Jarosław Kaczyński loses control of PiS. Poland's largest opposition party is approaching an internal split
The Law and Justice Party (PiS), the main opposition force in Poland and the formation built around the influence of Jarosław Kaczyński, is going through its most serious internal crisis in recent years. The conflict between the camp of former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and the group supported by Przemysław Czarnek reveals an open struggle for succession and control of the future of the Polish right, writes pravda.ua.
Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Polish opposition party Law and Justice/PHOTO: EPA/EFE
At the heart of the dispute is Kaczyński's attempt to impose Przemysław Czarnek as the party's new dominant figure and possible prime ministerial candidate. The move, however, provoked a strong reaction from those close to Mateusz Morawiecki, who refuse to accept the marginalization of the former head of government.
The “Czarnek effect” and the struggle for the radical electorate
The decision of the PiS leadership to rely on Czarnek quickly changed the internal balance in the party. Considered one of the most conservative and controversial politicians of the formation, he is seen by analysts as the instrument by which PiS tries to recover the electorate lost to the radical right formations and the political circle associated with Grzegorz Braun.
In parallel, Czarnek's election is also interpreted as an attempt to counter the rise of President Karol Nawrocki, who the Polish press writes is trying to build his own movement inspired by the “MAGA” model in the United States.
This ideological repositioning, however, also means moving away from the more moderate style promoted during the Morawiecki government.
Morawiecki is building his own powerhouse
In reaction, Mateusz Morawiecki launched the organization “Rozwój Plus” (“Development Plus”), which would become the basis of his own political platform within PiS.
Dozens of lawmakers have already rallied around the new structure, while Czarnek's supporters are developing alternative organizations. In practice, the party begins to function as two rival camps in a permanent competition for influence.
Although he avoids a direct confrontation with Kaczyński, Morawiecki makes it increasingly clear that he does not intend to retire from politics or leave PiS.
In recent months, the former prime minister has stepped up his field trips and public appearances, often dominating the opposition's media agenda more than the official party leadership.
Kaczyński tries to avoid the rupture
Jarosław Kaczyński tries to maintain a fragile balance between the two groups. After talks with Morawiecki, the PiS leader said the party would operate “with two lungs” — a metaphor for the coexistence of the two centers of influence. In reality, however, tensions continue to deepen.
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Morawiecki distanced himself from the party's leadership and was absent from several PiS presidium meetings, a move publicly criticized by leaders close to Kaczyński.
The party's vice-president, Michał Wójcik, said that participation in the leadership of the formation “is not optional”, but is an obligation for politicians at this level.
However, Morawiecki's supporters say that the former prime minister is the target of coordinated attacks within the party and that the current political climate in PiS pushes him to strengthen his own camp.
“Kaczyński puts out the fire he also started”
Criticism of the historical leader of PiS also comes from some figures associated with the conservative right.
Marcin Mastalerek, a former close associate of President Andrzej Duda, has publicly stated that the current crisis is a direct result of Jarosław Kaczyński's decisions.
According to him, the promotion of Przemysław Czarnek was a strategic error that triggered the conflict with Morawiecki. “What Kaczyński is doing today is putting out the fire he also started”said Mastalerek.
He also suggested that there is a political operation within PiS aimed at gradually removing Morawiecki from key positions in the party.
PiS, between forced unity and the risk of splitting
For the time being, the PiS leadership is trying to avoid an official split before the upcoming elections, aware that a split on the right could significantly weaken the opposition to the government led by Donald Tusk.
However, the differences between the two camps are becoming increasingly difficult to control. A definitive consolidation of Czarnek's position risks alienating the party's moderate electorate. Instead, a possible return of Morawiecki would mean a diminution of Kaczyński's authority and an amplification of internal conflicts.
In addition, political observers note that none of the two directions would bring favorable changes for Ukraine. Przemysław Czarnek is perceived as one of the most critical Polish politicians towards Kiev, and Morawiecki's tenure has shown that he too takes a pragmatic and often reserved approach to Ukraine.
Currently, PiS seems caught between two scenarios: the tense coexistence of internal factions or a possible political rupture. What is certain is that the party has already entered a stage of open confrontation for the succession of Jarosław Kaczyński and for control of the future of the Polish right.
