Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the Sejm with a passionate appeal for national unity, urging all political forces to work together in guiding Poland through what he described as a dangerous period in history. His speech followed the rejection of a motion of no confidence against Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula, a move widely regarded as politically motivated by the opposition. Tusk strongly defended Kotula, denouncing the accusations against her as ideologically driven and symptomatic of broader political prejudices against equality and democracy.

The motion of no confidence, put forward by opposition parties, accused Kotula of policies that allegedly undermined traditional values. However, the Prime Minister dismissed these claims, asserting that the real reason behind the attempt to remove her from office was the opposition’s long-standing resistance to policies promoting gender equality and social justice. He pointed out that the opposition’s rhetoric was rooted in deep-seated aversion to progressive social policies, rather than substantive criticisms of Kotula’s performance as minister.

“The only reason this motion of no confidence has come up is because of your attitude towards women, gender equality, and women’s safety. It is not a question of merit, but a deep-rooted aversion to equality and democracy,” said Tusk, addressing the members of the opposition party Law and Justice (PiS).

Tusk praised Kotula’s dedication to public service, describing her as a responsible and professional politician committed to the government’s policies. He emphasized that, despite holding strong views, she had acted with moderation and integrity, countering opposition claims that she was divisive. He also criticized the opposition’s lack of commitment, highlighting the empty benches in the Sejm when the motion was introduced, which he called symbolic of the weakness of their accusations. Ultimately, the Sejm rejected the motion, allowing Kotula to remain in office.

Beyond defending his minister, Tusk used his speech to address broader concerns about Poland’s political climate, warning against escalating political divisions and emphasizing the need for a unified national strategy. He pointed to geopolitical threats, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as a reason why Poland’s leaders must put aside differences and focus on the country’s stability and security.

“We cannot expose Poland to any risk. We must take advantage of every slightest opportunity to ensure that Poland emerges from this crisis more secure, not more threatened. This depends on all of us—on extinguishing unnecessary emotions and on understanding the essence of the Polish raison d’état,” Tusk stressed.

He warned that the current divisive political climate was weakening Poland at a time when international stability was in jeopardy. He emphasized that national security concerns should transcend political rivalries, calling on leaders from all sides to engage in constructive dialogue. To facilitate this, he announced that during Monday’s meeting of the National Security Council, he would present a set of key policy points aimed at forming a cross-party consensus on Poland’s national interests.

Tusk also expressed concern over the increasing radicalization of public debate, condemning hate speech and political extremism. He warned that incendiary rhetoric and political aggression were not only causing deep social fractures, but also playing into the hands of foreign adversaries. He called for an end to political tactics that intensify hostility within Polish society.

“I don’t know how you feel about it. But I want to tell you that this type of behavior—exacerbating conflict, stirring up aggression, destroying people here in Poland—is really, objectively speaking, part of a dream scenario written in Moscow,” Tusk stated, making a direct reference to Russia’s influence on European politics.

He urged all political factions to take responsibility for ensuring stability and cooperation, rather than fueling division. He emphasized that, in the current international context, Poland needed political unity more than ever.

At the conclusion of his speech, the Prime Minister issued a final appeal for unity, urging all political representatives to put Poland’s national security and future prosperity above partisan interests. He stressed that, despite ideological differences, the country’s leaders had a shared duty to protect Poland’s interests during a historically challenging period.

“I still believe that this time Poles will act wisely—and, above all, that their representatives, the political forces, will do the same. I strongly urge you to think in this way. There is still a chance that we can guide Poland through this very dangerous time together,” Tusk implored.

The next major political test will come on Monday at 1:30 p.m., when President Andrzej Duda has convened a meeting of the National Security Council—coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tusk expressed hope that this meeting would provide a platform for meaningful discussions that could lay the groundwork for a common national strategy, strengthening Poland’s position on the international stage.

“At the meeting of the National Security Council, I will present several key points which, I believe, could form the basis for a general, universal agreement in Poland in favor of the Polish raison d’état at this absolutely historic moment,” he announced.

With tensions running high both domestically and internationally, Tusk’s call for unity will now be tested as Poland’s political leaders decide whether to heed his appeal or continue down a path of division.