Polish Right Returns to Early Dmowski Ideology, Ignores Szeptycki Family's Complex History
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
Analysis
Sources not specified
Context piece
- Polish right-wing politicians have returned to the early nationalist ideology of Roman Dmowski.
- Critics accuse Andrzej Szeptycki, a deputy minister, of comparing Polish 'cursed soldiers' to Ukrainian Insurgent Army fighters.
- The controversy highlights complex Polish-Ukrainian identities and a perceived regression in national discourse.
A recent controversy surrounding Polish Deputy Minister Andrzej Szeptycki has ignited a debate about national identity and historical memory. Szeptycki stands accused by some right-wing politicians of equating Polish "cursed soldiers" with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a claim the article states he did not actually make.
Despite Szeptycki not making the alleged comparison, the backlash was swift. Politicians like Marcin Przydacz called for his resignation, while Przemysลaw Czarnek, a PiS prime ministerial candidate, demanded the entire government step down, questioning the presence of "Ukrainians insulting Poles" in the government. Journalist Dorota Gawryluk also voiced surprise that someone of Ukrainian origin, perceived as representing Ukrainian interests, held a deputy ministerial post.
Why are there still Ukrainians in this government who insult Poles?
This fervent reaction, the article argues, signifies a regression in Poland's national discourse, pushing it back towards the early 20th-century nationalist ideas of Roman Dmowski. The author contends that the Szeptycki family's history, which illustrates the intricate and intertwined Polish and Ukrainian pasts, has been overlooked in the heated debate. The controversy, therefore, underscores a failure to learn from complex historical narratives, instead reverting to a more simplistic and divisive understanding of national identity.
How is it possible that a person of Ukrainian origin, representing Ukrainian interests, is a deputy minister in the Polish government?
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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