Listening today to the responses of government spokesperson Adam Szłapka to journalists’ questions about the Polish state’s actions toward citizens remaining in the Middle East, one could experience a certain sense of deja vu reminiscent of now-iconic statements made years ago by the spokesperson for the Kielce Waterworks. In general – everything is fine, the government is coordinating, a task force is advising, and “all agencies are operating in crisis mode.”
Thousands of Poles are currently staying in what has recently become a particularly dangerous region of the Middle East, including as many as several thousand – in Dubai alone. Other European countries are organizing evacuation flights for their citizens in the conflict zone – Germany, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France – yet the government of Donald Tusk has shown little inclination toward similar initiatives. Before today’s Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister spoke in broad terms, assuring that Poles would not be left without assistance, but specific details were lacking.
After the meeting, journalists sought further clarification from spokesperson Adam Szłapka.
Instead, they heard more equally vague statements.
“The Polish government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have in fact been operating in crisis mode since Saturday, including in directly exposed locations such as Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. In cooperation with offices, our missions have helped 500 people depart. A hotline is operating. Information is being provided on an ongoing basis. A crisis team has been established with the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, the Minister of Sport and Tourism, and the Minister of Infrastructure. All citizens who require support will receive it,” Szłapka stated.
He argued that “coordination is ongoing between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, and companies – travel agencies – in order to maintain contact with those who need such support.”
“We are dealing with a large-scale situation – this involves several thousand Poles and more than 400,000 European citizens. This coordination is crucial. All agencies are operating in crisis mode, and we are ready to provide any assistance necessary,” the government spokesperson added.
Adam Szłapka then repeated that “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is operating in crisis mode, gathering information and coordinating cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, which remains in constant contact with travel agencies.”
“Representatives of our authorities are in contact with representatives of the authorities of the United Arab Emirates, who have also undertaken to cover the costs of stays during this period. We are logistically prepared, but there is the issue of need and coordination with tourism companies, travel agencies, and partners on the ground. Inevitably, airports and logistics are required, and cooperation with European countries is essential – demand will be very high,” Szłapka said.