A plan for the future government is being discussed as a programmatic basis, proposed by representatives of the democratic opposition. Grzegorz Schetyna, former leader of the Civic Platform, spoke on Radio Wroclaw about a Czech-style arrangement: running on separate lists now, but pledging to form a united government after a victorious election.
“A foundational program is essential”
During the interview, Schetyna referenced comments by Włodzimierz Czarzasty, head of the New Left, who had told PAP that after the June 4 march the next step should be an agreement on cooperation among opposition forces following the elections. The emphasis, Schetyna explained, is on a solid, programmatic base for the future government assembled by diverse opposition representatives.
The proposal could be formalized before the parliamentary election date is set, he added.
“This is a moment to say yes. It is a clear statement. It mirrors the Czech model: competing on separate lists now, yet committing to form a joint government later. Signing such a foundation would be a pledge that the union happens after a successful vote. I expect Poland to follow a similar path,” Schetyna said.
Petru and Giertych outside the Senate Pact
When asked about Roman Giertych and Ryszard Petru’s remarks about running for the Senate, Schetyna said they were “outside the Senate pact.”
He indicated that publicly or privately, it would be unwise for prominent political figures with a history in Polish politics to oppose the candidates aligned with the Senate pact. Such signals could be interpreted as poor organization and would risk confusing voters. He emphasized the need to avoid sending a negative message.
The question then turned to whether Petru and Giertych should be part of the Senate Pact. Schetyna framed the contest as one of 65 to 70 Senate districts, noting a split between incumbent senators and those who would join to improve the electoral result. He suggested there could be places offered to individuals not directly part of the Senate pact, provided they commit to cooperating with the Senate Majority after the election.
He added that discussions on this should remain private, not played out in the media, and should occur in the calm of political offices.
“That’s how politics works,” he remarked.
“Let there be a check on the opposition”
The former Civic Platform leader also discussed a law establishing a verification committee to examine Russian influence. He argued that the dispute centers on approving the committee’s report by September 17, a legal step that needs careful handling. The aim would be to scrutinize opposition measures around the time of the election without allowing partisan attacks to derail the process.
He criticized the governing camp for what he described as attempts to use the committee to pressure opposition leaders, mentioning figures like Donald Tusk and Waldemar Pawlak, as well as other ministers from the Civic Platform and PSL governments, in the lead-up to the election. He suggested that such tactics should be resisted and that the committee should move forward on solid legal grounds.
According to Schetyna, President Andrzej Duda’s recent moves were a source of embarrassment and concern. He argued that the president signed a law and then amended it within days, effectively bypassing a clear, transparent procedure. He described the sequence as absurd and unacceptable.
“That is not how a functioning state behaves,” he concluded.
Why didn’t Kosiniak-Kamysz and Hołownia speak at the march?
The question arose why Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Szymon Hołownia were not present or did not speak during the June 4 march. The response was that they had stated they would not attend, making it difficult to participate or address the crowd in that moment.
Schetyna noted that those who did attend were leaders of the democratic opposition, and their united presence was seen as symbolic and necessary. The march was viewed as a signal for mobilization and greater cooperation among opposition forces, aimed at increasing effectiveness in the political arena.
From Schetyna’s perspective, the march should spur the opposition to come together, cooperate more closely, and strengthen their electoral position.
Additional commentary highlighted reflections on the June 4 march and the evolving dynamics of the Senate pact, with some noting that certain figures were not included in the pact and questioning appointment decisions. The discussion underscored the ongoing effort to align opposition strategies ahead of the election.