Introduction
In a short interview with German tabloid newspaper Bild, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski appeared to give the impression that cyclists and vegetarians have nothing in common with Polish values.
The Controversial Comments
During the interview, Waszczykowski criticized the previous government's left-wing concept of promoting a mixture of cultures and races, renewable energy sources, and combatting all forms of religion. He claimed that this goes against the traditional Polish values that most Poles hold dear, such as tradition, historical consciousness, love of their country, faith in God, and a normal family life run by a man and a woman.
The Reaction
Waszczykowski's comments sparked outrage, particularly among the vegetarian community. Wroclaw based vegetarian restaurant Złe Mięso took offense and encouraged people on their Facebook page to express their disapproval.
The Irony
Interestingly, the Foreign Minister's decision to criticize cyclists (even though he later claimed it was a joke) seems contradictory given that his own political party proudly featured a picture of their winning Presidential candidate, Andrzej Duda, cycling in their promotional material.
The NATO Connection
In another interview with Reuters, Waszczykowski made headlines by suggesting that Poland could soften their opposition to David Cameron's plans to restrict UK social benefits to migrants from other EU states if NATO increased its presence in Poland. He stated that Poland still considered itself a second-class NATO member-state and that a lack of significant allied forces or defense installations in central Europe provided an excuse for Russian interference.
Government Response
After the interview went viral, the Polish Government claimed that Waszczykowski's comments had been taken out of context. They emphasized that the government is against any form of discrimination regarding social benefits, and that the Minister was merely suggesting a reduction in benefits for all citizens living in the UK.
Conclusion
Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski's controversial comments have sparked debate and criticism both within Poland and internationally. It is important for public figures to choose their words carefully to avoid stirring up unnecessary controversy.
When visiting Wroclaw, you can explore the city's diverse cultural offerings, including its status as the World Book Capital City in 2016. Wroclaw also provides free public transport for large families, making it a convenient and family-friendly destination. Make sure to check the local weather forecast before your trip. We look forward to welcoming you to Wroclaw!