Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s new association is causing friction within the Law and Justice (PiS) party, with leader Jarosław Kaczyński warning of repercussions for those involved.
Morawiecki Launches Association, Kaczyński Warns of Consequences
Mateusz Morawiecki announced the formation of his association on Wednesday, also assuming its leadership. Key figures involved include former chief of staff Michał Dworczyk, MEPs Piotr Müller and Waldemar Buda, and prominent PiS MPs such as Ryszard Terlecki, Marcin Horała, Janusz Cieszyński, Paweł Jabłoński, Krzysztof Szczucki, and Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk.
While Morawiecki and others involved assert the association is not intended to compete with PiS, party leadership, particularly Jarosław Kaczyński, views it as a threat. Kaczyński publicly expressed fears of a split and threatened consequences for those engaged in the project, stating there would be no place for them on party lists and other statutory repercussions.
MPs Assert Loyalty to PiS
Within PiS, there is a belief that many of the nearly 40 individuals involved in the association will eventually withdraw their support for Morawiecki. However, those interviewed maintain their commitment to PiS and claim the association’s activities are not directed against the party.
Janusz Cieszyński, a founding member, emphasized that the association’s statutes contain nothing related to political activity or actions contrary to the goals of PiS. He expressed confidence that the issues would be quickly resolved, focusing on discussions around economic development and major infrastructure projects like CPK and digitalization.
Existing Associations Within PiS
MP Zbigniew Chmielowiec pointed out that other associations already operate within PiS, involving individuals connected to the party or PiS parliamentary club, such as Marcin Horała’s “Tak dla Rozwoju” and “OdNowa,” led by former Deputy Defense Minister Marcin Ociepa. He stated that Morawiecki consistently emphasized the unity of PiS and Kaczyński’s leadership during meetings.
Association Aims to Attract New Voters
MP Anna Kwiecień stated that the project’s goal is to attract new voters to PiS, particularly young people, providing a “waiting room” for those wanting to become familiar with the party and its politicians. She expressed surprise at the negative reaction from party authorities, calling it “astonishing.”
Morawiecki’s Maneuvering and Center-Right Focus
The situation is being analyzed as a strategic move by Morawiecki to challenge Kaczyński, establishing “Rozwój Plus” and attracting MPs while maintaining his commitment to PiS’s success. The focus is shifting towards the center of the political spectrum.
“I Don’t Understand the Upset”
MP Fryderyk Kapinos, like other interviewees, expressed surprise at Kaczyński’s reaction, noting the existence of other associations like “OdNowa” and the Sovereign Poland association. He questioned the source of the strong negative response.
Kapinos believes “Rozwój Plus” aims to attract centrist voters to PiS, particularly those who previously supported the Third Way but are now dissatisfied with the current coalition government.
Concerns About Exclusion Remain Low
Interviewees expressed hope that the tensions within PiS, which have been ongoing for several months, will be resolved and no one will be excluded from the party. Janusz Cieszyński stated he has strong arguments to demonstrate the association’s non-competitive nature, given his 14 years of membership in PiS.
Zbigniew Chmielowiec acknowledged that nothing is certain in politics but did not anticipate being excluded, while Anna Kwiecień hoped that PiS authorities would moderate their approach to the former prime minister’s initiative.
