Members of Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) held their monthly commemoration Tuesday for the victims of the 2010 Smolensk air disaster, an event that continues to hold significant political weight in the country. The gathering took place at the Józef Piłsudski Square in Warsaw, but was notably missing party leader Jarosław Kaczyński, who is recovering from a recent illness.
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Disruptions at Smolensk Memorial as PiS Leader Recovers
Kaczyński, who recently spent over a week in the hospital being treated for a fever and cough, was discharged from the hospital on Friday. In his absence, party Vice President Mariusz Błaszczak addressed the crowd.
Politycy PiS na obchodach miesięcznicy katastrofy smoleńskiej
Błaszczak stated, “We remember that those who perished over Smolensk died because Russia is once again ruled by people who seek to rebuild the Russian Empire. This was the case when the Russian Empire was red. Then, in Katyn, the Russians committed an act of genocide, murdering Polish officers, officials, and the Polish nation’s elite. The Russian Empire has always, whether it was white, red, or now Putin’s, mortally threatened Poland.”
His remarks were met with disruption from counter-protesters, who shouted “liar” throughout the speech.
Błaszczak continued, characterizing the protesters as “barbarians” and accusing them of aligning with Russian propaganda. He added, “Unfortunately, the current government allows this to happen. The Minister of Justice receives these people. Did he admonish them? Did he notify them that such behavior is inappropriate? On the contrary, he emboldens them. But let us remain calm. Truth will always prevail.”
