On Saturday, Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski of PSL spoke on TVN24 about the likelihood that President Andrzej Duda would entrust the mission to form a government to PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Bartoszewski suggested that while the president has the prerogative to appoint someone, Kosiniak-Kamysz would probably decline politely due to ongoing discussions among the four main parties and the emergence of pre-agreed arrangements. If such agreements are reached, the other party leaders would not oppose them in practice.
Next week, the President will host consultations at the Presidential Palace. Representatives from each electoral committee that will be represented in the next Sejm will be invited, and meetings will proceed one by one with the committees in order of their election results. The purpose is to hear each group’s positions as a basis for potential coalitions and government formation.
Bartoszewski reiterated on Saturday that the president can designate anyone for the mission, but he anticipated Kosiniak-Kamysz would tactfully refuse, given the likelihood of preliminary talks among the party leaders and the possibility of prearranged understandings. He emphasized the importance of listening to all four parties before any formal steps are taken.
In his view, the Civic Coalition, together with Third Way and the Left, stood as the most probable coalition to form the government, leaving little doubt about the likely configuration of the next administration. Regarding PiS’s purported offer to PSL — portraying Kosiniak-Kamysz as potential prime minister with significant influence over ministries — Bartoszewski stated that no MP had discussed such a proposal with him. The party remains cautious about any backstage deals that might diverge from the voters’ mandate.
From the campaign line that resonated with voters, Bartoszewski recalled the slogan: “Either you vote for the Third Way, or you risk a third term for PiS.” He argued that proposing a pivot against the voters’ will would be absurd and underscored that PSL would not enter a coalition with PiS.
Asked about cooperation with the president, he noted a shift. There was a period when the president engaged openly with the opposition and held constructive meetings, particularly after the war in Ukraine began. Recently, however, the president has been viewed more as the head of a political party, which has altered the dynamics of those interactions.
Bartoszewski also expressed skepticism about sending the president to the State Tribunal. He pointed to the long-standing existence of the State Tribunal and noted that historically it convicted only a couple of individuals, including a case tied to illegal alcohol trafficking. His stance reflected a preference for pursuing accountability through the public prosecutor and the courts, rather than relying on the Tribunal alone.
Vote for Adam Glapiński
When pressed about voting in the Sejm to bring NBP President Adam Glapiński before the State Tribunal, Bartoszewski said he would vote in favor. He argued that the president should leave the central bank promptly, while acknowledging that removal requires appropriate procedures and cannot be forced unilaterally.
He also indicated that a broader group should face scrutiny before the State Tribunal, naming figures across the leadership and governance spectrum, including Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro and others accused of influencing the justice system, envelope elections, and various issues connected to governance. He stressed that the State Tribunal should not be the sole mechanism for accountability and reiterated his support for investigations carried out by the public prosecutor’s office and the courts.
On budgetary matters and social programs, he said the opposition warned of large gaps but that the concern lay more with non-budgetary issues than with the immediate fiscal plan. He assured that social benefits would be preserved, while suggesting that some projects might be reconsidered in light of broader fiscal realities. One example he offered was the CPK project, describing it as an impractical investment.
In the Sejm elections, PiS secured 194 seats, KO 157, Third Way 65, New Left 26, and Confederation 18. These figures set the stage for subsequent parliamentary negotiations and government formation.
Related coverage notes there were behind-the-scenes discussions among PO, TD, and other parties, with observers suggesting Tusk’s strategy influenced Kosiniak-Kamysz’s cautious stance.
mly/PAP