In Warsaw on Tuesday, Poland's deputy prime minister affirmed determination to proceed with implementing a new tax on large tech companies, in response to the incoming United States ambassador's threat of retaliation. Tensions have escalated between Warsaw and Washington due to disagreements over security and trade policies set by President Donald Trump, resulting in a public spat between diplomats over the weekend.
The U.S. ambassador criticized Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski's tax plans on social media, deeming them unwise. In an interview with Radio Zet, Gawkowski condemned the ambassador's comments, stating that dictating another country's legislation is detrimental to democracy.
Minister Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz expressed concern over the timing of the tax proposal, despite acknowledging the concept of taxing tech giants positively. Gawkowski, also the Minister of Digital Affairs, mentioned the tax might focus on the profits of tech companies in Poland to benefit local tech industry development.
The escalating discourse followed a Twitter exchange involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Elon Musk, and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. Prime Minister of Poland also chimed in cautioning against hubris on social media. The nationalist opposition Law and Justice (PiS) criticized the government's actions, fearing damage to Poland's relationship with its key ally, the United States.