Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, a Member of the European Parliament, has moved to a new political group and may be expelled from Sławomir Mentzen’s party.
MEP Changes Faction in European Parliament
On Wednesday, March 25th, MEP Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik announced on social media her departure from the Sovereignty and Freedom group and her joining of the Patriots for Europe group. Both groups represent right-wing and Eurosceptic parties.
Party Spokesman Claims Self-Exclusion
A spokesman for Sławomir Mentzen’s party stated that Zajączkowska-Hernik did not consult with anyone in the party before moving to a different group in the European Parliament. Wojciech Machulski said that, according to the party’s statutes, this constitutes self-exclusion.
Statute Cites Incompatible Political Affiliation
The party’s Article 12 states that membership is lost through “voluntary joining of another political party or organization whose goals, methods of operation, and interests are contrary to the goals, methods of operation, and interest of the party.”
Zajączkowska-Hernik Disputes Exclusion Claim
Zajączkowska-Hernik stated she has not resigned her membership in New Hope and was not informed of any exclusion. She emphasized that she and Sławomir Mentzen will continue to work together within the Confederation.
Confederation Members in New Groups
Alongside Zajączkowska-Hernik, two other Confederation MEPs affiliated with the National Movement – Anna Bryłka and Tomasz Buczek – are now in the Patriots for Europe group.
Mentzen’s Faction in Sovereignty and Freedom
Two Confederation MEPs associated with Sławomir Mentzen’s New Hope – Stanisław Tyszka and Marcin Sypniewski – have joined the Sovereignty and Freedom group. Tyszka is one of the co-chairmen of this group, alongside René Aust of the German Alternative for Germany.