In a controversial incident at Primary School No. 209 in Warsaw's Bielany district, MP Janusz Kowalski and right-wing activist Robert Bąkiewicz intervened, claiming that the school's management planned to remove the Polish national emblem from classrooms where the eighth-grade exam will be conducted. This intervention has sparked outrage among local officials and parents, leading to accusations of intimidation and political misconduct.
The events unfolded on May 9, 2025, when Kowalski, accompanied by Bąkiewicz and a crew from the television station wPolsce24, entered the school premises to address what they alleged was an attempt to remove the national emblem. According to Bielany Mayor Grzegorz Pietruczuk, this claim was unfounded, and no such removal had taken place. In a statement on social media, Pietruczuk expressed his deep concern, stating, "MP Janusz Kowalski and Robert Bąkiewicz, together with the wPolsce24 television team accompanying them, broke into Primary School No. 209, where they intimidated the Director and the staff."
During the incident, Kowalski and Bąkiewicz reportedly occupied the director's office despite being asked to leave by school officials. The mayor described the atmosphere as tense, noting that the staff felt threatened by the presence and words of the politicians. He stated, "Despite an explicit order to leave the school premises, Kowalski and Bąkiewicz occupied the headmaster's office. Staff felt threatened by their presence and words." Following the incident, the mayor contacted the police, who were dispatched to the scene; however, Kowalski and Bąkiewicz left before the patrol arrived.
In a video posted on Facebook, Kowalski defended their actions, claiming that the intervention was peaceful and necessary. He stated, "Everything was calm and cultural. We entered to ask questions about the removal of the emblem, as we have an obligation to do so. This is the first such case in the Third Polish Republic." He also accused the mayor of spreading false information, labeling his statements as "fake news." Kowalski insisted that the director fled the office within thirty seconds of their arrival.
The Ministry of National Education (MEN) responded to the incident, stating that schools should remain free from political campaigns and that such intrusions are unacceptable. In their official statement, the ministry emphasized that the national emblem is required to be displayed in classrooms, including during exams, and reiterated that no local authority had issued a decision to remove it. They condemned the actions of Kowalski and Bąkiewicz, stating that their intrusion was used as a political attack against a candidate in upcoming elections.
Mayor Pietruczuk has announced plans to file a complaint against Kowalski with the Speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, and to lodge another complaint with the National Broadcasting Council regarding wPolsce24 for their coverage of the incident. He expressed his determination to ensure that such aggressive political behavior is not tolerated in educational settings, particularly as the eighth-grade exams approach. "We will not allow children to be exposed to similar scenes of aggression," he asserted.
Local parents have also voiced their concerns, rallying behind the school and its staff. Many expressed disbelief that such a political stunt could occur in a place dedicated to education. One parent remarked, "Schools should be a safe space for our children, not a stage for political theatrics." The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of politics in education and the importance of maintaining a neutral environment for students.
As the situation develops, the mayor has called for increased police presence at the school during the upcoming exams to prevent any further disruptions. He stated, "We will ensure the safety of our students and staff. This is not just about the emblem; it is about the integrity of our educational institutions."
The controversy surrounding the intervention by Kowalski and Bąkiewicz highlights the growing tensions in Polish society regarding national identity, political activism, and the role of education. As the country navigates these issues, the incident at Primary School No. 209 serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political expression and the sanctity of educational environments.
In conclusion, the events at Primary School No. 209 have ignited a firestorm of debate, drawing attention to the intersection of politics and education in Poland. With the mayor's complaints and the Ministry of Education's strong stance against such political maneuvers in schools, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming days.
