Jachira Joins the Greens
A member of the Sejm from KO, Klaudia Jachira recently joined the Greens and said she plans to run in the upcoming elections. In an interview with PAP, she noted that after four years voters should weigh her parliamentary activity and results.
Motivation for the Move
PAP asked why she chose to join the Greens when she had worked with them before without formal party membership. Jachira explained that the collaboration with Green MPs and their allies had always been strong since the start of the current Sejm term. The formal act of joining was not a barrier to cooperation but a natural step now that they have pursued joint efforts in meetings and conferences. She emphasized that the decision sprang from long-standing cooperation rather than merely a change in status.
Questions were raised about differences in economic views. Jachira described herself as supportive of liberal economics while noting the Greens lean left on some issues. She argued that the Greens share a broad common ground on climate action, energy transition, animal rights, the push for renewable energy sources, and waste management laws. She added that she was pleasantly surprised by the Greens economic program, which includes tax simplification and support for micro and small enterprises. She also highlighted ideas to encourage private investment in green energy, heat pumps, and the thermal modernization of buildings as areas where the party and her liberal perspective can align. She acknowledged the need for state involvement to ensure Polish investors participate, accepting that compromises are part of the liberal stance when shared goals exist.
On the use of public funds, she argued for allocating money to elevate public services, with a critical view of current authorities who she believes neglect health care and ration funds equitably. She recalled recent coal policy decisions and called for responsible public spending that focuses on actual needs rather than distributing resources indiscriminately.
When asked about policy areas, Jachira said that she and the Greens largely agree, including opposition to certain subsidies such as those for set-top boxes. She also hinted that her stance could evolve if a policy mood changes, but emphasized a general accord with Greens on many issues.
Future Ambitions and Electoral Strategy
PAP pressed on whether joining the Greens was partly a strategic move to secure a favorable position on the electoral list and if she intends to run again. Jachira affirmed her plan to run, arguing that voters should evaluate her four years in the Sejm. She avoided speculation about list placement, noting this remains a decision for party leaders within the Civic Coalition. She reflected on past experiences in Warsaw and across Poland, arguing that voters should support the person who can deliver real results, not simply the party label. She also suggested that membership in the Greens would help advance the issues she cares about.
Regarding potential coalitions, she described herself as an opponent of a single coalition approach. Since 2016 she has advocated for unity in the opposition, but she observed that a joint list is unlikely in the near term. She praised the Greens and Civic Coalition collaboration as productive though imperfect, and she reiterated the importance of broader cooperation with the democratic opposition to achieve success in committees and parliamentary teams.
Asked about personal satisfaction with KO membership, she stated she is committed and willing to speak openly about disagreements. She recalled public moments with party leadership and argued that disagreement is a normal part of democracy. She contrasted her approach with the behavior she perceives from the ruling party, insisting that honesty with voters remains central to her approach.
As for leadership roles within the Greens, she described such questions as premature. She stressed that the Greens are her first political party and that she has a learning curve ahead. Her aim is to support leaders on issues she values, rather than chasing a title. She emphasized that her priority is advancing policies she believes in, rather than pursuing positions for themselves.
She spoke about her motivation to enter politics, rooted in a strong opposition to the actions of the current authorities. While she is not chasing a specific role, she wants to contribute effectively to the Green agenda and push for policies such as reforming the deposit systems and extending producer responsibility. If necessary, she would pursue practical steps to implement such laws through active participation in the party and its processes.
Parliamentary Style and Activism
Would her style change after joining the Greens? Jachira said that she is unlikely to shift the core approach she has used in the Sejm. She recalled past moments where she used subtitles or props to support her points when speaking was difficult, arguing that such tactics were born out of necessity in an environment where debate is sometimes curtailed at pivotal moments. She criticized the current government for creating scandals and institutional reactions that she believes benefit allies, while insisting that truthfulness remains the guiding principle in communicating with voters.
In closing, the interview underscored a commitment to ongoing political engagement and a dedication to advancing the Greens’ agenda while remaining true to her liberal beliefs. The discussions touched on cooperation with the Civic Coalition, future leadership roles, and the practical steps she plans to take to push policy reforms in energy, health care, and public spending.
— End of interview
References: PAP interview and coverage from wPolityce