Roman Giertych’s placement on the Civic Platform list in the Świętokrzyskie province was described by Education and Science Minister Przemysław Czarnek as a consolidation of law and justice, during an appearance on Polsat News on Sunday. He stated a desire to press more of these measures on the coalition’s opponents.
On Sunday, Civic Platform chairman Donald Tusk announced that Roman Giertych would take the final slot on the Civic Coalition’s Sejm list for the Świętokrzyskie region.
The PO leader addressed Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński directly, saying:
To avoid feeling left out, to lift your spirits a bit, I will place your deputy on the very last position on our list, for you, Jarosław Kaczyński.
Czarnek reacted to this remark in Polsat News, labeling Tusk a so‑called skinny showman. He criticized the image of a performer moving across a stage and pointed to the approaching election, stressing its importance as the most significant since 1989. He added that more of these tactics should be deployed against political opponents, mentioning Kołodziejczak, Giertych, and Wołoszański as examples. He argued that Giertych’s placement stands as a major boost for the Law and Justice list in that region.
The minister reinforced his view that Giertych’s candidacy strengthens the Law and Justice position in Świętokrzyskie. When asked whether the news of Giertych joining the Civic Platform list had left an impression on him, Czarnek replied positively, expressing thanks for the information.
He referred to Kołodziejczak as a political figure noting that Kołodziejczak’s presence on the Civic Platform list is comparable to a hypothetical alliance with a major opposition figure aimed at salvaging villages alongside Donald Tusk. Czarnek questioned what Giertych would contribute and described him as a politician with a history of political and legal controversy. He suggested that the move represents a bold, albeit controversial, strategy by the Civic Platform in Świętokrzyskie and thanked the party for it.
Debate with Giertych was a topic of discussion. Czarnek stated that engaging in a direct debate with the pair of Kaczyński and Giertych would be futile if the other side relies on rhetoric without substantial policy arguments, asserting that the opponents lack a solid platform to defend their positions.
When the question arose about whether Czarnek would be the top candidate for the Sejm list in Lublin, he replied that the decision rests with party management. He admitted a strong personal connection to Lublin due to past election results and stated that while he would like to lead there, the final choice depends on group leadership decisions.
He also addressed why Jarosław Kaczyński was not placed at the top in Warsaw. He explained that the party’s decisions consider broader strategic needs, noting that in Warsaw the party has sometimes performed less well than the opposition leader. He argued that electoral strategy requires a balance of seats across constituencies, aiming to maximize overall success and manage regional opportunities. He stressed that these choices reflect strategic considerations and ongoing discussions within the party leadership.
Czarnek commented on the longstanding practice of naming a single clear leader for certain districts and how list configurations can yield additional seats in particular regions. He did not specify where to start, but hinted at continued evaluation and possible adjustments across districts, guided by goals for the party in the broader state interest.
In another development, he spoke about management decisions that shape the lineup, reiterating that the overarching aim is to advance the interests of the state as represented by Law and Justice.
On the topic of Jarosław Kaczyński and Warsaw, Czarnek described ongoing considerations about leadership placements and electoral impact, emphasizing that strategic choices are driven by the party’s overall objectives and regional dynamics.
Kaczyński himself was questioned in Sokołów Podlaski about opposition claims that he fears competing with Donald Tusk. He dismissed these assertions, asserting there is no reason for fear and labeling the opposition’s narrative as misleading rhetoric. He also explained why he chose not to run as a top candidate in Warsaw, arguing that the party’s structure and decision-making process serve the broader interests of the party and its electoral strategy.
Observers may note that discussions around leadership and candidate placement continue to shape the political scene in Poland, reflecting ongoing tensions between the governing party and its opponents. The dynamics in Świętokrzyskie, Lublin, and Warsaw illustrate how regional considerations and national strategy intersect in the run-up to the elections. The latest statements underscore the interplay between public messaging, strategic positioning, and the quest to maximize parliamentary representation. The broader political narrative remains in flux as parties refine their lists and prepare for the electoral race.
– referenced in coverage from wPolityce