Jarosław Kaczyński criticizes protesters at Smolensk anniversary

Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, delivered a speech during the monthly commemoration of the Smolensk air disaster in central Warsaw. The event was marked by political tension, including counter-demonstrations and verbal confrontations between participants.

During his address, Kaczyński criticized the behavior of protesters, describing it as a lack of culture and “chamstwo” (rudeness). He further escalated his rhetoric by labeling certain actions as “putinada” and suggesting that if the Polish state decides to combat Russian intelligence agencies, such groups and their leaders would face consequences, including potential imprisonment.

The commemorations, held on the tenth day of each month, continue to serve as a flashpoint for political conflict in Poland. Protesters at the site used slogans such as “Jarek, zabieraj te schody niezgody” (Jarek, take away these stairs of discord), referring to the Smolensk victims' monument. Kaczyński concluded by expressing hope that the current government, which he characterized as being based on “total lies,” would eventually be rejected by society.