Tusk told a gathering in Gdańsk that no party or group owns patriotism, and that Poles prevail when they act as a community. He invoked the spirit of August 1980, saying differences were set aside then to defend “holy” priorities such as independence.
“It is worth recalling what Rzeczpospolita, res publica, means: a shared cause,” he said, adding that “an independent Poland is our shared cause.”
The prime minister said Poles can “with pride” claim the country has become the world’s 20th-largest economy, surpassing several “traditional powers,” while building what he called the strongest army in the European Union and becoming an unquestioned regional leader.
He highlighted joint efforts with partners to help Ukraine repel Russia’s invasion and said that, if all goes well, a first Polish satellite would enter space on Tuesday.
“Poland reaches for the stars,” he said, describing the country as safe and home to “free Poles,” a “great treasure” that must be guarded.
Independence, he added, is about ensuring people feel like free citizens “always and everywhere.” “Poland today is a place people do not leave. Poland today is a place to which people return,” Tusk said.
He closed by linking unity with resilience and success: when Poles act as a community, they “win, overcome evil and fear nothing,” he said.
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Source: PAP