Nawrocki marks first year in office with 'Poland first' message
Polish President Karol Nawrocki marked the first anniversary of his inauguration in Warsaw on Friday with a "Poland first" message, while also using a derogatory term for Russians as he discussed the conflict in Ukraine.
"The Italians shout, 'Forza Italia!' The Americans shout, 'America first!' And I say, 'Poland first, Poles first!'" Nawrocki declared.
Turning to Ukraine, Nawrocki said it was in Poland's strategic interest for Ukrainian forces to keep Russia as far away from Polish territory as possible.
"Let them kill the Soviets there who attacked them, and that doesn't bother us, Poles, at all," he said.
Nawrocki added that Ukraine could count on Polish support against Russia, using the term "moskal" in his remarks. The historical Slavic term for "Muscovite" is used today in parts of Eastern Europe as a derogatory term for Russians.
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However, he also said it was in Poland's interest that "Banderite flags do not fly in Warsaw and in Poland."
Nawrocki took office on August 6, 2025. His first year as president has been marked by clashes with Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government, including vetoes of legislation backed by the governing coalition.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
