PiS Rift Deepens as New Poll Exposes Deep Divisions Over Morawiecki’s Future

A new Opinia24 poll reveals stark divisions among the Polish public regarding Mateusz Morawiecki’s political future within PiS amid an ongoing internal conflict over party-affiliated associations.

Internal Conflict and Party Ultimatum

The conflict in PiS has lasted for several weeks and concerns two associations operating within the party: Rozwoju Plus, established by Mateusz Morawiecki, and Po pierwsze Polska, founded by Jacek Sasin and gathered around PiS candidate for prime minister Przemysław Czarnek. Last week, the Presidium of the PiS Political Committee adopted a resolution obliging party activists—under threat of exclusion—to withdraw from associations conducting political activities within the grouping.

On Wednesday, July 22, Mateusz Morawiecki stated on social media that PiS “cannot be a hermetic and inbred party.” On the same day, party spokesman Rafał Bochenek recalled that the leadership’s decision had been made, requiring every parliamentarian and MEP to submit a declaration of resignation from association activities by Thursday.

Public Divided on Morawiecki’s Membership

Opinia24 conducted a poll commissioned by TVN’s “Fakty” and TVN24 regarding the internal situation in PiS. Respondents were asked, among other things, whether Morawiecki should continue to belong to PiS. 29 percent of those surveyed answered affirmatively, with 12 percent saying “definitely yes” and 17 percent saying “rather yes.”

Conversely, 34 percent of people believe the former prime minister should no longer belong to PiS, split evenly at 17 percent for “definitely not” and “rather not.” 37 percent of respondents indicated “I don’t know” or refused to answer the question.

Causes of Conflict and Preferences for Prime Minister

Respondents were also asked about the causes of the conflict inside PiS. 19 percent of people pointed to “the actions of Jarosław Kaczyński,” while only 8 percent stated that “the actions of Mateusz Morawiecki” were responsible for the disputes in the party. As many as 48 percent considered that both of these reasons contributed to the conflict to a similar degree, and 25 percent chose “I don’t know” or declined to answer.

Finally, respondents were asked who would be a better prime minister: Mateusz Morawiecki or Przemysław Czarnek. 30 percent pointed to the former head of government, while only 11 percent chose the former minister of education. The answer “both to the same degree” was indicated by 19 percent of respondents, and 40 percent “do not know” or refused to answer the question.

Leadership Reactions and Declarations

According to PAP information close to the party leadership, by last Friday about 130 PiS parliamentarians had submitted declarations of non-membership in the associations.

Morawiecki assured in a Tuesday statement that his place is in PiS, but at the same time he wanted to remain in Rozwoju Plus, arguing that a difference of opinion in the party “is not treason.” Czarnek also addressed the matter, saying he is pleased with Morawiecki’s declaration to remain in PiS and that the party needs one grouping with different currents, while stipulating that everyone remaining in PiS must maintain a “minimum of loyalty” to the party.