Education minister: primary election a key moment for Civic Coalition

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the decision to hold these primaries at a meeting attended by leaders of other coalition parties, including Modern, the Polish Initiative, and the Greens. Nowacka noted that this primary initiative was proposed by Trzaskowski and enthusiastically supported by Tusk.

She emphasized that primaries provide an opportunity for Civic Coalition to highlight its vision, contrasting it with what she described as the "disorganized" state of the opposition PiS party (Law and Justice Party).

Regarding internal party dynamics, Nowacka expressed support for Sikorski's political engagement and praised Trzaskowski for his unifying leadership and effective response in challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the refugee crisis.

Nowacka also addressed the topic of religious education in schools, indicating that the Ministry of Education is currently reviewing a proposal for one compulsory, state-funded religion class per week. She underscored her commitment to maintaining an appropriate separation between church and state, seeking a reasonable compromise that prioritizes the welfare of students.

She expressed concerns over the current emphasis on religious instruction, arguing that it should not overshadow essential subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, which are fundamental to students' education and development.

Minister Nowacka recently discussed her stance on various topics, including the introduction of a new subject, health education, set to be introduced in schools starting September 1, 2025.

The show host Konrad Piasecki asked Minister Nowacka about the opposition from Ordo Iuris, an organization that objects to health education and claims it will defend parents in court if they wish to withdraw their children from classes covering sexual education.

Nowacka clarified that health education will encompass mental health support, dietary guidance, and physical activity, among other topics. She emphasized that the curriculum is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sport.

She stated: "I am not concerned about what bothers Ordo Iuris. What matters to me is that children attending school receive comprehensive knowledge about their health." She criticized those who would discourage children from participating in education that promotes mental health resilience, proper nutrition, and preventative health practices, which she considers essential.

The new course will replace the subject "Education for Family Life," expanding its focus to cover a broader range of health-related issues. According to Nowacka, the course will be mandatory, regardless of the opinions of certain organizations.

Nowacka also addressed the issue of the Smolensk plane crash, a tragedy in which her mother, Izabela Jaruga-Nowacka, lost her life.

The minister was asked if she had engaged in any open, genuine discussions with Antoni Macierewicz, who led investigations and theories about the crash. Nowacka said she had had a few conversations with Macierewicz, including two when she reviewed materials from his subcommittee. She described the experience as a "sad spectacle," and doubted the sincerity of Macierewicz’s engagement.

Reflecting on the 14.5 years that have passed since the crash, Nowacka remarked that, despite initial hopes that the investigation was well-intentioned, many now see it as "based on lies."

She pointed out that during its eight years in power, the United Right government, led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, had conducted exhumations against the wishes of families, with no substantive findings resulting from them.

She also accused Macierewicz of falsifying reports to fit his narrative, which she described as a waste of significant funds that misled many people.

Nowacka expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defense, Deputy Minister Cezary Tomczyk, and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz for exposing the extent of the "deception perpetrated by Antoni Macierewicz and the rest of PiS."

Nowacka recently shared strong criticisms of Antoni Macierewicz, suggesting that his actions regarding the Smolensk crash investigation amounted to "cynical, shameless deceit."

Asked if she agreed with Radosław Sikorski's view that Macierewicz should face imprisonment, she responded that she looks forward to a parliamentary debate in which his immunity could be lifted. Nowacka stated: "I believe he deserves punishment for the misuse of public funds, inciting conflict, lying, and falsifying reports."

She observed that many people, particularly those close to the crash victims, had genuinely wanted to believe in Macierewicz's findings, hoping to find some explanation. However, Nowacka asserted that there had been "nothing there." According to her, Macierewicz's reports were nothing more than "fraud and deceit."

She recalled a specific instance when she had asked Macierewicz for the signatures of those who endorsed one of his reports and received a document with only his signature. Reflecting on this, she concluded: "It was all a cynical, shameless fraud."