Polish MPs criticize Tusk for “rewriting history” in New Year’s address

Members of the Polish parliament have accused Prime Minister Donald Tusk of rewriting history following his New Year’s address, in which he referred to 2026 as marking the 1001st year of the Polish state, according to Polish media.

During his address, Tusk stated that the beginning of 2026 marked the 1001st year since Poland’s founding. Traditionally, however, historians count the start of Polish statehood from 966, the year of the baptism of Prince Mieszko I Piast.

“It is no secret that Tusk is repulsed by the Christian heritage of our homeland, but even elementary school children know that the beginning of our history is considered to be the baptism of Poland. Unless the prime minister has started rewriting history,” said Mariusz Błaszczak, chairman of the Law and Justice parliamentary faction, on social media.

The statement has also drawn criticism from researchers. According to Polish historian Kamil Janicki, specifying a particular date in this context was controversial.

“It would have been better not to choose a specific date, and I am surprised by this statement because it was to be expected that many would find it provocative,” Janicki told the media.

“On the other hand, it is difficult to assume that this happened by accident in the message, so I am surprised by the choice [of date] itself. Not because it is wrong, but because it is obvious that it will provoke emotions,” he added.

Tusk’s message also described 2026 as “the year of the rapid conquest of the Baltic states,” which sparked further criticism.

By Tamilla Hasanova