Statement from Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski

I am passionate about our city of Hamtramck and our Polish history, which is why I am also concerned about attempts to outlaw US investment and ownership of companies in Poland– especially regarding the media – a shared pillar of our democracies.

The ruling party in Poland’s government is forcing a vote to nationalize the last remaining free and independent media channel in the country. This is not what democracies do, and it’s horrible for business. Here in the US, foreign investors from allied countries both own and have significant stakes in the massive media industry.

Their investment strengthens our alliance, both economically and culturally, which has a direct impact on defense and national security ties in a challenging global environment.

As US Senators recently said, “this is not the way to attract foreign investments and would further undermine media freedoms for which Poles have long fought.” I stand with the overwhelming majority of Polish people who want a free and independent media, even if an American company owns part of it. 

Karen Majewski
Mayor of Hamtramck, MI
Letter to the Editor