Opposition Seeks Common Ground Ahead of Poland’s Referendum and Elections

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A prominent voice in Polish politics argues that opposition groups should meet to align their positions ahead of the upcoming referendum and elections. In an interview with a national press service, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, co-chair of the New Left, emphasized that the opposition should avoid infighting as the electoral contest approaches. The goal, he said, is to map out issues where agreement exists and to formalize those shared positions, including how to approach the referendum itself.

According to Czarzasty, when consensus emerges it should be codified. A key area for unity is the stance on the referendum and the strategies surrounding it. The overarching aim is to present a unified front on essential questions while still honoring the broad range of viewpoints within the opposition.

“It would prove valuable to arrange such a meeting,” he noted, underscoring the desire for constructive dialogue among opposition groups. He also highlighted the so‑called parliamentary pact, which refers to a common minimum program and a commitment to co‑govern once the elections are over.

As the electoral date nears, Czarzasty suggested that if one party plans a major event, such as an Electoral Commission gathering on October 1, organizers should coordinate with other opposition formations to maximize the impact for the Polish opposition as a whole.

On October 1, Warsaw will host the March of a Million Hearts, an event organized by Platforma Obywatelska and a leading political figure. The parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 15, with voters choosing 460 deputies and 100 senators to four‑year terms.

Four questions will appear on the referendum ballot on October 15. The first question asks whether voters support the sale of state assets to foreign entities, a move that could shift control of key sectors of the economy away from Polish hands. The second question concerns retirement policy, asking if voters favor raising the retirement age and restoring it to 67 for both men and women. The third question concerns removing the border barrier between Poland and Belarus. The fourth question asks whether voters support admitting thousands of illegal migrants from the Middle East and Africa under a relocation mechanism imposed by European authorities.

Analysts note that the referendum questions touch on issues closely watched by the public and international observers alike. How these questions are framed and who presents a coherent alternative will likely influence public perception ahead of the polls. The conversation around the parliamentary pact and joint electoral strategy is also seen as a vital component of the opposition’s broader messaging plan. With the campaign season intensifying, strategic coordination could shape how voters understand the opposition’s priorities and its readiness to govern.
The push for unity reflects a recognition that a divided front can weaken electoral prospects in a high‑stakes political landscape. By establishing common positions on core questions, the opposition aims to offer voters a clear contrast to the governing majority while preserving the ability to incorporate diverse perspectives within its ranks.

Czarzasty’s remarks also underscore the practical realities of modern parliamentary politics, where public demonstrations, formal coalitions, and cross‑party coordination can significantly affect outcomes. The October 1 event in Warsaw, paired with the alleged need for a shared platform on the referendum, signals an intent to present a disciplined, credible alternative to voters as they head to the polls in mid‑October.

Observers caution that drafting a unified platform requires careful negotiation and transparent communication. The referendum’s four questions touch on sensitive issues, including economic sovereignty, age-based social policy, border security, and migration policy. The way these matters are positioned will likely determine how voters perceive the opposition’s readiness to shape policy after an electoral victory.

As the date draws nearer, both organizers and participants are expected to test the strength of the opposition’s consensus by engaging with civil society groups, regional branches, and voter blocs across the country. The goal is not only to win seats but to create a durable framework for governance that can survive party shifts and electoral surprises. The discussions are being watched by researchers and political analysts who see in them a blueprint for post‑election collaboration, should the opposition secure enough support to form a government.

The unfolding dialogue around the referendum and the parliamentary pact will likely influence campaign tactics, candidate selection, and policy articulation in the weeks ahead. Supporters emphasize the importance of unity in presenting coherent alternatives while critics fear compromises could blur party identities. Regardless of the exact outcomes, the emphasis on dialogue, formal agreements, and strategic alignment marks a notable moment in Poland’s political process.

Czarzasty’s team argues that constructive engagement among opposition factions could improve governance prospects after elections and help clarify the coalition’s intentions to the public. The coming weeks thus become pivotal as parties test their capacity to collaborate without sacrificing essential political principles. That balance, many believe, will determine not only the referendum’s trajectory but the broader course of Poland’s democratic process.

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