Polish publication fires deputy editor over “offensive” comments about President Karol Nawrocki

Polish media outlet “Obserwator Międzynarodowy” (“International Observer”) has dismissed its deputy editor-in-chief, Vitalii Mazurenko, after controversial remarks he made about President Karol Nawrocki during a live television appearance on “Polsat News” on 26 August.

Mazurenko, a Ukrainian-born journalist who holds Polish citizenship, described the president’s behaviour as that of a “pahan” – a term from Russian prison slang used for a criminal boss. His comments came just a day after Nawrocki vetoed a new law restricting social and healthcare benefits for Ukrainian refugees.

In a statement, the editorial board stressed that Mazurenko’s words represented his “private opinion, expressed without the knowledge or approval of the newsroom”, and announced the immediate termination of his contract.

“As a Polish portal, we categorically do not accept or tolerate the undermining of the authority of the office of the President of the Republic of Poland. Our values are based on honest journalism, responsibility for words, and full respect for the institutions of the Polish state and its representatives”, the outlet declared.

Heated television exchange

During the “Polsat News” broadcast, the programme host objected to Mazurenko’s language, calling it “offensive to the head of state” and urging him to reconsider. Mazurenko responded that his remarks referred to the president’s behaviour toward vulnerable Ukrainian immigrants, not to the institution of the presidency itself.

The journalist refused to retract his words during the broadcast but later issued an apology on Facebook, writing: “As a citizen of the Republic of Poland, I want to emphasise that I fully respect the institutions of the country, headed by the President. I apologise to anyone whose feelings were affected by my words.”

The controversy comes against the backdrop of President Nawrocki’s decision to veto a law that would have curtailed Ukrainian refugees’ access to work and social services from 1 October. Critics argue the measure risks fuelling undeclared employment and reducing tax revenues.

On 25 August, Nawrocki also announced plans to restrict access to child benefits and healthcare for Ukrainian nationals, while proposing a legislative initiative that would classify the “Bandera symbol” as equivalent to Nazi and communist symbols under the Polish Criminal Code.

Nawrocki, who campaigned on a “Poland First” platform reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump, narrowly defeated liberal Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski in the second round of the June 1 elections. His victory was seen as a blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a staunch ally of Kyiv.

While Nawrocki has voiced support for Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s full-scale invasion, he has also opposed Ukrainian membership in NATO, a position that appears to be gaining traction among parts of the Polish electorate. Public sentiment has shifted as Poland hosts some 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees, placing pressure on the state budget and public services.

Reactions in Warsaw

Nawrocki’s veto sparked criticism from pro-Ukrainian figures in government. The Ministry of Interior warned that the president’s decision undermined “economic stability, social cohesion, Poland’s international obligations, and the security of the entire country.” It estimated the financial impact at 8 billion złoty (€1.8 billion), straining an already tight budget.

“No one will benefit from this veto. Budget revenues will be lower, and expenditures will be higher,” the ministry stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski took to social media to accuse Nawrocki of serving Russian interests. “Russia is pleased with the president’s efforts to block support for Ukraine! We didn’t have to wait long for the new president’s actions in support of Russian imperialism,” he wrote on X.

Polish President vetoes aid for Ukrainians and threatens Kyiv Starlink funding

Sources: European Pravda, BGNES

Caption: Polish President Karol Nawrocki participates in a meeting of the Cabinet Council with the participation of the prime minister and members of the Polish government at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland, 27 August 2025.