Poll: Poles divided on government's image-building efforts after 'Poland brand' report fiasco

A recent poll reveals a divided public opinion in Poland regarding the government's strategy for crafting the nation's international image. The survey, conducted by SW Research for rp.pl, indicates that a significant portion of the population is unsure or unaware of any concerted efforts by the current administration to promote Poland abroad.

Nearly one in five respondents, approximately 20%, reported noticing no specific actions taken by the government to enhance Poland's global perception. This sentiment suggests a potential disconnect between government initiatives and public awareness, or perhaps a perceived lack of impactful activities.

The poll was conducted following the resignation of Professor Barbara Mróz-Gorgoń from her position as the government's plenipotentiary for promoting the 'Poland brand.' Her departure came after considerable criticism arose concerning a report she co-authored, titled 'Poles' Self-Portrait.' The report faced accusations of containing numerous errors, including factual inaccuracies and unnatural phrasing, leading to speculation that it may have been generated using artificial intelligence tools.

Issues within the report included claims that young Poles often know Mandarin in addition to English, that Katowice is located in the 'north-central' part of the country, and inaccuracies regarding Poland's Nobel Prize laureates and GDP figures. The report's language also drew attention, with instances of English insertions and the use of phrases like 'traditional bread-making' to characterize Poland.

Further complicating matters, the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, which had co-financed the research underpinning the report, issued a statement clarifying that their funding was for the research itself, not the final report. The think tank involved also distanced itself, stating it was not a party to the contract with the ministry and not the formal executor of the task, after the report initially vanished from its website.