Morawiecki and “Scouts” Leave PiS, Threatening to Form Parliament’s Third-Largest Club

Following a party ultimatum regarding association memberships, former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and dozens of lawmakers have exited PiS, setting the stage for a potential new parliamentary force.

The PiS Ultimatum and Association Conflict

At midnight on Thursday, July 23, the deadline set by the PiS leadership for parliamentarians to submit declarations confirming they do not belong to any associations expired, under threat of exclusion from the party. The issue primarily concerned members of the “Rozwój Plus” association, founded by former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński stated on Friday, July 24, that “thirty-odd… MPs… resigned from membership” in PiS, adding that the PiS Political Committee will “acknowledge this fact” next Tuesday, July 28. The PiS chief noted that every party parliamentarian knew the consequences of not signing the declaration.

Morawiecki Rejects Ultimatum and Blackmail

During a Friday press conference in the Sejm, Morawiecki stated that he and other members of the “Rozwój Plus” Association fought for the “unity of the Law and Justice camp.” He explained they aimed to implement their approach of reaching diverse voter groups based on the strategy agreed upon in April, informally known as the “two lungs” strategy.

The former prime minister emphasized that they cannot agree to an ultimatum or blackmail resulting in a recently agreed strategy being thrown in the trash. He noted they have a very strong representation and are focusing on the future without responding to hatred, trickery, or nonsense from television screens.

Departure Details and Future Parliamentary Standing

On July 17, the former prime minister and members of his association sent a letter to the PiS leader signed by 45 politicians, emphasizing their commitment to party unity. Most did not sign the required loyalty declaration, though party spokesperson Rafał Bochenek reported that MEP Daniel Obajtek and Anita Czerwińska chose to remain in PiS after speaking with Kaczyński.

If 40 individuals form a new club in the Sejm, it would become the chamber’s third-largest club after KO and PiS, making the Civic Coalition the largest and granting Morawiecki’s club the right to its own Sejm Vice-Marshal. Morawiecki admitted his supporters have not yet discussed a club or further steps, while noting they remain open to an agreement before the Political Committee meeting.