The authorities of Angola did everything to properly welcome the Polish prime minister on their soil. Meanwhile, Donald Tusk stepped off the plane in attire unsuitable for the occasion. Other European leaders knew how to appear in such circumstances, as they should – wearing suits.
Donald Tusk arrived in Angola on Monday, where he is taking part in the European Union-African Union summit. The Polish prime minister made an image-related misstep right at the outset – he got off the plane in a wrinkled shirt and sports shoes, even though he was greeted with the highest honors, including a red carpet and an honor guard.
Some may say it was a long journey and fatigue. But it is enough to compare how other European leaders – such as the prime minister of Slovakia or the prime minister of Portugal – disembarked in Angola. They were dressed appropriately and in a manner befitting the form of reception.
It is also worth noting another aspect of the prime minister’s behavior at the airport, which may be crucial for the future perception of Poland in African countries.
“African states are sensitive to such things; they always (as we can see) welcome guests as best they can,” commented Jakub Szymczuk, who worked for years with President Andrzej Duda as a photographer and accompanied the head of state on many foreign trips.
The opposition is also trying to put out the diplomatic fire sparked by the prime minister’s style. MP Dariusz Matecki (Law and Justice) even published a post in Portuguese, apologizing for the situation.