“In the past, when prosecutors took action against those guilty of abuse, someone from PiS would hold a sign saying ‘you can’t jail us all.’ Maybe not, but the work continues, I can assure you,” declared Prime Minister Donald Tusk from the parliamentary rostrum. During his address to parliament, Tusk devoted significant attention to the prosecution of opposition figures, making it clear that these efforts would be pursued further.
On Wednesday, the Sejm resumed its session to consider a vote of confidence in Donald Tusk’s government. The debate opened with the prime minister’s exposé. While Tusk acknowledged that the government’s actions had influenced the outcome of the presidential election, he claimed that it was only because his administration had not sufficiently publicized its “achievements.” He then set out to change that. Among the few concrete declarations in his nearly hour-long speech was a firm commitment to continue prosecuting political opponents.
“I realize that many of the things we dreamed of together have yet to be fulfilled,” said Tusk, “but I want to emphasize with full force that the pursuit of accountability—never treated by me as revenge or retaliation—will go on. No abuse, no theft, no fraud will be swept under the rug.”
He insisted that all actions would be carried out in accordance with the law, but warned: “There will be no mercy, no leniency for those who deserve punishment.” He stressed that his government would be uncompromising in pursuing accountability—and began to highlight the charges already brought against opponents.
“These investigations are without precedent in Polish history—and without precedent in the European context,” Tusk claimed. “There are already formal charges filed. Charges against former Prime Minister Morawiecki—something that has never happened before. Eleven parliamentary immunities have been lifted. Formal charges have been filed against seven members of the former PiS Council of Ministers […] Six indictments are ready for court. And I’m only talking about the upper echelons of power,” he added.
Tusk said he would not be drawn into a “witch hunt,” but firmly added: “No one will convince me that, for example, because of the outcome of the presidential election, we should stop holding people accountable.” His remarks were met with applause from the ruling coalition benches.