Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is building a power base within the ruling PiS party, testing his loyalty to party leader Jarosław Kaczyński and potentially leading to a split.
Morawiecki Builds Independent Base
Mateusz Morawiecki is establishing his own faction within PiS, challenging the boundaries of loyalty to Jarosław Kaczyński. The newly formed association, Rozwój Plus, could be the catalyst for a political rift, potentially resulting in a separate parliamentary club and even a new party.
With elections a year and a half away, Morawiecki is clearly differentiating himself within PiS. Rozwój Plus already comprises 40 members, including several dozen MPs – enough to form the third-largest club in the Sejm.
Kaczyński in a Difficult Position
The formation of Rozwój Plus has caused significant unrest within PiS. Jarosław Kaczyński expressed concern about the association, but Morawiecki proceeded with its establishment. Removing the former prime minister from the party would risk fracturing PiS, while allowing insubordination is also unacceptable.
Morawiecki’s Vision for Poland
Poland needs more than just a change in power; it requires responsible action, cooperation, and the ability to build broad consensus on key issues. PiS has historically succeeded when it has broadened its appeal and program.
Szydło and Morawiecki Form Alliance
Politicians aligned with Mateusz Morawiecki, feeling marginalized since Przemysław Czarnek was officially nominated as PiS’s candidate for prime minister, are not afraid of the consequences of joining the association. There were pressures on Morawiecki to rebel, or his supporters would not be included on the Sejm candidate lists.
Building Support Across Poland
The former prime minister has been actively touring Poland, promoting his vision of leadership to voters and PiS members. He has been sharing photos from these events on social media, demonstrating significant support.
Reconciliation with Szydło
Morawiecki has put considerable effort into establishing the new association and has reconciled with another former PiS prime minister, Beata Szydło, whom he previously replaced as head of the United Right government. Their relationship has improved to the point where Szydło is publicly defending Morawiecki in the media, believing that PiS is heading in the wrong direction.
Implications for PiS
The alliance between the former prime ministers, in opposition to Jarosław Kaczyński, signals significant changes within the party. Morawiecki is now actively seeking power, which could lead to the formation of his own parliamentary club and eventually a new party. This would weaken PiS and erode support for Kaczyński’s party in the parliamentary elections scheduled for autumn 2027.
Kaczyński to Address the Situation
PiS has announced a press conference led by party leader Jarosław Kaczyński for 1 PM on Thursday.
