There is no chemistry between Donald Tusk and Rafał Trzaskowski, no cooperation, and a leadership struggle within the Civic Platform. Today, Tusk is losing support inside his own party. Through a string of controversial statements, disagreements, and what online observers flag as inaccuracies, he appears to be weakening, while the Trzaskowski faction seeks to push him aside. The situation resembles a bulldog fight hidden beneath a calm surface. A weaker Tusk, slipping poll numbers, and internal pressure could set the stage for a change in the Civic Platform’s leadership.
In an interview with the wPolityce.pl portal, Rafał Bochenek, a member of parliament and spokesperson for the Law and Justice party, described the internal dynamics as a struggle for control, noting an internal push to replace the party leader rather than a smooth succession.
During discussions across Poland, the campaign team plans to highlight what they call the real Civic Platform program and to scrutinize the activities of Rafał Trzaskowski in the capital. The promoters argue that the present program in Warsaw reflects a broader agenda they view as left-leaning, aiming to implement similar measures nationwide. They point to policies on urban development, parking regulations, and attempts to curb combustion-engine vehicles as areas where Trzaskowski’s influence, if extended, could shape future national policy.
They also intend to remind voters of what they describe as past decisions within the Civic Platform environment, including positions on interest rate policy. They claim three members of the Monetary Policy Council representing the Civic Platform advocate for more aggressive rate hikes. They suggest that without resistance from other MPC members, rates could have risen far higher. They claim commentary from analysts and officials indicates a preference for keeping inflation in check while arguing that some proposals to raise taxes and cut social programs reflect internal disagreements rather than a coherent strategy.
The campaign team asserts that the task goes beyond informing voters about these issues. They anticipate a broad online presence and other media outreach, including a billboard in Warsaw that critiques Trzaskowski’s agenda, referencing limits on public meals and wardrobe allowances. They argue the Civic Platform is pursuing costly promises while clashing over priorities and the overall direction of public policy.
Observers note a tension within the Civic Platform, with divergent voices on social programs and fiscal policy. While some figures advocate maintaining or expanding social benefits, others question the funding and sustainability of such programs. This lack of unity is seen as a challenge to forming a single, cohesive agenda for the party, particularly on issues spanning social welfare, economic policy, and national security. The public mood suggests that voters cannot afford continued internal conflict while decisions about policy direction unfold.
There were reports from a political portal about internal stress within the Civic Platform, suggesting that a leadership transition might be under consideration if poll trends do not improve. While some commentators argue that Trzaskowski could step into a more prominent campaign role if support for Tusk wanes, others contend that the faction aligned with Trzaskowski could push for a more active stance, potentially marginalizing Tusk further.
Ryszard Terlecki, the head of the ruling party’s caucus, spoke in an interview about potential cooperation with opposition parties in the next parliament. This has fed speculation about whether such cooperation could help maintain influence. The dialogue appears to hinge on whether a broad political bloc could emerge ahead of elections and how much influence prospective partners might exert on ticketing and policy positions.
Looking ahead, the party emphasizes readiness to consolidate a wide political camp that would participate in the upcoming elections. Decisions about campaign lists and detailed strategies depend on leadership decisions within the ruling party and any prospective partners who express willingness to collaborate. The sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with the notion that political alignment is a two-party conversation requiring both sides to be amenable to working together.
Adam Stankiewicz contributed to this overview