At its 15 November congress in Warsaw, PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz delivered a sharp rebuke to PiS’s Ryszard Terlecki, calling his remarks on the party’s declining prospects a confession.
PSL Congress 15 November in Warsaw
Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe held its congress on 15 November in Warsaw, where party officials will be elected for the next term. The sole candidate for president of the party is Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz. The incumbent chairman of the party’s central council, Waldemar Pawlak, is not a candidate, while Vice‑Marshal of the Sejm Piotr Zgorzelski has announced his own candidacy. The event also included important declarations, including a preview of PSL’s independent run in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Kosiniak‑Kamysz Criticizes PiS’s Ryszard Terlecki
During his speech, Kosiniak‑Kamysz highlighted the strength of PSL and denounced the comments made by Ryszard Terlecki during the last parliamentary session before the 2023 elections. Terlecki declared that PSL would never recover after a 2 % vote share, saying “there will never be you again.” Kosiniak‑Kamysz rejected those words, implying that Terlecki had to face the consequences of PiS’s loss.
Speech Highlights PSL’s Strength and Past Electoral Decline
Kosiniak‑Kamysz pointed out that 2023 was marked by criticism from journalists, publicists and competing politicians who claimed the party’s era was over and that a re‑branding would be necessary. He added that those remarks were the result of “the last generation” and that the party’s flag would need to be pulled down, a view he strongly opposed.
Comments on PiS’s Past Disgrace
The former defense minister in the Tusk government, referenced by Kosiniak‑Kamysz, had to acknowledge this past disgrace. He said that next years’ hope now lies in those who join PSL today, suggesting a shift in loyalty among PiS members.
Defending PSL’s Role in Government
Kosiniak‑Kamysz warned that the positive results of the government should not be attributed only to one coalition partner, asserting that the government cannot exist without PSL. He praised the premier’s integrity, the voting discipline, and the honest conversations within the party, adding that “collaborating with the Confederation is not a good idea and will not pay off.”