Polish Opposition Figures Debate EU Treaties and KPO Advances
A member of parliament from the Civic Coalition publicly suggested at the Trójka Political Salon that the European Commission’s decision to advance 5 billion euros to Poland from the National Recovery Plan (KPO) is tied to a likely shift in political power. The remarks implied that Prime Minister Morawiecki’s electoral defeat could prompt the EU to assume Poland will return to its path of the rule of law. Kierwiński asserted that the Civic Coalition does not favor changes to EU treaties, while characterizing PiS’s stance on treaty alterations as driven by hysteria.
KO on Treaty Changes
The Secretary General of the Civic Coalition explained why his party in the European Parliament, like PiS, voted against modifying the EU treaties. He said the Civic Coalition opposes any changes but cautioned against turning the current situation into a dramatic confrontation, viewing it as a preparatory phase for potential work ahead.
In response to a question from Beata Michniewicz, he noted that some listeners might read PiS’s warnings as a red flag, suggesting a downstream shift in positions. The question arose whether Donald Tusk, if he becomes prime minister, could also alter his stance on the new treaties.
Kierwiński stated that Donald Tusk has clearly expressed his position as against changes in this area. He referred to what he sees as an ongoing anti-European narrative from PiS for weeks, dismissing their claim that sovereignty is being stripped away as unfounded.
The Civic Coalition believes the current arrangements are preferable, adding that PiS’s hysteria and Morawiecki’s leadership should be subjected to public accountability and dialogue about Poland’s role on the international stage. The reasoning given was that Morawiecki continues to lead during a period believed to be constrained by what is described as a mission from President Duda to assemble a new cabinet.
The guest noted that the mission’s prospects look dim, arguing that Morawiecki should address public concerns about Poland’s standing with Western partners rather than venting in inflammatory terms. Kierwiński, in turn, claimed that the United Right’s public stance risks undermining the European Commission, which, in his view, has historically benefited Poland by supporting non-political reconstruction funds tied to the pandemic response rather than to partisan projects.
A related discussion noted various media references and opinions from other actors on the issue of EU treaty changes. The EP’s position appeared divided, with some voices supporting amendments and others warning against radical shifts. The overarching theme was a cautionary view of how future negotiations would unfold and how Polish interests would be represented in behind‑the‑scenes talks.
The topic of prepayments from the KPO was revisited, with remarks suggesting that Poland had not received KPO funds for two years due to the government’s political actions. The conversation linked this lag to the electoral defeat and the EU’s expectation that Poland would return to rule-of-law standards. Kierwiński argued that this context makes the argument about the KPO advances a reflection of broader political dynamics rather than a straightforward financial issue.
According to the speaker, the 5 billion euro advance is cited as evidence that a changed political climate could unlock funds previously blocked by political disagreements. The discussion framed these funds as contingent on Poland re-aligning with EU expectations on governance and legal standards, rather than a direct partisan victory or loss.
Changes in the Secret Services
The agreement among opposition groups—PO, PSL, Poland 2050, and the New Left—initialed on November 10, proposed liquidating the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau and transferring its powers to other services, including a branch of the Central Criminal Investigation Bureau’s anti-corruption department. Kierwiński was questioned about the future leadership of the internal security portfolio and whether a dedicated coordinator for secret services would be established after power changes.
He indicated a return to standard norms, suggesting the reintroduction of a separate Coordinator Minister dedicated solely to security services. At present, Mariusz Kamiński holds the role of Coordinator of Special Services and also serves as the Minister of the Interior and Administration.
“We Will Talk and Work Out Solutions”
Kierwiński pledged that the Civic Coalition would push for all one hundred items from the election manifesto to be realized should they form a government. He described a coalition that would require compromise and agreement among partners, stressing that debates would be used to forge practical solutions rather than deepen divisions.
On the question of coalition commitments, he cited upgraded budgets aimed at fighting inflation and protecting forests, alongside steps to increase the tax-free allowance as part of fiscal reforms. He also promised to revert health insurance premium changes that burden citizens and to extend support programs for retirees.
The Secretary General announced plans to bring in specialists to the administration. He argued that recruitment would prioritize competence and professional experience over party affiliation, and that public service ethos would be restored across ministries.
Public Media and TVP Reform
Asked about media reforms, Kierwiński stated that public broadcasters should be depoliticized. He asserted a commitment to removing partisan staff from TVP and to restoring public television to serve the Polish people, while ensuring that remuneration for programs remains fair and in line with merit rather than political favoritism. He stressed that changes would be executed swiftly and in accordance with the law.
The future minister of culture would present the necessary legal measures once appointed. He emphasized that the reforms would follow legal procedures and would uphold standards of decency and accountability. The planned changes also targeted the National Media Council, which he characterized as an attempt to bypass the National Broadcasting Council, and aimed to realign public media to serve the public interest rather than a political faction.
In his view, the approach would ensure that those who contribute to public discourse without spreading hate would not be financially rewarded beyond reasonable limits for appearances on state media.
Leadership Roles and Timing
The discussion briefly touched on rumors about Kierwiński’s potential appointment as head of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. The response highlighted that such decisions rest with the Prime Minister and would be clarified after the coalition’s negotiations and a formal process completed in the weeks ahead. Respect for the Sejm and democratic procedures remained a priority in how leadership assignments would be handled.
The conference closed with a reminder that the Prime Minister would determine the cabinet’s composition, with ongoing negotiations among Civic Coalition, PSL, Trzecia Droga, and New Left as they work toward forming a government under Donald Tusk. Reports and speculation about ministerial portfolios continued to circulate in the media, underscoring the uncertainty that typically accompanies coalition-building in these moments.
All of the above reflects a snapshot of ongoing political dialogue around EU integration, national governance, and the balance of power in Poland. The conversations illustrate how opposition forces frame policy choices, economic safeguards, and national sovereignty as they prepare for potential governance shifts in the near term. [cited: wPolityce]