Speaking at a ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of the uprising, Nawrocki praised the sacrifices of insurgents who fought to reintegrate Greater Poland into the reborn Polish state after World War I.
The central observance was held at the monument to the 15th Poznań Uhlan Regiment, with representatives of the government, parliament, clergy, military and local communities in attendance.
“Let us take inspiration from Greater Poland and magnificent Poznań across the entire country,” Nawrocki said. “There is no Poland without Greater Poland, and no Greater Poland without Poland.”
He emphasized the uprising’s blend of “positivist” hard work and “romantic” readiness to fight. “We must be just like them today—diligent in peace, courageous in conflict,” he said.
The president’s reference to Poland’s readiness to defend its western frontier, however, sparked political backlash. Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Nawrocki of fueling anti-European sentiment.
“President Nawrocki once again pointed to the West as the main threat to Poland,” Tusk posted on social media. “This is the essence of the conflict between the anti-European bloc […] and our coalition—a deadly serious dispute about our values, security, and sovereignty: East or West.”
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also weighed in, saying that as long as Germany remains a NATO and EU member led by Christian Democrats or Social Democrats, the threat to Poland’s western border is “nonexistent.” He cautioned, however, that future shifts in German politics could pose new challenges.
The Greater Poland Uprising, which began on December 27, 1918, in Poznań, is considered Poland’s largest and most successful independence insurrection under foreign rule. In 2021, Poland officially declared December 27 the National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising.
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Source: Polskie Radio, PAP