Trzaskowski Praises Kaczyński: Even He Realized It Went Too Far

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski remarked that PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński recognized certain party statements went too far, while internal divisions and factional clashes within Law and Justice deepen.

Escalating Radicalism on the Right

Trzaskowski emphasized his concern over the increasingly sharp competition among right-wing politicians, noting that PiS has adopted a course of competing in radicalism. He stated that the actions and talking points mirroring Russian propaganda repeated by potential prime minister candidate Przemysław Czarnek were terrifying.

Czarnek’s Controversial Statements and Kaczyński’s Intervention

Przemysław Czarnek stated last week in TV Republika that Poland should leverage its position in the EU and NATO to force Ukraine to change its policy toward Poland, and to halt EU funding for military aid and reconstruction in Ukraine until it adopts pro-human values. The remarks sparked such outrage that party leader Jarosław Kaczyński intervened the next day, writing on platform X that military assistance to Ukraine is crucial for Polish raison d’état and security, and adding that Czarnek’s statements would be clarified by party leadership.

Internal Party Divisions and Lack of Control

According to Trzaskowski, Kaczyński realized that some statements made by his party members went too far, leading to internal fractures as some members hold views as radical as the Confederation of the Polish Crown. The Warsaw mayor added that the PiS leader absolutely does not control what is happening within the party and that the formation is capitalizing on anti-Ukrainian sentiment.

Civil War and Ban on Factional Associations

On July 15, PiS spokesperson Rafał Bochenek announced that the party leadership decided to ban the activity of associations within the group to preserve ideological and organizational unity. While Sasin’s association complied with the leadership’s decision, Morawiecki announced that “Rozwój Plus” would continue its activities.

Ultimatum and Failed Reconciliation Talks

The party spokesperson stated that association activities lead to the fragmentation of party structures and fueling conflicts, giving PiS parliamentarians a week to decide whether to leave their associations or face exclusion before the Wednesday midnight deadline. Public disputes have become daily occurrences, and despite a meeting between Kaczyński and Morawiecki, the talks yielded no results as Kaczyński appealed for a breath of fresh air and a sip of cold water, emphasizing that the enemy is elsewhere.