The interview with Do Rzeczy features a strong critique by Zbigniew Ziobro, the Minister of Justice and leader of Sovereign Poland, about Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and his stance on EU policy. Ziobro argues that Morawiecki has made critical missteps in key EU decisions, and that Poland risks losing sovereignty as a result of supporting the EU conditionality mechanism and the Just Transition and Recovery policy known as KPO. These claims are presented as a warning about future consequences for national autonomy.
Why Ziobro’s party changed its name
In the Do Rzeczy interview, Ziobro explains the reasoning behind rebranding Solidarna Polska as Sovereign Poland. He stresses that defending Poland’s sovereignty remains central, amid what he describes as increased external pressure and EU interference in Polish affairs. The emphasis is on safeguarding the republic from political and legal pressures he associates with supranational institutions.
Ziobro asserts that the fight for sovereignty did not begin yesterday. He cites a December 2020 resolution as a moment when his party warned that approval of the EU conditionality mechanism and the KPO would progressively erode Poland’s sovereignty. He frames the issue as a matter of accuracy in diagnosis rather than personal ambition, arguing that the government’s concessions to the EU have produced either favorable outcomes or further humiliation. The question, he says, is whether the concessions show correct diagnosis or expose misjudgments that threaten national independence.
He spoke of sovereignty as a continuing objective and tied it to the broader stability of the state against outside leverage. The debate is presented as a test of sound judgment in government leadership.
No invitation for PiS politicians to the convention
Asked why Solidarna Polska did not invite PiS politicians to its convention, Ziobro replies that their party has not always received invitations to all PiS events. He notes that the two parties met at the Congress to avoid clashes among a large audience. A PiS representative had praised the European strategy, something Ziobro and his allies could not fully endorse. The focus, he says, remained on a clear message about alleged German plans to create a single European state and the resulting threats to national sovereignty.
Ziobro emphasizes that the aim was to prevent conflicts and keep the congress focused on shared concerns regarding legal and political developments within the European Union that he believes could undermine Poland’s independence.
READ ALSO: Why was he not present at the Sovereign Poland Convention? PiS chairman: “The reason was simple. I was not invited. It’s hard to ask.”
Terlecki’s caustic tweet
Ziobro mentions a tweet from Ryszard Terlecki, deputy speaker of the Sejm, referencing a small party and a one percent level of support. He suggests that the tag was a sign of frustration with the convention, and he uses this to illustrate a broader disagreement over the European policy pursued by the Prime Minister. He argues that Terlecki may be defending a policy he sees as disadvantageous to ordinary Polish people, citing the proposed European climate measures as potentially costly if not withdrawn.
Ziobro notes Bank Pekao SA calculations estimating substantial additional payments for Poland over the next decade, framing these figures as a consequence of accepting certain EU mandates.
Ziobro contends that Morawiecki will be judged by history for decisions made without broad consultation, particularly those connected with the KPO. He questions where the funds will come from and whether the concessions will end soon, suggesting that a party claiming only modest public support would have provided clearer diagnoses of the issues at stake. He adds that if he were in Terlecki’s position, he would resist caustic remarks that mask deeper disagreements.
READ ALSO: Terlecki after the SP convention: Changing the name doesn’t change anything. Only Law and Justice can ensure Poland’s freedom and development.
“United Right is a value
When the topic turns to the future of the United Right alliance, Ziobro frames the question with a practical lens. He asks whether there is a better alternative on the horizon and notes that Sovereign Poland aligns with PiS in a large share of votes. He concedes that political pragmatism can be less than pleasant, yet it is a necessary element of governance.
Ziobro explains that while Sovereign Poland has not established its own parliamentary club, doing so would align with common goals and the coalition agreement. This stance reflects a belief in shared aims and the importance of maintaining the coalition framework. The United Right is described as a value that has helped Poland confront challenges, including the war in Ukraine, and contributed to improving the living standards of Poles.
He speaks about ongoing discussions regarding cooperative lists with PiS, acknowledging that there is no breakthrough yet and that decisions are still pending. Meanwhile, statements suggesting limited optimism about the coalition’s will to cooperate are noted. Ziobro points to private meetings where PiS leaders allegedly excluded Sovereign Poland from coalition discussions, arguing that a transparent approach to cooperation would allow for clearer demands and a stronger defense of national sovereignty. He reiterates that his party will not abandon its principles or accept policies that gradually erode Poland’s sovereignty. If a seat in the Sejm is necessary to press for change, it becomes essential to pursue that path.
READ ALSO: Prime Minister responds to critical words Ziobro: I am reminded of the proverb – a cow that moans a lot gives little milk.
READ MORE: Prime Minister about the activities of the SP: “The reform of the judiciary did not work out very well.” Ziobro replies: “It was blocked by EU veto and blackmail.”
olk/PAP