Polish People’s Party (PSL) MP Piotr Zgorzelski published a post marking the 80th anniversary of the death of Wincenty Witos, the Prime Minister and renowned leader of the peasant movement. His post was met with sharp criticism from internet users, who pointed out that “the PSL has been invoking Witos for years, but in practice has always betrayed his ideals.”
Zgorzelski on the 80th anniversary of Witos’s death. Strong reactions
The PSL politician wrote that “80 years ago passed away a three-time Prime Minister, one of the fathers of our independence, who, as head of the Government of National Defense, stopped the Bolshevik onslaught. He devoted his entire life to serving the Homeland and the Polish countryside. His words and deeds still remind us that Poland’s strength is born from work, honesty, and community. The memory of Wincenty Witos is a commitment to serve Poland as he did – with faith, courage, and humility,” we read.
Piotr Zgorzelski’s post provoked a very strong reaction online. Users pointed out that the party’s actions have repeatedly “betrayed the ideals” of this outstanding peasant movement leader.
Below are selected comments:
“The PSL has been invoking Witos for years, but in practice has always betrayed his ideals – instead of being the voice of the countryside and an independent peasant movement, it got bogged down in arrangements, compromises, and salon politics, far removed from the spirit of work, honesty, and community that Witos saw as the foundation of Poland,”
“Wincenty Witos. Lucky him – he doesn’t have to watch how you’ve disgraced his ideals,”
“The PSL speaks like Witos but thinks and acts like Bierut,”
“Witos would certainly not be pleased with how the current PSL operates,”
“He’s turning in his grave seeing what you’re doing,”
“The current PSL has nothing in common with Witos,”
“You think you can compare yourselves to Witos?! Shame on you!!!”
“You invoking Witos is quite the comedy.”