Several MPs from Poland 2050 are reportedly considering leaving the party, with Vice Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski said to be in talks with Konfederacja.
Potential Defections from Poland 2050
According to the Polish Press Agency, several Poland 2050 MPs are considering leaving the parliamentary club, including Paweł Zalewski, Ryszard Petru, Joanna Mucha, Aleksandra Leo, and Ewa Szymanowska. One source indicated that Zalewski, the vice-president of the Ministry of National Defense, is “closest to leaving” and has allegedly said the “Poland 2050 project no longer exists.” He reportedly spoke with Konfederacja about running from their list in future elections, after attempts to join PSL were reportedly “blocked” by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Ewa Szymanowska stated she is open to leaving if the project cannot be saved, while Ryszard Petru confirmed he wants a change in the club’s leadership but is not considering leaving himself. Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz reportedly plans to present a unified front to the prime minister, despite 13 MPs allegedly expressing openness to departure.
Calls for Leadership Change
A group of Poland 2050 MPs is demanding changes in the parliamentary club, including the dismissal of its leader, Paweł Śliz. Parliamentarians around Paulina Hennig-Kloska reject Śliz’s leadership, despite Hennig-Kloska losing the party leadership race to Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. The group also seeks regulatory changes to make it easier to recall the chairman, though Śliz has not submitted these requests for voting due to absences.
Party Response to Crisis
Party MP Bartosz Romowicz acknowledged internal turmoil but stated the party won’t split quickly. He claimed any potential split would not lead to members leaving the ruling coalition, saying politicians would “strengthen another coalition party, but always on the side of the coalition.” Romowicz dismissed reports of Zalewski’s potential move to Konfederacja, suggesting Zalewski is a “political vagabond” looking for opportunities, while suggesting Poland 2050 members would more likely move “from PSL to the left, not from PSL to the right.”
