Poland’s ruling PiS party cautioned its members against joining a new association led by former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, citing statutory conflicts.
PiS Addresses New Association
Following a PiS leadership meeting, Rafał Bochenek announced that the new association was extensively discussed. The discussion was described as “very calm and substantive,” with all interested parties able to contribute.
The outcome of the meeting was a decision by the Presidium of the PiS Political Committee, which Bochenek read to journalists. The Presidium reminded PiS members of Article 6, paragraph 1, point 3 of the PiS Statute.
Statutory Concerns and Disciplinary Consequences
Bochenek explained that the cited article prohibits PiS members from participating in other political organizations, especially those with interests conflicting with the party’s actions. He stated the association is “not a party formula, but an extra-party formula” that contradicts the statute.
He added that activities conducted by PiS members within the association “entail certain disciplinary consequences.”
A Choice for Morawiecki’s Supporters
PiS is attempting to present the situation not as punishment, but as an opportunity. The Presidium recommended establishing an Expert Council within PiS, providing a new forum for parliamentarians wishing to engage in program work and preparations for next year’s elections.
Bochenek described this as a “positive proposal” for those who wanted to join, or had already joined, Morawiecki’s association.
Expert Council Offer
Bochenek stated this is an offer for all PiS members within the party structures. All parliamentarians with ideas, initiatives, or concepts regarding the campaign and the group’s activities can apply to the Expert Council.
Opportunity for Re-engagement
The party is offering activists associated with Morawiecki a chance to withdraw from the association and join the new structure under the full control of the PiS headquarters. Bochenek emphasized this is a “positive offer of work and engagement in preparations for the upcoming parliamentary campaign.”
Consequences Remain Unclear
Bochenek was repeatedly asked if members of Morawiecki’s association would lose their places on electoral lists or be removed from the party. He did not provide a direct answer, consistently referring to the statute and disciplinary procedures.
He stated that every PiS member is aware of the consequences of violating the PiS Statute and that a “specific disciplinary path” exists. When pressed if this was an ultimatum, he reiterated it was a “certain proposal for conducting activities in accordance with the statute.”
Implicit Warning and Membership Numbers
PiS did not announce specific penalties, but the party, under the leadership of Jarosław Kaczyński, appears to be clearly communicating that it is impossible to simultaneously operate within PiS and “Development Plus” if the association has “competitive” political goals against the party. Earlier reports suggested up to 40-50 PiS members may have joined Morawiecki’s association.
Bochenek argued that not all party members were aware that participation in the initiative lacked “party leadership” approval.
Horała’s Response
Marcin Horała, associated with the Morawiecki camp, stated he had not received any formal prohibition against joining the association, either personally or by anyone he knows. He also claimed there was no such resolution from the party authorities.
When asked about reports that those signing up for the association would not be on the electoral lists, he replied, “I haven’t heard anything like that.”
