“What the government is saying – that irresponsible people flew into a war zone and now have no way to return – is a lie. Most of them were already there, or – as in the case of Dubai – it is a massive transfer hub. A huge number of people returning from Southeast Asia change planes in Dubai. Others are coming back from southern Africa. A vast number of our compatriots around the world were left to fend for themselves, without any consular support. They were informed that there is a war and told to manage on their own,” assessed Tobiasz Bocheński, an MEP from Law and Justice (PiS).
Following the U.S. and Israeli operation launched on Saturday against Iran – and the subsequent retaliation by Iranian forces – many Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) warned of a high risk to civil aviation in the region – both in Iranian airspace and in neighboring countries hosting U.S. bases. The agency recommended that carriers suspend flights to and from the Middle East until March 6. These rules do not apply to non-EU airlines.
Nevertheless, many countries decided to send aircraft – including military planes – to evacuate their citizens. Among them were the Czech Republic, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Austria.
Until now, the position of the Polish government did not include such a solution for Polish citizens stranded in Middle Eastern countries or in distant parts of Asia. As a result of the closure of the airport in Dubai, Poles who had layovers in the United Arab Emirates were unable to return home.
Delayed Government Response
Only today, after several days, did the Coordination Team for the situation in the Middle East convene. During the meeting, Prime Minister Donald Tusk referred to the issue of the lack of evacuation for Polish citizens.
“The decision to send air transport for those in need due to health conditions is already being implemented. Within several hours, an aircraft with medical priority should land in Oman,” he said. He added, “If the plane flies to pick up the sick and there is also room for others – to the extent possible, we will evacuate everyone who needs it.”
“We Have an October State”
Tobiasz Bocheński, an MEP from Law and Justice (PiS), commented on Tusk’s remarks and statements by other representatives of the Polish government on TV Republika.
“We have an October state – once again. When Law and Justice was in power and such situations occurred, assistance was convened immediately, coordinated by the Foreign Ministry, the military, and LOT Polish Airlines to bring our compatriots home from such places. It is not true that they are there by choice. What the government is saying – that irresponsible people flew into a war zone and now have no way to return – is a lie. Most of them were already there, or – as in the case of Dubai – it is a massive transfer hub. A huge number of people returning from Southeast Asia change planes in Dubai. Others are coming back from southern Africa. A vast number of our compatriots around the world were left to fend for themselves, without any consular support. They were informed that there is a war and told to manage on their own,” he assessed.
He also admitted that the statements made by those in power are “shameful words that undermine Polish citizens’ trust in their state. Every citizen must have the conviction that their state stands behind them. Even when they find themselves in a difficult situation, whether at home or abroad. That even then the state will extend a hand and take care of them.”
“The arrogance of those in power, the statements by Teofil Bartoszewski and Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki are simply arrogant. These politicians are essentially saying: we did nothing wrong, everything is perfect, and the fact that people are complaining is their problem. This is sheer audacity. Disgusting behavior. It undermines citizens’ trust in the Polish state. It does not only cause resentment among those who were left to fend for themselves. Everyone is asking themselves: in a situation of danger, can I count on the state’s help?” he added.
Critical opinions regarding the stance of Donald Tusk’s cabinet have also been circulating online.
“Four days after the outbreak of the crisis, the Prime Minister of Poland organizes a briefing and announces that he may send a plane for the sick – meaning 1 percent of our citizens who cannot return home,” wrote Waldemar Buda, an MEP from Law and Justice (PiS), on X.
Other internet users also point to the government’s clearly delayed actions, writing: “Better late than never.”