In a recent interview with Polsat News, Ryszard Petru, returning to the Sejm as a member of the Third Way, said it is unlikely that the KPO funds will arrive in Poland during January. He noted that predicting timing was difficult and offered a cautious guess that disbursement could come in the spring, but January seemed unlikely. He also suggested there is a chance the coalition agreement might be finalized before November 13, the date set for the first session of the new Sejm by President Andrzej Duda.
When will the coalition agreement be concluded?
The formation of the new government remains uncertain. It is not clear whether the new cabinet will be led by former opposition parties or if Law and Justice will secure a stable majority. President Andrzej Duda has scheduled November 13 for the first Sejm session, setting a critical timeline for all parties involved.
Opposition figures, including Krzysztof Gawkowski from Lewica, indicated on TVN24 that coalition talks may be nearing a positive conclusion. The mood among opposition voices is cautiously optimistic, with expectations that negotiations could yield a cooperative framework soon.
“I’m not focused on the economy at all.”
Petru, who will resume his seat in parliament, expressed optimism about the pace of talks during the Polsat News interview. He emphasized that the timeline for reaching a deal could accelerate in the coming days and hinted that a breakthrough could occur toward the end of next week.
He asserted that a coalition agreement should be presented to the public within a week, sending a signal that the three blocs share a common program and a realistic path forward for governance.
Asked about his potential role in the new government and whether it would be tied to economic policy, Petru stated that his focus was broader than economics alone, arguing that economic recovery would be achieved through parliamentary action and a coherent program rather than a single executive strategy.
Petru also cautioned against rotating the chairmanship of the Sejm. He believed such a mechanism could complicate negotiations and lead to instability, noting that he did not want to disrupt the coalition process by engaging in a battle over procedural leadership.
He added that the issue is likely part of the broader negotiations, but he preferred not to speculate about specific positions until the other side’s intentions were clearer.
Should Petru push for a change at the National Bank?
The Polsat News interview touched on President of the National Bank of Poland Adam Glapiński, a topic raised during the campaign by Donald Tusk. The discussion focused on whether Glapiński might be reassigned before his term ends and what constitutional implications any such move could entail.
Petru stressed a careful approach, saying there should be no impeachment without solid evidence of constitutional violations. He urged a fact-based assessment rather than rhetoric that could destabilize financial markets or undermine investor confidence.
The discussion extended to Prime Minister Morawiecki’s public comments about the state of the Polish economy. Petru argued that misinformation about public finances could erode market trust and harm the Polish people, framing this as a broader concern for the country rather than a partisan matter.
Morawiecki countered with assurances that current European Commission forecasts place Poland among the strongest economies in Europe next year, while opposition critiques risk undermining those positive projections or contradicting promises made during the electoral period. The debate highlighted the sharp partisan tensions shaping the economic narrative as Poland moves into a new political phase.
Petru was asked for his view on ongoing economic performance. He suggested that stagnation or downturn would signal broader fiscal problems, stressing that responsible governance would avoid overspending while pursuing growth through structural reforms rather than flashy short-term measures.
In closing, Petru reassured that the new government would avoid spending beyond its means, underscoring a commitment to prudent budgeting as a foundation for investor confidence and long-term prosperity.
What about the funding from KPO? Petru indicated that January arrivals were unlikely, leaning toward a spring timeline instead. He emphasized the importance of clarity on the funding timetable as negotiations continued, and he framed the issue within the broader context of coalition commitments and fiscal responsibility.
As the political dialogue evolves, questions remain about potential coalition alignments and how any agreed program will translate into concrete policy actions. The evolving narrative reflects a landscape where coalition governance, fiscal discipline, and strategic leadership will shape Poland’s trajectory in the months ahead.
Source: wPolityce