The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, was so impressed with Gdańsk after his visit that he wrote to Prime Minister Donald Tusk at night: “I’m in love with Gdańsk.” Tusk published the message on X but immediately faced criticism in the comments. “I’m in love with Gdańsk” — such a pleasant message was sent to me at night by President Emmanuel Macron. I understand him, — wrote Donald Tusk. Let us remind you that the President of France arrived in Gdańsk on Monday (April 20) at the invitation of the Prime Minister from Sopot, on the Day of Polish-French Friendship. A summit between the two countries took place over the Motława River in connection with the upcoming anniversary of the signing of the treaty in Nancy, in which Poland and France promise each other broad mutual cooperation. The program of the visit was intensive. The official welcoming ceremony took place at Długi Targ, and the summit with both leaders was held at the Artus Court. Macron and Tusk also laid flowers at the Monument to the Fallen at Stoczni Gdańskiej. The President of France visited the ECS exhibition and met with Lech Wałęsa. He also visited the French military cemetery — the largest necropolis of French soldiers outside France. In Gdańsk, 1500 participants of the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars are laid to rest. “Mr. Prime Minister, this is Gdańsk, not Danzig” Many commentators cannot forgive the Prime Minister for using the German “Danzig” while speaking English with the Frenchman. This was also pointed out by the account of Jacek Sasin, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Assets during the PiS government. “Gdańsk is Gdańsk. Even for President Macron, this is obvious. And you said ‘Danzig’ again yesterday. A pleasant post on X won’t cover that up,” wrote Jacek Sasin. Further comments address the overall situation in Poland, including healthcare issues. For example, someone writes that Poles deeply do not care that some Frenchman “loves Gdańsk,” as “people are dying in queues to see doctors, and you are engaged in international PR. Shame.” Military security was discussed at the meeting This was an important visit (even if Emmanuel bypassed Warsaw and President Karol Nawrocki — but that’s a topic for another conversation). Its key aspects include military security in the context of Russia’s aggressive policy and the changing security architecture in the world, where the significance of NATO and previous transatlantic relations is diminishing under US President Donald Trump. France commits to supporting the defense of NATO’s eastern flank with its nuclear “umbrella.” Comprehensive cooperation in nuclear energy, electronic technologies, and armaments is also proposed. Poland is seriously considering the purchase of heavy transport aircraft, refueling planes, and cruise missiles from France. This was discussed during the summit in Gdańsk by representatives of the French and Polish delegations. There were also joint declarations about the partnership between the two countries. The significance of France in the world is growing. During foreign visits, President Macron conveys a certain message: “We are a predictable ally you can count on.” Unlike another ally. In the current situation, where the world is unstable, in a dangerous position, and experiencing a crisis in diplomacy, France seeks to take a central place in global strategic partnership, says Dr. Janusz Sibora, a historian and specialist in diplomatic protocol. The expert emphasizes that France ranks second in terms of foreign investments in Poland — their total exceeds 100 billion zlotys. About 1200 French companies operate in the country.
«I’m in love with Gdańsk»: French President Emmanuel Macron confessed his love for Gdańsk after visiting the capital of Pomerania
