Kukiz in strong words! “I propose, Mr. Tusk, that ABW make arrests during the funeral…”
Paweł Kukiz, known for his fiery rhetoric and directness, once again shocked the political scene in Poland with his latest outburst. During a recent interview, the leader of Kukiz’15 delivered a provocative statement aimed squarely at Donald Tusk, the current Prime Minister and leader of the Civic Coalition. His words, referring to the involvement of Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW), stirred immediate backlash and reignited heated debates over the role of state services, political polarization, and the limits of political expression.
“I propose, Mr. Tusk, that ABW make arrests during the funeral…”
Those words fell like a political bombshell. Kukiz, commenting on the ongoing investigations into corruption and alleged abuses of power by former officials, took aim at what he sees as performative justice orchestrated by Tusk’s government.
“Instead of quietly doing your job and following due process,” Kukiz said, “you turn arrests into media spectacles. So why not take it further, Mr. Tusk? Send ABW to arrest people at funerals too. That would really show your power.”
The reference to funerals — a sacred and sensitive context — shocked many listeners. Though Kukiz did not specify any particular funeral, his hyperbole was clear: he accused the current administration of turning law enforcement into a tool of political theater.
Context: Arrests of Former Officials
Kukiz’s remarks come amid a growing number of investigations into alleged crimes by officials from the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government. Over recent months, the ABW and prosecutors have acted on numerous corruption and abuse-of-power charges, some involving high-profile figures.
Supporters of Tusk argue that these actions are long overdue — a necessary reckoning after years of democratic backsliding. Critics like Kukiz, however, see them as political vengeance.
“What we’re witnessing,” Kukiz said, “isn’t justice. It’s a show trial in installments.”
Kukiz’s Evolution: From Musician to Political Agitator
Paweł Kukiz, a former rock musician and cultural icon, entered politics with an anti-establishment message. His party, Kukiz’15, surged in popularity in 2015 on a platform focused on systemic reform, citizen rights, and a radical overhaul of the political class.
Over the years, Kukiz has formed unstable alliances — at times with PiS, at times declaring independence. Critics accuse him of political inconsistency; supporters see a man fiercely loyal to principles over party lines.
This most recent statement continues his tradition of attention-grabbing remarks that underline his deep distrust in traditional parties — Civic Platform included.
Reactions from Across the Aisle
Kukiz’s remarks were immediately condemned by politicians from both the government and the opposition.
Jan Grabiec (KO) said: “This is disgraceful. Bringing funerals into political debate crosses every line. Mr. Kukiz owes the public an apology.”
Marcin Kierwiński, the Minister of the Interior, called the statement “not only disrespectful but dangerous,” warning that such inflammatory language contributes to an already toxic political atmosphere.
Even former allies within PiS expressed discomfort. One MP, speaking anonymously, said: “Kukiz is useful when he attacks Tusk, but this kind of rhetoric makes it hard to defend him.”
Public Opinion Divided
On social media, responses to Kukiz’s comments were polarized. Some applauded his willingness to speak blunt truths about the government’s alleged overreach. Others accused him of demagoguery and exploiting grief to score political points.
Hashtags like #Kukiz and #ABW began trending on Polish Twitter (now X), with users debating whether his remarks represented justified outrage or a dangerous rhetorical overstep.
Kukiz Defends His Words
Facing growing criticism, Kukiz took to Facebook to clarify his remarks, insisting they were metaphorical.
“I was using irony to highlight the absurdity of what’s happening in our country,” he wrote. “Anyone who took my words literally either doesn’t understand satire or is looking for a reason to attack.”
He further accused Tusk of turning Poland into “a state of spectacle, not law,” and called on citizens to demand transparency and respect for legal norms.
What’s Next?
Kukiz shows no signs of backing down. He continues to call for reforms such as single-member districts, referenda binding on the government, and depoliticization of the judiciary. But with each controversial statement, he risks further marginalization.
In a political landscape already defined by bitter divisions, Kukiz’s explosive rhetoric underscores the volatility of Polish politics in 2025. Whether his latest comments help or harm his standing remains to be seen — bu
t once again, he has forced the country to take notice.