Bogucki to Replace Czarnek as PiS Prime Minister Candidate? Unofficial Reports Sparks Denial

Unofficial reports suggest Zbigniew Bogucki may replace Przemysław Czarnek as the PiS prime minister candidate, though party spokesperson Rafał Bochenek has dismissed the claims as fantasy.

Reports of a Candidate Change

According to Robert Mazurek from Kanał Zero, Zbigniew Bogucki is set to become the PiS candidate for prime minister instead of Przemysław Czarnek. The journalist claims that Jarosław Kaczyński has already discussed this with Bogucki, who agreed, with the arrangement reportedly accepted by President Karol Nawrocki. Wirtualna Polska confirmed similar information, noting that Bogucki was previously mentioned in PiS circles as a potential candidate.

PiS Spokesperson Denies Rumors

PiS spokesperson Rafał Bochenek responded on the platform X, urging people to rely on facts rather than fantasy stories and bad whispers. Bochenek emphasized that prof. Przemysław Czarnek remains the PiS candidate for prime minister and will assume the role if the party wins the upcoming elections, calling the alternate scenario a spun narrative.

Contrasting Media Findings and Party Tensions

Bochenek’s denial contrasts with reports from Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, which indicated that party leadership is seriously considering replacing the candidate in the autumn. Sources suggest Czarnek failed to stop the outflow of PiS voters toward Confederation and harmed the party’s image with statements about halting military aid to Ukraine.

Kaczyński’s Public Rebuke

A prominent PiS politician noted that fewer people in the party leadership are defending Czarnek following a public rebuke from Kaczyński over his statements on Ukraine. Kaczyński previously stated on X that aid to Ukraine is absolutely necessary for Poland’s raison d’état and security, adding that the matter of Czarnek’s statements would be clarified by party authorities.

Bogucki’s Previous Response to Speculation

Commenting on speculation regarding his potential candidacy back in February, Bogucki told RMF FM that he stays grounded as head of the president’s office and is focused on his service. He remarked that it is very nice of his colleagues, but he never gets overly excited about such rumors.