Tadeusz Rydzyk, a controversial figure in Poland, recently broke his silence in an emotional interview, openly discussing his views on current political events, including allegations against him and the government scrutiny on his activities. The founder of Radio Maryja and Telewizja Trwam described Poland as being in a state of liquidation, voicing concerns over the treatment of religion and the integrity of political and media institutions in the country.
In a candid conversation with wPolsce24, Rydzyk stated, "To, co jest teraz w Polsce, to bym powiedział w skrócie, że to jest Polska w likwidacji. Inaczej: Polska likwidowana." (What is happening in Poland now, I would say in short, that it is Poland in liquidation. Otherwise: Poland is being liquidated.)
His comments were a response to ongoing government investigations into his foundation, Lux Veritatis, and its financial dealings. Rydzyk claimed he has received no state funding recently, despite previous years of financial support from various government sources, primarily under the Law and Justice party. He exclaimed, "Czy ja ukradłem coś ludziom?" (Have I stolen anything from people?), questioning why he is scrutinized and criticized when he has dedicated his life to the spiritual well-being of many Poles.
The context of Rydzyk's claims is rooted in a larger investigation by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA), which began in December 2024, concerning alleged irregularities connected to a 219 million PLN contract for the construction of the Museum of Memory and Identity, named after John Paul II. This contract was issued by former Minister of Culture Piotr Gliński. Controls by the National Revenue Administration (KAS) have revealed that the contracts were poorly structured, lacking penalties for ceasing museum operations and not mandating actual construction.
In the interview, Rydzyk expressed his affection for Poland, making it clear that despite the current political tensions, he remains devoted to his homeland. He lamented, "Patrzę na Polskę i nie ukrywam, że ją kocham. To jest moja ojczyzna." (I look at Poland, and I do not hide that I love it. This is my homeland.)
The interview also covered the recent death of Barbara Skrzypek, a local figure whose interrogation raised questions surrounding the political climate. Rydzyk suggested that the treatment of Skrzypek during her interrogation was emblematic of a broader pattern of violence and oppression that he perceives within current political practices. He voiced alarm over the way detained politicians, including women, are treated by authorities, stating, "To jest zamach na wolność." (This is an attack on freedom.)
Rydzyk was particularly critical of Donald Tusk, the current opposition leader, who he accused of undermining his reputation. "Tusk mówi: 'interesy Rydzyka'. Jakie moje interesy? Może niech zobaczy, jaką mam pensję. Czy mam coś od tego państwa?" (Tusk says: 'Rydzyk's interests.' What are my interests? Maybe he should see what my salary is. Do I get anything from the state?)
As he continues to face scrutiny, his organization has been the subject of multiple checks and investigations since the current government took power. Rydzyk described these actions as part of a systematic effort to "likwidować, obrzydzać" (liquidate, disgust) the Catholic Church in Poland.
The controversy surrounding his foundation continues to unfold, especially after significant discrepancies were found during KAS inspections. These inspections identified misleading information provided to the government regarding viewership figures for Telewizja Trwam and indicated that board members of the foundation had commissioned themselves for activities under government grants, raising ethical concerns.
As tensions rise, Rydzyk's fervent defense of his work and his faith in Poland's future resonates with his supporters. He concluded the interview by urging viewers to scrutinize the information they receive, appealing to their sense of discernment when it comes to media reports about him and his contributions to society.
In summary, Tadeusz Rydzyk's powerful statements encapsulate the ongoing struggle between religious institutions and political authorities in Poland. His claims about the liquidation of Poland and calls for scrutiny of media narratives reflect deep-rooted tensions in a society navigating changing political landscapes.
