Recent events in Poland have sparked widespread concern over what many perceive as a forceful takeover of one of the country’s crucial institutions—the public media. The controversy surrounds the actions of figures affiliated with Donald Tusk and Tomasz Siemiętkowski, who have been attempting to seize control of public media outlets.
Speaking exclusively to Niezalezna.pl, Member of Parliament Marcin Przydacz expressed vehement opposition to the sudden incursion into key state institutions. “We cannot accept a situation where unknown individuals forcefully take over the offices of those managing some of the most significant institutions in the country without any legal basis,” he stated.
Crowds gathered outside the TVP headquarters, protesting against the actions of Tusk and Siemiętkowski, who, through their appointees, have been endeavouring to assert control over public media since early morning.
During the protest, we spoke with Marcin Przydacz, a member of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, who commented on the day’s events. “It is worth being here to protest against lawlessness, actions that are unlawful. The resolution of the Sejm [lower house of parliament] is not the source of universally binding law,” he emphasized to Niezalezna.pl.
He highlighted the true sources of binding law: the Constitution, international agreements, statutes, and regulations, dismissing any resolutions as opinions that should be regarded as such by the Sejm. Minister Siemiętkowski invoked this resolution today to initiate his entirely unlawful actions. Przydacz stressed that anyone seeking changes in public media should do so in accordance with the law and the Constitution, emphasizing that any such changes should proceed through legislative channels, not through the sudden infiltration of unknown individuals into vital state institutions.
When asked about the European Union’s potential response to the actions of Tusk and Siemiętkowski, Przydacz expressed scepticism. “I don’t expect a reaction; these people are actually pursuing their political agenda and are unlikely to respond to what is happening. However, that does not mean that the world should not be informed about what is going on. Unlawful things are happening,” he noted, criticizing European institutions for what he perceives as turning a blind eye and being rife with hypocrisy.
Regarding the responsibility of those entering TVP premises, Przydacz pointed out the potential illusion of impunity, emphasizing that in a democracy, no government rules indefinitely.
“Possibly, they feel a sense of impunity, but in a democracy, it is never the case that one government rules indefinitely,” he stressed.
Closing his remarks, the PiS parliamentarian highlighted the delicate balance between being critical of public media while condemning any use of force to curtail journalistic activities and implementing illegal actions that undermine citizens’ trust in democracy.
As the situation unfolds, the eyes of not just Poland but Europe are on these tumultuous events, awaiting potential reactions and responses amid growing concerns about the rule of law and democratic principles.