Poland's Sports Minister, Jakub Rutnicki, has sparked controversy after sharing a photo from the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics showcasing him with the national flag. Despite expressing pride in the Polish team with a message on social media, the focus quickly shifted to the condition of the flag in the picture, which appeared wrinkled and less than perfect. This detail did not go unnoticed as numerous critical comments flooded in, highlighting how the presentation of national symbols is perceived in the public eye.

Public reaction was swift, with notable figures chiming in on the issue. Former spokesperson for the Chief Commander of Police, Mariusz Ciarka, questioned the Ministry of Sports' failure to provide a neat flag and asked sarcastically whether there were assistants responsible for such details. Comments from politicians, including PiS lawmaker Radosław Fogiel, further added to the criticism, suggesting that the minister should take immediate action to rectify the situation. Suggestions ranged from removing the post to even returning to the venue with a properly ironed flag.

This incident underscores the importance of national symbols in Poland and the expectations regarding their presentation, especially at major international events like the Olympics. A wrinkled flag has become a talking point, suggesting a deeper societal expectation for respect and decorum in the representation of national identity. The negative response may have implications for Rutnicki's public image and the perception of the Ministry of Sports as a whole, especially during a time when national pride is particularly emphasized on international stages.