Following a dispute erupting on X, PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński has referred four party members—including former Prime Minister Morawiecki—to an ethics committee.
Clash Over Party Line
“Newsweek” reports that the ruling party avoids publicizing disciplinary decisions to prevent conflict and quell emotions. According to the weekly, Kaczyński initiated proceedings against Mateusz Morawiecki, Patryk Jaki, Jacek Kurski, and Waldemar Buda.
Kurski and Buda are reportedly already facing reprimands.
Kurski’s Criticism of Morawiecki
The conflict began with Kurski criticizing Morawiecki on X, accusing him of undermining the party by poaching members. The former TVP head, associated with the party’s hardline faction, also suggested Morawiecki may have been influenced by others and should explain himself.
Kaczyński’s Initial Approval, Subsequent Reversal
“Newsweek” claims Kurski initially had Kaczyński’s approval to attack Morawiecki. However, after a conversation between Kaczyński and Morawiecki, Kaczyński reportedly withdrew his support, but the exchange had already escalated, extending to Telewizja Republika.
Escalation on Television
On Telewizja Republika, Kurski accused Morawiecki of “embracing” Donald Tusk, then pointedly contrasted that with Tusk “shaking hands with Vladimir Putin over the coffin of President Lech Kaczyński.” He also reminded Morawiecki of his past collaboration with the PO-PSL government.
Buda’s Counter-Accusations
In response, MEP Waldemar Buda initiated a petition to remove Kurski from the party, and accused Kurski of not paying membership dues.
Morawiecki Accuses Kurski of Betrayal
Morawiecki responded by accusing Kurski of betrayal, questioning his actions during the Smoleńsk tragedy and alleging Kurski stabbed Kaczyński and PiS in the back in 2011.
Further Names Submitted to Ethics Committee
Kaczyński submitted four names to the ethics committee. In addition to the Kurski-Buda dispute, the committee will also address the conflict between Morawiecki and Jaki, who reportedly criticized elements of the party aligned with the former prime minister.
Morawiecki’s Response to Jaki
Morawiecki publicly responded to Jaki, questioning the success of Jaki’s flagship judicial reforms and his IPN law, accusing him and others of focusing criticism on the PiS government’s achievements from 2015-2023 rather than Tusk.
Committee Aims for De-escalation
The committee, headed by Elżbieta Witek, will address these issues, but a PiS source told “Newsweek” that the goal is not punishment, but de-escalation. The source emphasized the need to avoid radical or hasty action.
