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Outgoing Polish president says he has no plans to retire from politics

05.08.2025 12:00
Poland’s outgoing President Andrzej Duda has said he has no plans to retire after leaving office this week, voicing readiness to "continue serving the country" and to support what he described as the "patriotic camp."
Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Polish President Andrzej Duda.Photo: Marek Borawski/KPRP

"I am 53 years old and full of energy, so it is too early to retire," Duda told broadcaster Polsat News on Monday.

He added that he was open to future public service, provided it does not conflict with his post-presidential status.

Asked whether he might form a political party, movement or association, Duda said he could not rule it out.

"I have always said I am ready to support the camp that is patriotic, conservative, that reflects the values that are important to me," he said.

Karol Nawrocki, the incoming head of state, will be sworn in on Wednesday before the National Assembly, beginning his five-year term with an inaugural address.

He will then formally take command of Poland’s armed forces during a ceremony at Piłsudski Square in Warsaw.

Duda was also asked to comment on a statement by Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of the opposition Law and Justice party (PiS), who said during a rally in the southern city of Zabrze that both Poland and the world were "moving to the right."

In a veiled jab, Kaczyński took aim at Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and his wife, US author and journalist Anne Applebaum, who is of Jewish ancestry. Kaczyński mocked the title of her book Matka Polka (The Polish Mother), prompting laughter from his audience.

Sikorski responded on social media, accusing the opposition leader of appealing to antisemitic sentiments and recalling how Kaczyński once praised both him and his wife.

"He used to kiss my hands for how I served as defense minister and praised Anne for her book Gulag. Now he attacks her, winking at antisemites," Sikorski wrote.

Duda defended Kaczyński, saying the PiS leader could not be accused of such motives.

"Anne Applebaum has expressed herself very radically about Poland’s situation, about the United Right government, and about Kaczyński himself," he said.

"I think that’s what he meant, she is simply radically opposed to the political camp he represents. And she is an American."

Regarding the relationship between PiS and the far-right Confederation party, Duda said there were many shared values but also differences.

He called both parties part of a broad conservative or "patriotic" bloc, although he noted Confederation politicians are often "much more radical."

He said cooperation between the two could be possible in the future.

"I would like the patriotic camp to govern Poland," he said, adding that he remains ready to serve the country whenever needed.

(rt/gs)

Source: PAP, prezydent.pl