Polish defence minister condemned over Jewish conspiracy theory
 

Poland?s newly appointed defence minister has been condemned for entertaining the possibility that a fraudulent document claiming to show there is a Jewish plan for world domination may be real.

Antoni Macierewicz is one of a number of controversial appointments the rightwing Law and Justice party made on Monday after securing an absolute majority for the first time in the country?s general election.

His appointment could complicate Poland?s relations with Nato and EU allies as they seek to contain Russia. It could also prove difficult for David Cameron, whose European Conservatives and Reformists group is propped up by Law and Justice.

Macierewicz told listeners to Radio Maryja in 2002 that he had read Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a pamphlet that purports to be a Jewish plan to control the global economy and media, but which has been exposed as a hoax.

He acknowledged there was debate about the pamphlet?s authenticity, but told a listener: ?Experience shows that there are such groups in Jewish circles.?

His words have been widely condemned by anti-racist campaigners in Poland. Rafał Pankowski, who wrote about Macierewicz?s appearance on the radio show in a book about Poland?s far right, said: ?He is well known for his divisive, radical style of politics, which is rooted in the nationalist identity discourse of Radio Maryja.

?The political culture of Law and Justice seems strongly influenced by such discourse. It is a sad time for Polish and European democracy if the promotion of conspiracy theories is rewarded with high-level appointments.?

A former member of Poland?s anti-communist opposition movement and deputy defence minister, Macierewicz is known for his efforts to purge the country?s military intelligence services of communist and Russian influence.

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