Tensions rise in Poland as police detain ex-officials at presidential palace

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Poland, police entered the presidential palace on Tuesday to detain two former high-ranking officials, intensifying a dispute between President Andrzej Duda and the newly elected government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

 

Former Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski and his deputy, Maciej Wasik, were taken into custody, executing a court order that has deepened the divide in a nation already grappling with political discord. The move came shortly after Tusk accused Duda of obstructing justice, following the appearance of the two lawmakers at the presidential palace.

 

This confrontation is the latest development in an ongoing clash between the government and the president, who hail from different political factions. The incident at the presidential palace saw police actively searching cars leaving the premises, in an unprecedented action that underscores the severity of the situation.

 

The conflict stems from a broader political struggle. Tusk, a prominent figure in European politics, has pledged to dismantle the policies of his predecessors from the nationalist Law and Justice Party (PiS), which has faced criticism for allegedly undermining democratic principles during their eight-year tenure.

 

https://twitter.com/RafalBochenek/status/1744814701073023456

 

The situation escalated when police blockaded an exit of the Belweder Palace, preventing Duda from leaving, according to reports. Meanwhile, outside the presidential palace and at a local police station, hundreds of PiS supporters gathered in protest. They chanted slogans like “Free political prisoners” and “Shame!”, expressing their indignation at the arrests of Kaminski and Wasik.

 

In a charged statement, PiS spokesperson Rafał Bochenek condemned the police action, labeling it “an illegal kidnapping and a violation of all democratic rules”. 

 

Source: Newsroom