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Polish PM mocks right-wing rivals over pre-election controversies

30.05.2025 13:20
The head of the Polish government responded via social media to a series of emotionally charged comments made by right-wing politicians shortly before the end of Poland’s presidential campaign.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk ridiculed his right-wing rivals in a social media post, referencing past scandals and a banned snus with nicotine to highlight what he sees as the hypocrisy and extremism surrounding their presidential campaign.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk ridiculed his right-wing rivals in a social media post, referencing past scandals and a banned snus with nicotine to highlight what he sees as the hypocrisy and extremism surrounding their presidential campaign.Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara/Wojtek Jargiło/Paweł Topolski

In a post shared within the past 24 hours on X (formerly Twitter), the politician referred to remarks by Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party.

He also mentioned a televised address by the current president, Andrzej Duda, who called for respect for the Constitution despite having violated it multiple times.

Another target of the post was Karol Nawrocki, who describes himself as a civic candidate but is officially supported by PiS, and who caused fresh controversy.

“Kaczyński says he fought in gang brawls, Duda says we must respect the Constitution, and Nawrocki talks about decency. Must’ve been the same snus,” Prime Minister Tusk wrote.

Tusk was referring ironically to a recent scandal that shocked the Polish public.

During a live presidential debate on television, Nawrocki was seen using snus, a nicotine product banned in Poland and across the European Union. He placed a pouch of powdered tobacco under his lip, raising serious concerns.

Earlier reports revealed that Nawrocki had ties to football hooligans, neo-Nazis, and criminal groups. He also allegedly arranged prostitutes for guests at a hotel where he once worked as a security guard. He had also taken part in violent hooligan fights.

Party leader Kaczyński dismissed the controversy by saying that his late brother, former President Lech Kaczyński, had once taken part in similar fights as well.

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Source: X/@donaldtusk