# Polish Government Defends Minister Kierwiński Over Krakow Attack Remarks Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka supports Minister Kierwiński's claims regarding the attacker's radical political ideology. - **Source:** [Polsat News](https://www.polsatnews.pl) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5d95e167-4776-4359-87c2-ec77f7a50a88 ## Ministerial Remarks Spark Controversy Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński faced intense backlash after linking the Krakow attacker to extreme right-wing ideologies. During a press conference following the Saturday incident, Kierwiński stated the perpetrator held radical views. This assertion triggered immediate condemnation from opposition figures, who labeled the minister's public comments as inappropriate and offensive. ## Government Spokesperson Defends Actions Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka publicly defended Kierwiński, arguing that the minister fulfilled his duty by informing the public. Szłapka emphasized that the minister acted swiftly based on initial evidence gathered during the investigation. He maintained that providing timely information is a core responsibility of the interior ministry during crises. ## Evidence of Radicalization Cited Szłapka noted that initial investigative findings, supported by Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek, suggest the attacker was fascinated by figures like Anders Breivik. These preliminary observations form the basis of the government's hypothesis regarding the perpetrator's extremist motivations. Authorities continue to examine evidence to confirm these links through formal legal proceedings. ## Opposition Criticizes Political Rhetoric Adam Andruszkiewicz, deputy head of the Presidential Chancellery, criticized the minister for politicizing a violent crime. He argued that politicians should refrain from commenting on the personal ideologies of criminals. Opposition members claim that Kierwiński’s statements caused significant reputational damage to Poland by prematurely labeling the attacker's specific political leanings. ## Prime Minister Tusk's Stance Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed support for Kierwiński, thanking him for the rapid dissemination of information regarding the Krakow attack. The government maintains that the minister's transparency was necessary for public safety. Tusk remains committed to the official narrative presented by his cabinet despite the ongoing political pressure. ## Separate Legal Issues Emerge The political landscape is further complicated by legal charges against Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski. Prosecutors accuse him of misappropriating over 1 million British pounds, 405,000 euros, and 6.6 million zlotys from the Non Omnis Moriar Foundation. These alleged financial crimes occurred between 2012 and 2022, involving complex asset concealment. ## Future of Bartoszewski Uncertain Prime Minister Tusk is expected to decide on Bartoszewski's political future after the minister returns from leave on November 12. Spokesperson Szłapka clarified that this decision rests solely with the Prime Minister, independent of the Polish People's Party's stance. Consultations with Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz are planned before any final administrative action occurs. ## Broader Implications for Governance The simultaneous handling of the Krakow attack investigation and the corruption allegations against a high-ranking official places significant strain on the current administration. These events highlight the challenges of maintaining public trust while managing internal crises. The government's ability to navigate these dual pressures will define its political stability moving forward. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.polsatnews.pl/gosc-wydarzen/2026-11-10/naleza-mu-sie-podziekowania-rzecznik-rzadu-broni-kierwinskiego/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._