“I did everything possible over the past 10 years—both at home and on the international stage—to ensure Poland’s security and development,” Duda said on Tuesday, noting challenges during his tenure including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
He said Poland has become stronger, more secure, wealthier and more respected globally over the past decade.
“Today, Poland better serves its citizens than it did a decade ago,” he said.
Duda, 53, who was first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2020, was constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in this year's presidential ballot.
He cited Poland’s military growth as a major milestone, saying that the country now has one of the largest armies in NATO with over 200,000 troops and is undergoing its biggest defence modernization in decades.
US forces are now permanently stationed in Poland, he said.
'We have ended the era of Russian energy blackmail'
Duda also highlighted energy security, referencing the expansion of the liquefied natural gas terminal in the northwestern port of Świnoujście and the opening of the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline from Norway.
"We have ended the era of Russian energy blackmail,” he said.
On the domestic front, he pointed to increases in wages, the introduction of the 500-plus and 800-plus child benefit programmes, a lowered retirement age, and expanded infrastructure investment, particularly in smaller towns.
Duda told the nation that Poland’s voice on the international stage has become more influential.
He said Poland had long warned of threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin, including hybrid warfare, overdependence on Russian fossil fuels, and challenges posed by migration.
He also noted Poland’s role in encouraging NATO countries to boost defence spending and in supporting Ukraine after Russia’s 2022 invasion.
He emphasised his commitment to strong transatlantic relations "regardless of the US administration" in power.
'Solid alliance' with America
"A solid alliance with the United States, and Poland’s presence in NATO and the European Union, are matters of national interest," he said.
Duda described Wednesday's inauguration as “a true celebration of our democracy,” adding that Nawrocki’s victory represented the will of millions of Poles who want a "safe, proud country that remains faithful to its values."
He said he would attend the inauguration ceremony with pride and would have done so regardless of the outcome, "because respect for the nation’s verdict and for continuity of power is the foundation of democracy."
Duda said he sees Nawrocki’s election as a mandate to continue key policy directions pursued over the past decade.
'I'm not saying goodbye to the people'
Although leaving office, Duda said he is "not saying goodbye to the people," and will remain active in public life, both in Poland and abroad.
"I deeply believe in Poland and the Polish people," he declared. "I believe in a Poland that is ambitious, fast-growing, innovative—but also rooted in its history, identity and tradition."
Duda’s 10-year presidency formally ends on Wednesday, with the swearing-in of Nawrocki as Poland’s new president.
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Source: IAR, PAP, prezydent.pl