Is it honourbale for ex-presidents to commercialise themselves?

polskatimes.pl/artykul/8980675,komorowski-walesa-i-cinkciarzpl-promocja-polskiego-biznesu-czy-obciach-prezydentow,id,t.html

Aside from the stink surrounding Komorowski's alleged theft of state-owned oeuvres d'art, he and Wałęsa are now being accused of staining the honour of the presidential office by advertising a currency-exchange outfit cinkciarz.pl

I was turned off even by Małysz plastered from head to toe with high-revenue commercial logos, each providing a hefty kickback. What about you?

Whoever they may be, greedy politicians and those only concerned about their image are sickening. When they choose politics, their only concern should be to serve the people they represent. I know I am naive .... ;)

Priceless.

I have looked at it. It does look low... They look like 2 has beens eager to make any money...

No to defend these guys (I happen to know Komorowski and think highly of him) but MANY ex presidents do things like this in return for financial remuneration. Many do it to raise funds for institutions or charities that they establish or run. Most commonly, they speak in events against rather handsome payments. Many American ex-presidents raise funds that way.

@Polsyr: Poland (and more largely Europe) is not to be confused with the USA. In Europe we don't do things the way they do in the US. Charitative work is most important in the US whereas in Europe we expect States to take care of all welfare programs. The article posted by Pol3 does not reflect Polish and even European reality and therefore can shock. This has nothing to do with charity, they just want to make money. Sorry, but in a country like Poland this is shocking. Komorowski and Wałęsa, as former presidents are more than well taken care of by the tax payers so it's a little bit.. .. deplaced. I am sure most Poles will be shocked.

@InPolska, I agree it is not common in Europe, but it certainly isn't unheard of...

A half hour of a certain Italian ex-prime minister's time on your stage will set you back a handsome 25k Euros. He is very popular in Russia for some reason.

And a certain French ex-president has spoken in several events and lobbied on behalf of foreign entities. He accepted an apartment (on Quai Voltaire in Paris, 180 square meters) from a certain Lebanese donor for lobbying and speaking on his behalf (the son of the donor that was involved in funding the campaign for Rassemblement pour la République).

@Polsyr: We are not talking about notorious crooks such as ... Berl...usc..ni and Sar...kozy but of former Polish presidents who mean to make extra money. I am just saying that in a country like Poland, it is shocking because it does not correspond to the way most people are. I am sure most Poles shall regard that as pure greed. Poland is a conservative and religious country.

What, you're saying that Poles aren't all for obtaining money?

It might not be the nicest thing to say, but a common observation among foreigners is just how money-obsessed Poles are.

The poor tend to be money-obsessed everywhere. Only those who don't have to worry about making ends meat can go in for higher things -- culture, intellectual self-improvement, charitable activities, &c.

@Delph: the "nouveaux riches" are for sure obsessed with money but their social class represents a very small % of the Polish society. When I talk about Poles, I refer to the "average Pole" and not to tiny minorities. Yes, most Poles are modest, not greedy and can be shocked...

I can understand why you would say that, but believe me, corruption still flows and money is used to lubricate all kinds of joints, and just because it is taboo to talk about it, it doesn't mean that it isn't happening. Almost everyone is conservative and religious on the surface, but underneath some will do anything and everything for a quick buck.

I like the fact that the Polish ex-President is paying tax on his earnings and announcing them openly and isn't ashamed of doing what he is doing.

And another thing, I was not talking about the French ex-President that you named, but one that came directly before him.