Poland’s neoliberal government claims Russia is engaging in “unprecedented” levels of disinformation and interference leading up to the presidential election, as conservative challengers gain momentum in polls.
Krzysztof Gawkowski, Minister of Digital Affairs, asserts that Poland’s crucial support for Ukraine has made its upcoming presidential elections a target for Moscow.
“We are witnessing extraordinary attempts by Russia to interfere in Poland’s electoral process during this presidential election,” Gawkowski stated. “Their goal seems to be to disrupt the normal functioning of our nation by spreading disinformation and launching hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure,” he continued.
According to the minister, these attacks on infrastructure have manifested as cyber strikes on services like heating, electricity, water, and sewage, as well as other governmental agencies. He claimed the frequency of such attacks has doubled within the last year.
The allegations of Russian interference surface as President Andrzej Duda prepares for the first round of the presidential election, with just two weeks to go.
The political landscape appears to favor Prime Minister Donald Tusk of the Globalist Civic Platform Party. However, the race has tightened significantly recently, particularly after strong debate performances from Karol Nawrocki of the Law and Justice Party (PIS). Nawrocki notably took the stage by placing an LGBT rainbow flag during the debate.
In an apparent bid to undermine Nawrocki’s rising popularity, opponents have brought attention to reports suggesting he and his wife own a second apartment, contradicting his claims about sharing the experiences of ordinary Poles during debates. Nawrocki’s camp contended that this second residence was purchased from a neighbor, facilitating the elderly man’s stay in his home rather than being forced into social housing, although this narrative has raised eyebrows.
Regardless, Nawrocki has claimed that his personal information was leaked to the media by the government’s Internal Security Bureau (ABW) to bolster the opposing party’s campaign. The ABW has denied this, asserting it plans to take legal action against Nawrocki for allegedly spreading false information.
The involvement of national security and other governmental bodies in the democratic process has captured public attention, especially as populist parties face legal challenges across the EU. There have been inquiries this month into such activities, including a move to label certain populist parties as “right-wing extremist” by the German Federal Bureau for the Protection of the Constitution.
Concerns about Russian interference were also raised last November when elections in Romania were canceled after populist candidate Karin Georghec unexpectedly won. He was subsequently barred from taking office amid allegations of disinformation.
Georghe Simion, an alternative to Georghec, mentioned last month that if he and Nawrocki were to become presidents, it would help prevent the furtherance of a European agenda, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
