A seasoned columnist critiques PiS’s reliance on former Prime Minister Tusk’s legacy, arguing that the party’s endless blame games and polarization could threaten its hold on power in Poland.
1. Betrayal at Dawn: Media’s War Hysteria
Each time Trump does something that can be criticized, the Polish media react with a heavy‑handed moral lecture, framing his actions as another betrayal that threatens national security.
Repeated monthly accusations—“Trump’s last betrayal,” “epochal betrayal”—create a chaotic narrative that shifts from blaming Trump as a political element within PiS to portraying him as a threat to Poland’s safety.
Understanding this pattern is crucial, because Trump’s persona has become a symbolic tool for PiS commentary, prompting extreme reactions that amplify fear and polarization.
2. Tusk Blame Versus Nawrocki Blame: The New Polish Polarization
The Polish conversation has moved from PiS‑PO rivalry to a new pole of Nawrocki against Tusk, with the former positioned as the new right‑wing leader while the latter is painted as a political villain.
PiS uses Tusk’s image to provoke criticism, suggesting that his policies and decisions worsen Poland’s position and foster Russian influence, thereby rallying PiS supporters behind Nawrocki.
Incidents like the alleged train sabotage near Garwolinek illustrate how accusations are swiftly assigned: PiS‑loyalists blame Nawrocki, while opponents attribute the event to Tusk, reinforcing the partisan narrative.
3. PiS Shifts Focus from Nawrocki to Ziobro
Despite ongoing polls, PiS increasingly highlights figures such as Siemowid Ziobro and Robert Kwiatkowski, while distancing itself from former Prime Minister Morawiecki.
The party portrays the removal of Morawiecki as a strategy, pointing to his association with the pandemic’s political consequences, and frames the new leadership around Ziobro as a fresh face of right‑wing ideology.
This recalibration aligns with PiS’s strategy to appeal to voters seeking leadership that distances itself from former scandals and prioritizes a perceived stronger national stance.
4. Government Approval Grows Amid Platformers’ Confidence
October CBOS data shows a modest increase in positive ratings for the government, from 29% to 34%, suggesting a gradual improvement in public perception.
Platform supporters attribute this rise to ministers like Zurek, who employ rhetoric that reinforces Poland’s grip on traditional values while dismissing opposition criticism as exaggeration.
Economic indicators, however, present a broader context: consumer sentiment remains high, and the economy is returning to pre‑pandemic levels, giving the government a breathing space to consolidate influence.
