Poland’s Left-leaning MP Karolina Pawliczak Announces Departure from Left and Parliamentary Club
An elected representative from Kalisz has publicly shared a decision to resign from her membership in the Left and from the Parliamentary Club of the Left. The move follows growing differences in policy direction between her own positions and those of the party, a stance she described in a note published on her parliamentary office website.
The statement explains that the decision has been ripening for some time due to persistent questions about the party’s program and its direction. The MP noted that she had repeatedly sought clarification on these variances.
Despite the strain, she emphasized respect for the voters who supported her. Facing the onset of the election campaign, she described the decision as extremely difficult, made in conscience and in fairness to those voters.
She also denied accusations published in some media that suggested the decision was tied to negotiations about places on the electoral list. The parliamentarian from Kalisz asserted that she did not participate in any discussions of this kind. A confirmation of this stance came from the chairman of the voivodeship structures, who stated that decisions would be made solely through formal processes in this matter.
Advocate of Unity Within the Opposition
The MP stressed a long-standing commitment to building a robust block of cooperation and understanding within the democratic opposition. She said she would continue to work toward strengthening democratic values on this side of politics, aiming to foster policies that are reasonable, serious, and responsible for the country.
In an interview with Pap, she expressed respect for all colleagues and said there are no regrets about the course taken. The gist of her message centered on maintaining a certain class and dignity in political discourse.
She reiterated that the aim is a strong, united opposition capable of prompting real change. Her stance is that unity and clear common ground are prerequisites for meaningful reform.
For the time being, she described herself as an independent MP and indicated that she had not yet decided which list she would stand on in the next parliamentary elections.
Left’s Reaction
The Left’s leadership acknowledged that departures can occur and that members may slightly adjust their program views. If Pawliczak leaves the Left, some described it as a velvet divorce, a term used to signify a peaceful separation rather than a confrontation.
Krzysztof Gawkowski, head of the Left club, commented in PAP Studio, referencing prior reports from Interia. The Interia.pl portal had suggested unofficially that Pawliczak might leave the New Left due to concerns about ranking in the Kalisz constituency for future elections, and that she appeared closer to the Civic Platform on the political spectrum and might distance herself from Donald Tusk’s lists. Gawkowski countered by saying that if she leaves, it would be a smooth divorce and emphasized that no member would be held accountable for exercising the right to change affiliations.
Reads also emphasize that each individual has the right to leave, and that such moves are a normal part of political evolution when directions diverge.
Related Coverage:
— Will Pawliczak join the Civic Platform? Gawkowski: Everyone has the right to leave. If she chooses that path, it will be a velvet divorce
— June 4 March. Pawliczak: Don’t ruin this day; Pęk replies: Tusk will be followed by the pseudo-elite, now embodied by Seweryn
Source notes: wPolityce