Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz was asked by a TV Republika reporter about the alleged assault on Polish activists by German police during a press conference following the signing of a new defense cooperation agreement with Germany alongside his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius. In response, Kosiniak-Kamysz sharply criticized the television station, accusing it of creating “an atmosphere that is not conducive to safeguarding security.”
“When someone takes the cross, a symbol of love, and uses it as a tool for conflict, they certainly do not have good intentions,” the defense minister said.
Polish and German Defense Ministers Sign New Cooperation Agreement
On Wednesday in Warsaw, Kosiniak-Kamysz and Pistorius signed a new bilateral defense cooperation agreement between Poland and Germany. The agreement covers, among other areas, joint military exercises, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, and cooperation in the Baltic region.
According to Poland’s Ministry of National Defence, the agreement:
“will constitute the legal framework defining new and updated parameters of mutual defense cooperation between the parties.”
The ministry added that:
“The initiative aims to systematize ongoing operational cooperation while taking into account the current security situation in Central and Eastern Europe. The document will complement defense mechanisms within NATO and the European Union.”
Incident in Berlin
The previous day, members of the Border Defense Movement (ROG) traveled to Berlin, where they intended to place a symbolic cross near a memorial stone commemorating Polish victims of World War II close to the German parliament.
According to the account presented in the article, German police did not allow the cross to be erected. After participants sang the patriotic song Rota, they allegedly proceeded toward the memorial site carrying the cross. The article claims that German police then intervened forcefully, with officers kicking and punching demonstrators. Several members of the movement reportedly required hospital treatment.
Kosiniak-Kamysz Criticizes TV Republika
During the joint press conference, a TV Republika reporter asked:
“Would German police have behaved the same way toward Jews who wanted to commemorate Holocaust victims?”
Kosiniak-Kamysz responded by criticizing the broadcaster.
“For a long time, as a television station, you have been building an atmosphere that is simply not conducive to safeguarding security. Responsibility for security does not rest solely with politicians, soldiers, police officers, and officials. Those who work in the media and provide information are also responsible for building Poland’s security,” he said.
He continued:
“When someone takes the cross, a symbol of love, and uses it as a tool for conflict, they certainly do not have good intentions. As I have already said, our consular services will support Polish citizens at every stage. Even if, unfortunately, they act provocatively and do foolish things, it remains the duty of the Polish state. The consul is fulfilling that duty.”
The minister also stated:
“As Christians, we cannot agree to the cross being used as an instrument of struggle rather than a symbol of love. If someone wishes to commemorate victims, they should do so for the purpose of remembrance, not confrontation.”
Kosiniak-Kamysz further accused activist Robert Bąkiewicz of organizing provocations.
“These provocations carried out by Mr. Bąkiewicz in Poland, in Germany, and probably elsewhere are not about protecting borders. Driving a wedge between us and our allies and neighbors would leave Poland isolated. I will not allow that. We will not allow that,” he concluded.