Speaking in Warsaw’s Piłsudski Square at the latest commemoration of the disaster that killed President Lech Kaczyński, his wife and 94 others, the conservative leader was repeatedly shouted down by demonstrators opposed to the gatherings.
“We meet today in a new situation, we have a new president, and we hope everything that hurts Poland so much will end,” Kaczyński said. He expressed hope that “shameful events” at the ceremonies would also cease.
In the country’s recent presidential elections, Kaczyński's oppostion Law and Justice (PiS) party supported nationalist Karol Nawrocki, who they called an “independent candidate.”
Nawrocki is set to take office on August 6.
Kaczyński condemned opponents who each month lay a wreath bearing the inscription: “In memory of the 95 victims of Lech Kaczyński, who, ignoring all procedures, ordered the pilots to land in Smolensk under extremely difficult conditions.”
“The times when Putin’s people and Putin’s agents can act freely here, under police protection, are ending,” Kaczyński, the twin of the late president, told the crowd.
On April 10, Poland marked 15 years since the presidential plane crashed near Smolensk, western Russia, killing all on board.
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Source: PAP