Separation of the Church and state, reconciliation with Russia and closer relations with the EU and NATO are the main goals of the Democratic Left Alliance’s candidate for president, Grzegorz Napieralski.  

“Poland can be a better country, which looks ahead instead of looking back,” Napieralski has said, and added that if he becomes president, he will not behave like his rivals in the presidential race – Jaroslaw Kaczynski and Bronislaw Komorowski – who have been leading the same old disputes for years and attacking each other by pulling out facts from the past.  

Grzegorz Napieralski summarises his policy objectives in five points.

Firstly, the Democratic Left Alliance’s candidate wants to “invest in young people.” “In order to raise the level of education in Poland we need to invest in modern technologies, introduce new teaching methods, provide schools with computers and make sure that everyone has free access to internet,” he said.  

Secondly, the Left candidate wants to fight unemployment and improve working conditions in Poland. “Nowadays women in Poland earn less than men even if they hold the same post, there is no clear system of promotion. Many Poles do not receive the minimum EU wage and are exploited.”

European standards

Fourthly, Democratic Left Alliance’s candidate calls for adopting “European standards” in Poland – such as a clear separation between the state from the Church. “Catholic bishops cannot tell Poles that they are not allowed to take communion if they support in vitro,” said Napieralski who opposes the Church’s ban on IVF. 

Fifthly, Napieralski wants “historical truth” to prevail in the country. “Kaczynski and Komorowski falsify the history of Poland by totally condemning the [communist] People’s Republic of Poland. It’s true that there were bad moments and bad people during communist rule but we cannot forget about our parents or grandparents’ contribution to forming of the nation,” said Napieralski.  

In Napieralski’s opinion, the president of Poland should seek dialogue, rather than aggravate political disputes by using the right of veto – a tactic used often by the late Lech Kaczynski.

The president should also be open and active in the field of foreign affairs. “We should look for friends among our neighbours. Poland already managed to establish good relations with Germany, which should be further developed, and now needs to get rid of its Russophobia and reconcile with Russia,” said Napieralski. Strengthening of Poland’s role in the EU and NATO are also Napieralski’s priorities. “These are the two pillars of Poland’s political and military security,” said Napieralski.  

Asked about his potential cooperation with PM Donald Tusk in case he becomes a president, Napieralski said that he was ready to talk. “We certainly won’t reach agreement on privatization of hospitals or abolishment of public media, but in other issues, such as construction of motorways, preparations for EURO 2012, strengthening Poland’s position in the EU and health reform, we are unanimous,” said Napieralski. (mg/pg) 

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Source: PAP