Revoking Order of the White Eagle from Zelenskyy would be historically inconsistent, argues Rzeczpospolita editor

Bogusław Chrabota, editor-in-chief of Rzeczpospolita, has penned an argument against the potential revocation of Poland's highest state decoration, the Order of the White Eagle, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Chrabota contends that such a move would be historically inconsistent and devalue the significance of the award.

Chrabota draws attention to the fact that the Order of the White Eagle has been bestowed upon controversial figures in the past. He specifically mentions Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy, and Miklós Horthy, the regent of Hungary during World War II, as recipients of the order. The presence of such historical figures among the awardees, Chrabota implies, sets a precedent that complicates the idea of stripping the honor from Zelenskyy.

Furthermore, Chrabota emphasizes the rarity of the order being formally rescinded. In the entire 300-year history of the Order of the White Eagle, it has reportedly only been taken back from one individual. This historical context suggests that revocation is an extreme measure, reserved for the most exceptional circumstances.

Chrabota's commentary urges a consideration of historical precedent and the established practices surrounding the Order of the White Eagle before any decision is made regarding President Zelenskyy's award. The argument centers on maintaining the integrity and historical continuity of Poland's most prestigious honor.

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Recipients of the White Eagle to this day include Benito Mussolini and Miklós Horthy. And in the entire 300-year history of the order, the decoration has formally been taken away from only one person.