Ryszard Majdzik, a former anti-communist activist and a vocal critic of Poland’s political transformation after 1989, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. This time, it isn’t just about his views—it’s about police intervention at his home, which many suspect is linked to his criticism of Donald Tusk and the Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska). Police claim they searched hidden illegal weapon, but quite a few take it for granted. Is there a story behind?
Majdzik’s Criticism of Tusk at a Political Rally in 2023
On May 15, 2023, during a political rally, Majdzik did not hold back. Addressing Tusk and his party, he raised several hard-hitting points about their governance, policies, and historical accountability. Some of his most striking remarks included:
“It was no one else but you who betrayed Poland on June 4th, 1989. It was a betrayal of Poland! Because you made deals with the communists! And the communists landed on their feet! Who held communism accountable?”
“Mr. Trzaskowski also talked about patriotism, yet he changes the names of streets in Warsaw from Polish patriots to communists!”
Here is full Majdzik’s statement at the rally.
Dwa lata po krytycznym przemówieniu na wiecu Tuska dom antykomunistycznego aktywisty przeszukany. Polityczny odwet czy może zbieg okoliczności? #Majdzik #Polska #Tusk pic.twitter.com/fgMZtKVzP6
— Prawy Prosty EU (@PrawyProstyEU) March 19, 2025
Majdzik’s words reflected a broader sentiment among conservatives and nationalist groups in Poland, who believe that the post-communist transition was flawed (we described the controversy here) allowing former communist elites to retain power and influence.
Police Search: Coincidence or Political Pressure?
Two years after his speech, Majdzik’s home was searched by the police. While authorities have not explicitly linked the action to his statements, many suspect a deeper political motive. The timing of the search, coming shortly after his public attack on Tusk and the Civic Platform, has fueled speculation that the government may be using law enforcement to intimidate political opponents.
This would not be the first time Polish authorities under Tusk’s governance have been accused of leveraging state institutions for political purposes. Poland’s political climate has been marked by increasing polarization, with accusations of media manipulation, judicial interference, and targeted actions against critics on both sides of the political spectrum.
This incident is not isolated; it echoes a recent controversy involving the death of Barbara Skrzypek, a close associate of Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Skrzypek passed away on March 15, 2025, three days after being questioned by prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek in connection with the “Two Towers” real estate project linked to the PiS-affiliated company “Srebrna.” Kaczyński accused Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government of persecuting opposition figures, suggesting that Skrzypek’s death resulted from such actions. He described her as “the first fatal victim” of the current administration’s alleged oppression. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has not referred to Skrzypek’s death ever since.
Kaczynski’s Closest Associate Dies Soon After the Interrogation
It is also worth recalling the words of Roman Giertych, a lawyer and active politician who served as the head of one of the coalition parties in the 2005-2007 government formed with Law and Justice (PiS). Last year, he explained the rationale behind prosecuting PiS politicians who were in power until 2023.
As he stated, his role was to assist in the testimony of remorseful politicians willing to incriminate Kaczyński’s party, which he accused of financial fraud and theft—allegations that remain unproven to this day.
In his 2024 statement, Giertych said:
“Let me tell you [Jaroslaw Kaczyński] one thing. The essence of this parliamentary team we have established, along with the work of several dozen lawyers associated with it, is that we are preparing testimonies, or rather helping those who want to testify honestly, in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure. Those people from within PiS, Jarosław, who want to testify against PiS—we are helping them use Article 60. of the Criminal Code, the so-called ‘small crown witness’ provision, to tell the truth. Perhaps motivated by remorse, perhaps by fear, but to tell the truth. How you stole.”
Poland Heading Towards Regime?
These incidents highlight a troubling pattern where actions against individuals critical of the government or associated with opposition parties raise questions about the impartiality of state institutions. The timing and nature of these events suggest a potential misuse of law enforcement for political purposes, undermining democratic principle.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for Polish society and international observers to scrutinize the actions of government authorities to ensure that fundamental rights are upheld and that political dissent is not met with undue repression.
A Pattern of Political Retaliation?
The key question remains: Was the police action against Majdzik justified, or was it a form of political retaliation? His case echoes broader concerns about political freedom and the limits of dissent in Poland. Whether one agrees with Majdzik’s views or not, his story and puzzling pattern recent actions raises important questions about democracy, free speech, and the boundaries of governmental power.