Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has established a new association, sparking growing unease and divisions within the Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Morawiecki’s New Association and Growing Concerns in PiS
Sources within the PiS leadership emphasize that Morawiecki’s association is being formed in opposition to the party, and his recent actions are eroding trust among PiS members. Politicians aligned with Morawiecki claim the initiative aims to attract voters from the center for PiS.
Morawiecki Confirms Association, Defining its Scope
In an interview with wp.pl, Morawiecki confirmed reports from Newsweek regarding the establishment of an association for individuals who “don’t agree with something in every political party on the right: whether it’s PiS, Konfederacja, or Korona Polska Brauna.” The initiative will function as a think tank, primarily focusing on economic issues.
Kaczyński and Morawiecki Meet Amidst Internal Discord
Following the publication of the interview, PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński met with Morawiecki to discuss the situation within PiS. Sources indicate the meeting aimed to “discipline” the former prime minister, whose actions – including the association and critical comments regarding PiS’s candidate for prime minister, Przemysław Czarnak, and former Minister Zbigniew Ziobro’s faction – have deviated from the party line.
Lack of Consultation and Concerns Over Unity
A PiS politician close to Kaczyński’s inner circle stated that Morawiecki did not consult with the PiS leadership regarding the association. They emphasized that the initiative is entirely outside the party and does not serve to build unity on the right.
Motivations Behind the Association and Criticism of PiS
According to this MP, Morawiecki’s decision to form the association and his recent criticisms of PiS politicians stem from a desire to maintain his presence in politics. The politician believes Morawiecki is struggling to accept not being the party’s candidate for prime minister, noting a slight increase in PiS’s poll numbers since Przemysław Czarnak was nominated.
Kaczyński Responds to Morawiecki’s Actions
A source within the PiS leadership assessed that Morawiecki still harbors ambitions to become either prime minister or party leader, but recognizes that these plans are increasingly unrealistic.
Disorientation Within PiS and Concerns Over Alleged External Influence
A parliamentarian noted that even lower-level PiS members are confused by Morawiecki’s recent decisions, citing his joint debate with Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the European Agricultural Forum in Jasionka. Some PiS members believe Morawiecki may be “held and blackmailed by the ruling coalition,” given ongoing proceedings against him in prosecutor Żurek’s office.
Strategic Aim: Attracting Centrist Voters
A PiS politician associated with Morawiecki’s faction argued that while Czarnak appeals to voters “further to the right,” the association aims to attract centrist voters, such as those who previously supported Poland 2050. They believe this initiative demonstrates PiS’s effort to build a “big tent” party on the right.
Association Not Intended as a Separate Entity
The MP stressed that the association does not signify the creation of “something separate” from PiS, pointing to other associations founded by PiS politicians, such as Tak dla Rozwoju, Tak dla CPK, About Polska, and OdNowa. They claim criticism of Morawiecki’s initiative is being “fueled” by a group of his opponents, including Przemysław Czarnak, Jacek Sasin, Tobiasz Bocheński, and Patryk Jaki, dubbed “the butter-makers.”
Factions Within PiS: “Scouts” vs. “Butter-Makers”
Another parliamentarian aligned with the former prime minister indicated that Morawiecki will proceed with the initiative “in correlation with Mr. Kaczyński,” suggesting it will have some level of party leadership approval.
Morawiecki’s Criticism of Former Allies
In the interview with wp.pl, Morawiecki criticized politicians from the former Suwerenna Polska faction, led by Zbigniew Ziobro, stating that a party with only 5% support should not have such a significant influence on the overall message.
Internal Conflict: “Scouts” and “Butter-Makers”
Since late November, PiS politicians have unofficially acknowledged an internal conflict within the party between supporters of Morawiecki, known as “scouts,” and his opponents, a group including Czarnak, Sasin, Bocheński, Jaki, and Ziobro’s faction, referred to as “butter-makers.”
Attempts at Discipline Within PiS
In December, a meeting of the PiS political committee’s presidium was held to discipline politicians involved in public disputes, including Morawiecki, Sasin, and members of Ziobro’s faction.
Kaczyński’s Warning and Ethics Committee Referrals
In mid-February, following a dispute between former Deputy Speaker Ryszard Terlecki and PiS MP Sebastian Kaleta, Kaczyński announced that anyone engaging in harmful discussions would be suspended from PiS membership. Later, Bocheński revealed that Kaczyński had referred Morawiecki, Ireneusz Zysk, and Mirosława Stachowiak-Różecka to the party’s ethics committee for discussing issues with PiS Vice-President Patryk Jaki.
Suspension of MP Szczucki
On Wednesday, Kaczyński suspended MP Krzysztof Szczucki, associated with the “scouts” faction, from party membership.