Dr. Mirosław Oczkoś: Czarnek's effect is dragging PiS down

Mirosław Oczkoś, an expert interviewed by Jacek Nizinkiewicz, has strongly criticized recent statements by Przemysław Czarnek, a politician from the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party. Czarnek had called for an immediate halt to both European Union and domestic military and financial support for Ukraine. Oczkoś dismissed this proposal as "completely detached from international reality," particularly in light of recent European agreements on joint air defense.

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Czarnek was chosen as 'Braun bis.' But when he tries to be 'Braun strong,' it doesn't work because people always prefer the original.

Oczkoś drew a parallel between Czarnek and the controversial former politician Stanisław Tymiński, suggesting Czarnek's attempts to emulate a stronger persona were ineffective. "Czarnek was chosen as 'Braun bis,'" Oczkoś stated, referring to another figure. "But when he tries to be 'Braun strong,' it doesn't work because people always prefer the original." He further asserted that Czarnek's radical stance directly conflicts with the legacy of President Lech Kaczyński, to whom the PiS party frequently appeals, calling Czarnek's statements "simply ravings" from the perspective of Polish national interest.

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What Czarnek says is, from the perspective of Polish national interest, simply ravings.

The expert argued that Polish politicians make a fundamental error by focusing foreign policy solely on domestic political gains. "To realize one's interests, one needs tools and diplomacy, not just shouting and insulting neighbors," he explained. Oczkoś also addressed the complex relationship with Kyiv, acknowledging the historical pain related to the Volhynia massacres and the lack of progress on exhumations. However, he stressed that emotions should not override pragmatism. "Poland's wisdom should lie in taking care of its own security. We need Ukraine so that we don't have to shoot down Iskanders over our own heads and so that Russian tanks don't stand in Przemyśl," he stated, emphasizing Ukraine's role in Poland's security.

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To realize one's interests, one needs tools and diplomacy, not just shouting and insulting neighbors.

Regarding the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland, Oczkoś directly blamed political cynicism. He suggested that leading up to parliamentary elections, political parties are deliberately creating an "enemy figure" to exploit societal fears. "Pointing a finger at the culprit is the easiest mechanism when something goes wrong in someone's life. Our people are soaking up this hatred," the expert warned.

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Poland's wisdom should lie in taking care of its own security. We need Ukraine so that we don't have to shoot down Iskanders over our own heads and so that Russian tanks don't stand in Przemyśl.