, Rafał Trzaskowski, is playing unfairly. Not only does he lie during public debates, and is caught in those lies, but he refuses to reveal his true plans for Poland after June 1, 2025. And his plan is obvious: accelerate the migration package, push forward the climate package, and implement policies that are crucial for Brussels, not for our safety.”
On a more diplomatic note, Nawrocki shared his efforts to strengthen Poland’s relations with the United States. “I have met with all the most important political figures in the United States, including the Secretary of Homeland Security, and I met with President Donald Trump. I will ensure that Poland becomes a leader in the European Union in transatlantic relations. We have the best cards for this.”
Concluding his speech, Nawrocki issued a defiant message. “We cannot let anyone take away our freedom of speech. We cannot let anyone take away our freedom and the sovereignty of the Polish state. May God bless Poland, may God bless the European Union as it faces its challenges, and may God bless transatlantic relations. Stand with me on June 1st. Let us move towards a shared victory for Poland. Long live Poland!”