In a fifteen‑minute video posted Wednesday, Polish MEP Grzegorz Braun announced he had invited former EU vice‑chair Ryszard Czarnecki to the European Parliament, prompting accusations that Czarnecki is joining Braun’s “fire‑extinguisher front”.
Video Sparks Allegations of Alliance
In the clip, Braun calls Czarnecki a “representative of the euro‑kolkhoz regime” and claims that the ruling PiS’s politics “load huge hopes” onto further developing “pisk theory”. The video, widely shared on social media, portrays Braun as warning that Czarnecki’s presence could signal a shift toward the so‑called “fire‑extinguisher front”, an informal coalition of Braun’s allies.
Czarnecki Refutes Joining Braun’s Front
When asked about the meeting, Czarnecki said he had accepted Braun’s invitation, describing it as a “standard outreach” that he would have done with any other political group. He added that Braun joked about him joining the “widefire‑extinguisher front,” and that the party has become an “interesting front” for ties with the European Union.
Czarnecki emphasized that he remains a member of Law and Justice (PiS) and coordinates with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). He dismissed rumors of an affiliation with the Confederation of the Polish Crown, stating that the party’s growing attraction was due to “trending influence” among voters rather than any personal move on his part.
Recent Political Transfers Intensify Concerns
In June, after the presidential election, PiS veteran Sławomir Zawiślak joined Braun’s party reportedly in exchange for support in the second round of voting. Commentators speculate that the transfer, like Czarnecki’s, signals a broader shift of PiS politicians toward Braun’s orbit.
Parliamentary Votes Suggest Possible Alignment
Both parties recently faced immunity votes: Confederation members opposed the lifting of Zbigniew Ziobro’s immunity, whereas the Karolina Nawrocka’s group aligned with PiS, which supported the motion to remove Braun’s immunity. The commentator notes that these divergent stances could hint at a convergence of the two political circles.
