“We won! Law and Justice secures the 2023 parliamentary victories. Thank you. Poland endures and grows strong!” posted Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on social media.
The message responds to the first exit poll results, which indicated a PiS triumph in the parliamentary elections.
In line with democratic norms, the prime minister will likely be tasked with forming a government by the president, and the initial move will focus on building a parliamentary majority.
Morawiecki stated this on Polsat News, noting that the turnout for the referendum was exceptionally high.
He remarked that roughly 40 percent of voters participated, possibly more, as Poles weighed in on four crucial questions.
Asked about talks with Szymon Hołownia and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on a possible coalition, the prime minister said: “We are ready to discuss with everyone.”
The final seat count will be known tomorrow morning or perhaps in the middle of the night. What matters most is that, in keeping with democratic rules, the president may entrust the mission of forming a government to the winning party, and the initial aim will be to establish a parliamentary majority.
When asked whether he would seek another term as prime minister, he responded that the decision lies with the PiS leadership.
Historic victory
The win is described as historic, with no party having claimed parliamentary success three elections in a row. Morawiecki thanked the Polish people for the support, noting that more than 8 million citizens voted for PiS despite challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, armed conflict, and ongoing crises. He emphasized that the trust would not be betrayed.
On TVP Info, Morawiecki underscored Poland’s political tradition: if the president assigns the task of government formation to the victorious camp, a government will be formed that can navigate the forthcoming challenges.
He conceded that the weeks ahead will be tough and that the morning may bring new numbers, opening different possibilities. The basic question will be whether a coalition is formed with partners who share a commitment to Poland’s well-being rather than a coalition shaped by antipathy toward PiS.
He also remarked that the most surprising result came from the Confederation party and suggested waiting for fuller results before drawing conclusions.
Morawiecki thanked all voters, calling the turnout comparable to previous elections. He linked opposition moves, such as pushing referendums, to undemocratic behavior and pledged continued vigilance.
Further comments indicated that briefings with journalists and allies would continue as results arrive in intervals around the clock.
In the Ipsos survey, PiS secured 36.8 percent of the vote, while the Civic Coalition received 31.6 percent, Third Way 13 percent, Left 8.6 percent, and Confederation 6.2 percent, with each group earning parliamentary seats. Local nonpartisan officials trailed with 2.4 percent, failing to cross the electoral threshold. The exit poll also noted a 72.9 percent turnout among voters in Poland’s referendum, with 40 percent turnout in the referendum overall.
Observers noted Morawiecki’s enthusiasm about the party’s fourth historical victory and reflected that the opposition’s stance on referendums had been a factor they viewed unfavorably.
The prime minister added that more conversations with journalists and friends would occur as results continue to stream in hour by hour.