Poland reacts: MP suspended for insulting Ukrainian (video)
17 September 11:27
In Gdansk, Poland, city councilwoman Silvia Cison from the Civic Coalition party was suspended from her post after a scandal with a Ukrainian taxi driver that has gained significant public and political attention. According to RMF24.pl, the conflict occurred when Cison was traveling with her sons to a soccer match, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The politician claimed that a taxi driver from Ukraine dropped her off at the wrong address, insulted her, tried to spit on her and used pepper spray. The woman said that afterwards she sought medical help.
However, a video from the car’s dashcam later appeared online, showing that it was the MP who used abusive language against the Ukrainian driver and urged him to “return to his country.” On the recording, the man spoke calmly in Polish, and the use of pepper spray was not recorded.
Gdańska radna Platformy, Sylwia Cisoń, z Komisji Kultury i Praw Człowieka, dyrektorka biura Barbary Nowackiej, obraża od najgorszych taksówkarza, krzyczy na niego, rzuca “ku…” i każe mu “wracać do siebie”. Wcześniej udawała pobitą
– e-Janusz Ch. 🛷 (@Janusz_Ch_) September 13, 2025
🎥Trojmiasto,pl@DorotaKania2 @MarzenaPaczuska pic.twitter.com/052j7YoEvE
Pani radna musi być z siebie bardzo dumna.
– ɢʀᴇɢᴏʀ (@gregor_konop) September 14, 2025
In the appendix you can find punkty A and B on the map. Jeśli źle to zrobisz, to jaka w tym wina kierowcy?
Kompletny odlot pani radnej @sylwia_cison pic.twitter.com/5cs876eMPJ
Both parties appealed to the police.
Law enforcement officers are checking the circumstances of the incident, including possible violation of personal integrity and statements with insults on ethnic grounds. In Poland, such actions can be punishable by imprisonment: up to three years for xenophobic insults and up to one year for physical assault.
Silvia Cison has already posted a statement on Facebook, apologizing for the profanity and asking to suspend her membership in the Polish Initiative party and the club of advisors. At the same time, she insists that the video does not reflect the whole situation and continues to accuse the driver of the attack.
Following the publication of the video, the politician was suspended from the party and the Club of Advisors. Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka, in whose office Cison works, confirmed her suspension. Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk Monika Habior called the situation an unacceptable manifestation of xenophobia and emphasized that everyone has the right to respect and safety.
