On September 23, 2025, during a session of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Polish President Karol Nawrocki was captured on video appearing to consume snus, a form of smokeless tobacco product. The incident occurred amid discussions on global issues, including the ongoing Russian invasion. Video footage shows an aide handing Nawrocki a small pouch, which he then places under his upper lip. This act has sparked widespread discussion on social media and in Polish political circles, raising concerns about public decorum, addiction, and the legality of snus in Poland, where its sale and public use are restricted. This is not the first such occurrence involving Nawrocki, as similar behavior was observed during a National Security Council (RBN) meeting earlier in September 2025.
Background
Karol Nawrocki assumed the presidency of Poland following the May 2025 elections, succeeding Andrzej Duda. As a relatively new leader, his debut at the UNGA was anticipated to focus on Poland’s stance on international security, particularly in light of regional tensions. Snus, a nicotine-containing product popular in some Nordic countries but banned for sale in the European Union (including Poland) since 1992, is typically placed between the gum and lip for absorption. While not classified as a narcotic, its use has been linked to nicotine dependency, and public consumption by high-profile figures can attract scrutiny.
The UNGA session on September 23 involved addresses by world leaders, with Nawrocki participating in debates on aggression and peace-building efforts. The incident happened during a brief pause, visible to cameras and attendees.
Description of the Incident
- Timeline: The event took place around 16:00 GMT on September 23, 2025, shortly after or during a speech segment.
- Visual Evidence: Multiple videos circulating on social platform X (formerly Twitter) depict an assistant approaching Nawrocki and providing a small container resembling a snus tin. Nawrocki is seen extracting a portion and inserting it under his lip without hesitation.
- Contextual Notes: Observers noted Nawrocki’s casual demeanor, which contrasted with the formal setting. No immediate disruption occurred, but the footage quickly went viral.
This mirrors a prior incident on September 11, 2025, during a Polish National Security Council meeting, where Nawrocki was filmed chewing or consuming what appeared to be snus, prompting criticism from opposition figures and public commentators.
Public and Political Reactions
- Social Media Backlash: The video amassed thousands of views, likes, and shares within hours. Critics labeled Nawrocki as unprofessional, with comments highlighting the irony of using a banned substance in Poland during a global forum. 3 7 Some users expressed concern over potential addiction, while supporters downplayed it as a minor habit.
- Political Commentary: Opposition politicians, including members of the Civic Platform, condemned the act as embarrassing for Poland’s international image. Roman Giertych, a parliamentarian, publicly described it as evidence of nicotine dependency. 5 No official statement from the Polish government has been issued as of September 24, 2025.
- International Perspective: Foreign media and users noted the incident as a quirky distraction from substantive discussions, with some drawing parallels to other leaders’ personal habits under scrutiny.
Implications
- Legal and Health Aspects: Snus is illegal to sell in Poland, though possession for personal use is not criminalized. Public health experts warn of risks including oral cancer and cardiovascular issues associated with prolonged use.
- Diplomatic Impact: While unlikely to affect Poland’s UN standing directly, the episode could undermine Nawrocki’s credibility during his early presidency, especially amid Poland’s role in NATO and EU affairs.
- Recommendations: For future public appearances, enhanced protocols for aides and personal conduct could mitigate similar occurrences. A public acknowledgment might address dependency concerns and restore focus on policy matters.
