Prezydent.pl

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Constitution indicates foreign affairs and security of state to be areas of particular involvement and shared responsibility of the President.

Six years ago Poland joined the European Union. Then, it was Europe telling us and the countries from our region, "Come with us". And as a result, now we can not only look after Polish interests efficiently, but also inspire joint actions in the spirit of openness and solidarity. Poland has initiated the Eastern Partnership and suggested more extensive talks on a Common Security Defence Policy. We are joining the group of European leaders; we want to strengthen, inspire and dynamize the old continent, to which Poland's EU presidency in the second half of 2011 will also contribute. I will support the government in dealing with this important task. However, at the same time, I would like the President’s office to become a centre for reflection over the future of a common Europe. As discussion on this topic is already going on in Europe and Poland’s voice cannot be unheard. This should be a far-reaching voice of all Poles.

To show Poland's European roots, my first foreign visits will be to Brussels, Paris and Berlin. I believe that relations shaping within the Weimar Triangle, i.e. between Poland, Germany and France, are crucial for European stability and cohesion and for Poland's international position. I will also act in favour of strengthening our cooperation with the other EU partners.

One of the pillars of Poland's foreign policy is close relations with the United States and the transatlantic bond. As a NATO member Poland is conscious of its allied obligations. We understand that for the sake of our own and collective security we should commit our forces to allied actions. Poland has acted in this way many times. It is, however, important that objectives, resources and responsibility for such ventures be defined in a joint debate. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces I will ensure that Polish soldiers risking their lives and health, as they are today in Afghanistan, always know their aims and time frame of their missions. It is the right of each soldier to understand their tasks and always know how long they are to last.
I want to continue the policies of my predecessors who managed to strengthen the community of central European interests, particularly in the Visegrad Group, and tighten Poland's relations with countries in our region. Both with those which joined the EU in recent years, as we did, and with those aspiring to EU membership, whom we support, like Ukraine.

There will be no stable development of this part of Europe without co-operation with Russia. I will support the process of Polish-Russian reconciliation and the process of forming closer Polish-Russion relations. This is an important challenge facing both Poland and Russia.
Looking for partners among states on different continents we cannot forget our great Polish community, a family that is always close to our hearts and can constantly rely on Polish assistance.

Honourable Assembly,

Poland has changed a lot over the last two decades. But we still face big challenges. In the next few years we have to strengthen the foundations for the permanent social and economic development – invest in infrastructure, improve the quality of public services, keep state finances in tight rein. We have to improve the quality of education and ensure access to it for all; we have to invest in scientific research, and provide better financing to cultural institutions. Poland needs people that are creative and able to think independently. Poland needs non-governmental organisations. Education, the internet and civic activities will define our place in the future and not only in today’s world.

We have to eliminate obstacles making a start in life difficult for young people. Jobs, housing, kindergartens, nurseries must not be scarce goods and services. The health service and pension systems are among those areas that require radical improvement so that Poles can work longer, if they wish, and retire living to a certain standard through an adequate pension. This is our obligation towards citizens and actual fulfilment of an order of solidarity as this is also a problem faced by young people starting their professional careers.
The equal rights for men and women guaranteed by the Constitution need to be enforced both in employment and public affairs.

Work is a key to the future and quality of life for all citizens. Good work determines Polish patriotism of the 21st century. I will be an ally to Parliament and the government in all projects that are important for the development of the economy, education, science and culture. I will support modernisation of the state to improve the quality of life of all citizens. I would like Poland’s growth to be as fast and even as possible, covering large urban complexes as well as rural areas and towns. The President's task is, and will be, to ensure that no one is deprived of their chance to be part of the community and to receive aid in a difficult situation due to their origin, capacities, age, education or place of residence.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Poland needs order, manifesting itself in well-functioning state institutions, efficient and friendly administration and in everyday safety. We want to live in friendly social surroundings with a good health care system as well as a modern, efficient and integrated national security system, protecting our national heritage and natural environment. Let us not expect the state alone to be a guarantor of this order. All Polish citizens are guarantors of this order. It is us – society – who should be united and responsible.

Compatriots, fellow citizens,

Today I address this message to each and all of you; to all Poles, wherever you are, and whatever your political opinions and beliefs.

I will strengthen and support relationships between us in cooperation for the development and success of Poland, the cooperation of all of us.

I am aware that you will judge me by acts, not by words. The declarations I have made today about cooperation, dialogue and openness will be an unwavering direction for me and my activities. I believe in the path of Poland. I believe that we may follow it with courage and move bravely forward. I believe in Poland, I believe in the patriotism of everyday effort, everyday work. I believe in our Polish abilities and capabilities because, quite simply, I believe in us, Poles.

Thank you very much.