Polish politicians’ racist remarks target Obama

18 November, 2008, 15:40

Polish politicians are keeping up with the trend of the last two weeks by making racist jokes at the expense of Barack Obama.

Following the U.S. election an inappropriate joke, related to the President's skin colour, was made by the Polish minister of foreign affairs, Radoslaw Sikorski. Now, a similar comment has been made by the Polish President's twin brother and leader of the “Law and Justice” party, Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

The leader of the Social Democratic party was critical of the affair, and said in a statement: “I have previously heard the joke about Barack Obama and his family background from Jaroslaw Kaczynski”. He noted that the same joke was voiced by the head of Poland's foreign ministry.

Last week, further comments on Barack Obama's race were made by Artur Gurski, another member of the “Law and Justice” party. During the party's session, Gurski made a series of negative remarks directed at Obama and followed by saying that the election of Barack Obama as the US president was “a catastrophe, and the end of white people's civilization”.

Representatives of the Social Democratic party have already filed a case against Gurski. If his racist remarks are found offensive enough and he is proven guilty, the parliamentarian could face up to three years in jail.

Nevertheless, despite such agitated reactions to the remarks, there have been reports of Radoslaw Sikorski, the Polish FM, also indulging in racist humour, despite vehemently criticizing its use.

On Sunday, the “Law and Justice” party has made an announcement that it will demand an investigation into the alleged racist jokes made by its members. If Sikorski is found to have made the comment, the party stated it will seek appropriate punishment for the foreign minister.