President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, took part in the 32nd National Congress of NSZZ “Solidarity” Delegates in Kołobrzeg. His speech addressed significant matters concerning freedom of speech, making direct reference to attempts to revoke the broadcasting license of TV Republika.
“I was raised with great respect for ‘Solidarity,’ because my father was a man of ‘Solidarity’,” said the President of Poland. He noted that as a political protégé of President Lech Kaczyński, he also absorbed from him a deep understanding of the Solidarity movement.
“I wish to say with great satisfaction: ‘Solidarity’ is a trade union that stands guard over the interests of working people, while also taking into account the interests of the Republic of Poland,”
stated Andrzej Duda.
“Thank you…” – Andrzej Duda to Solidarity
“Deeply believing in what President Lech Kaczyński conveyed to me, I have endeavoured from the very beginning to cooperate with Solidarity and to listen to its suggestions,” he emphasized. He listed projects accomplished jointly, beginning with the lowering of the retirement age, which had previously been raised by the PO-PSL government.
“Thank you for having done this together,” he said. He also expressed gratitude for the agreement signed in 2015, at a time when—as he himself admitted—“few believed I would become President of the Republic of Poland.”
“Today, as I approach the end of my presidential service, I do so without regret. Because I have always viewed my presidency as a contract with Solidarity, with the Polish people,”
he continued.
“Watch over Poland!” – The President on Freedom of Speech
The President noted that this contract was first for five, then ten years—and not a day longer. “Therefore, I will peacefully conclude my presidential service. I am not saying I will end my service to the Republic. Oh no, not at all!” he added, to which the audience responded with resounding applause.
“You can be sure that if ever there arises a need, and a challenge is presented that I am able to take on (…), then I will accept that task, regardless of how difficult it may be. One must serve the Homeland without sparing strength,”
said President Duda.
“Thank you for supporting me. But today, I have a great request of you: watch over Poland, just as you have done so far. Watch over it, because in a few months—for obvious reasons—I will no longer be able to do so from the Presidential Palace,”
he added.
“I believe that none other than ‘Solidarity’ is destined to watch over the Poland that it helped reclaim for us. To ensure that Poland remains free and sovereign. That it remains a country where the law is upheld, where people are not imprisoned for holding differing views, or because they do not belong to a political group favored by those in power. That it does not become a country where media outlets, which do not proclaim or blindly praise the current government’s views, are shut down, liquidated, or stripped of their broadcasting rights—as is currently being attempted. That we do not allow our freedom of speech to be taken away. Because do you know what will happen if they take away our freedom of speech? Soon, they will say that Solidarity is a criminal organization and must be disbanded—just like they once tried before. Thankfully, they did not succeed. That is why I ask you: watch over Poland!”
declared President Andrzej Duda.
President to Union Members: Mobilize!
The President pointed out that soon, his successor will take office in the Palace. “I hope my successor will work wisely for the Republic and cooperate with Solidarity. That s/he will understand that Solidarity defends the interests of working people—that is, the majority of Polish society,” he emphasized.
“If my successor wishes to hear the voice of working people, s/he should listen to Solidarity,” said the President, calling on union members to mobilize for the 2025 presidential election and to vote for the candidate who would “most worthily represent Polish interests.”
“We need voter turnout, votes, and vigilance to ensure the elections are fair,”
he stated.