Today's announcement that the Polish presidential couple killed in the tragic aircraft accident over Smolensk last Saturday would be buried on Sunday at 2PM in Krakow [1]‘s Wawel Castle [2] raised a lot of controversy.
Lech Kaczyński's family was given a choice of three burial locations: the Wawel Castle in Krakow, as well as St. John's Cathedral [3] and the Powązki Military Cemetery [4] in Warsaw [5]. Stanisław Dziwisz [6], the Cardinal Archbishop of Krakow, announced [7] [PL] today that they had decided in favor of Wawel, and this announcement later sparked a series of public protests.
Some 400 protesters gathered [8] [PL] in front of the Metropolitan Curia of Krakow tonight to voice their concerns: the authorities’ failure to consult with the nation; the fact that Wawel is a resting place of kings, military leaders, representatives of the Polish literature and other historical personalities considered heroes of the nation; the fact that none of the spouses of the heroes resting there had been buried along with them. The protest was organized through several Facebook groups, such as this one [9] (currently 2,143 fans), this [10] (23,369 fans) and this [11] (11,782 members). Nearly 1,400 people have signed this online petition [12] [PL] related to the protest as well. The scale of the protest on Facebook did not go unnoticed in the Polish mainstream media [13] [PL].
To understand the sentiments of the protesters, let's look at some of their posts on Facebook. Maciej Sadkowski expresses the dominant opinion of one of the groups opposing [14] the decision [PL]:
A definite NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Gabi Wielesik points out [PL] [14]:
Not only that suddenly the person everyone laughed at suddenly becomes a national hero, now this…paranoia…maybe we should bury [Gosiewski [15]], [Szmajdziński [16]] and others in Wawel, too? they died [in the plane crash] as well…
Paula Rettinger believes [14] [PL] that the president's place is in Warsaw:
I protest against the burial of [Lech Kaczyński] in Wawel. Brother of my grandfather died in Katyń. As well as my mother's uncle. The topic is close to my heart. The only reason to call Kaczyński a hero is his accidental death. It's an irresponsible, foolish decision taken under the pressure of a constant propaganda flow of condolences to the deceased couple. The Warsaw Cathedral is a necropolis for presidents, and it is where the president should rest.
Izabela Wójcik refers [14] [PL] to the image of Poland abroad:
I also oppose it, as all my friends I've talked to. But it is not only our internal matter because now the entire world will see how after a short period of unity the Polish nation divides and argues again. Try to look at this image: the cortege with guests from all around the world and a demonstration in the back of it. How will it look like to the world? Why multiply conflicts with decisions of this type? Eh…
Piotr Tomula points out [14] [PL] the past sentiments of the Kaczyński family towards Krakow:
He did not receive the honorable citizenship of Krakow, so now his brother pushes him in through the back door for even more, this is exactly how the duckies [a slang word for Kaczyński brothers, derivative of the word ‘kaczka’ – ‘a duck’], NO HONOR, only VANITY…
Kuba Bielecki speaks [14] [PL] with irony:
If my family decides where we should be buried, I will tell my brother that I want it to be Wawel, but hand in hand with Sobieski [17], well actually Mickiewicz [18] would satisfy me, too.
Agata Kol is one of the few voices [14] [PL] supporting the decision, though:
Kaczyński was a head of state, just as kings from the Piast [19] or Jagello [20] dynasties. He was also chosen democratically.
Gazeta.pl posts a survey [21] [PL] on the topic, asking the public for their opinions. Here are the current results (as of 11PM):
What do you think of the plans to bury Kaczyński in Wawel?
63% Should be buried in Warsaw
26% Brilliant, is is exactly his place
11% It does not matter, his family should decide
Piotr Kowalczyk's tweet [22] [PL] sums up the general direction of the discussions:
Wawel will not unite the Poles, but divide them.