Karol Nawrocki, the presidential candidate, engaged locals during his campaign visit to Sejny, Poland, where he emphasized the significance of local pride and traditional values.
During the visit, Nawrocki joined members of the Koła Gospodyń Wiejskich to prepare sękacz, a traditional Polish cake, symbolizing community collaboration. He proclaimed, "Poland tastes best locally! Today, in Sejny, together with Koła Gospodyń Wiejskich, we are baking the true, golden sękacz! Tradition, taste, and teamwork – this is the strength of our community." This culinary activity not only showcased regional culture but also served as a backdrop for discussing more serious topics.
Nawrocki addressed the contentious issue of migration, starkly criticizing current EU migration policies. Speaking to the gathered crowd, he stated, "I clearly declare on behalf of the citizens of the Republic, if I become president, I will unilaterally withdraw from the migration pact because your safety is the most important thing to me." His sentiments reflect growing concerns among constituents about national safety amid increasing migratory pressures.
Central to his message was the assertion of the necessity for incoming migrants to respect Polish values. Nawrocki elaborated, "Those who come to Poland must respect our values. One rule must prevail in the Republic: if someone enters our home, they respect the values we espouse, they respect who we are." This statement served to bolster his image as the defender of national integrity and local customs.
Furthering his position on migration, he expressed deep skepticism about accepting proposed numbers of migrants, stating, "We do not need 40,000 migrants as part of the readmission process, which the German side wants to impose on us. We need investments here, communication, social assistance houses, health centers, and sports grounds for the youth," highlighting his focus on community development over immigration.
Nawrocki's presence in Sejny is part of his campaign strategy to connect with local residents directly. Following his Sejny visit, he is scheduled to travel to nearby Augustów and Suwałki, reinforcing his commitment to engaging with various communities across the Podlaskie region.
This approach aims to cultivate support rooted not only in political ideologies but also steeped deeply within the rich cultural fabric of Poland. Nawrocki’s campaign continues to highlight local customs and traditions as pivotal to the Polish identity, advocating for policies reflecting these values.
With the upcoming elections close on the horizon, Nawrocki's emphatic stance against migration and his passionate promotion of local culture will likely resonate with voters who prioritize national safety and cultural heritage.