Poland’s Razem party is struggling to gain traction for its legislative proposals, facing a perceived informal blockade from the ruling coalition and internal divisions.
Razem’s Legislative Challenges
According to the Sejm’s rules, parliamentary draft laws require either approval from Sejm committees or signatures from at least 15 MPs. Following Paulina Matysiak’s departure, the Razem parliamentary caucus currently consists of four members.
Razem has proposed several legislative solutions, most notably a bill for an anti-speculation tax on third properties. However, they have yet to gather sufficient signatures in the Sejm for this initiative, along with proposals regulating short-term rentals and a digital tax.
Projects Stalled or Under Review
Razem’s proposal for free school meals has been placed on hold, while a project to reduce preschool group sizes has reached the stage of public consultation. The free school meals proposal has not been submitted for first reading in a Sejm committee.
Allegations of Coalition Blockade
Two Razem proposals have garnered the required signatures, with support from PiS MPs. Zawisza claims an informal ban on cooperation with Razem exists within the ruling coalition.
Zawisza stated that MPs from other parties often express willingness to support Razem’s projects but are prevented from doing so by their party leadership, with the exception of the PSL.
Continued Outreach and Potential Collaboration
Zawisza described the coalition’s alleged blockade as “somewhat amusing,” emphasizing Razem’s openness to dialogue with all parties. She cited Paweł Śliz, the chairman of Polska 2050, as expressing interest in the preschool project.
Similarities to Previous Proposals
Razem’s free school meals proposal closely mirrors a similar bill from the New Left in the previous Sejm term, which also failed to progress due to being stalled in a “freezer” within the Sejm.
Support from the Left and Senate Vice-Marshal
Magdalena Biejat, Vice-Marshal of the Senate and former co-chair of Razem, supports reducing class sizes and stated she agrees with the direction of change proposed by Razem, though she hasn’t reviewed the project’s details.
Biejat emphasized she doesn’t oppose projects simply because they originate from a different party, noting the Ministry of National Education is also working on reducing group sizes in preschools.
Internal Divisions and Past Decisions
Before Razem’s decision to leave the Left’s club, ten MPs represented the party in parliament. Prior to forming their own caucus, five MPs, including Biejat, chose to remain within the Left’s club.
Biejat’s Criticism of Razem’s Strategy
Biejat believes Razem could have continued to effectively advance its projects if they had remained in the Left’s club. She stated that to secure enough signatures, they should have stayed within the Left’s parliamentary group.
Potential for Future Alliances
Sources within the New Left indicate a desire to rebuild a joint electoral list with Razem and other left-wing groups, similar to the 2023 arrangement. Razem, however, favors running independently.
Polling Data
A March 2024 CBOS poll shows 3.8% support for Razem, while the New Left has 3.5% support. A February poll showed the New Left at 4.6% and Razem at 3.7%.