Polish Opposition Leaders Set to Rally in Bogatynia Over Sovereignty and Energy Security
Leaders of the United Right coalition, led by PiS president Jarosław Kaczyński, are planned to address a gathering in Bogatynia, a town in Lower Silesia, on Saturday. The event centers on Poland’s sovereignty and energy security amid ongoing questions linked to the Turów energy complex and the neighboring coal mine.
Originally scheduled to take place in Łódź, the convention was later moved to Lower Silesia in a modified format. On Tuesday, officials confirmed that Bogatynia would host the meeting, a location home to the Turów mine and its associated power facilities.
Spotlighting a Practical Issue
Organizers described the gathering as rally-like rather than a typical conference, aimed at a real-world problem impacting residents connected to the Turów mine and power plant. A spokesperson stated that Bogatynia and its surrounding areas expect decisive political action to address local concerns, echoing past calls by other party figures who urged actions to close the mine under EU judicial pressure.
PiS spokespeople noted recent visits to Turów to meet with people from the broader region, emphasizing that the mine and plant sit at the center of broader questions about energy security, sovereignty, and living standards in Poland.
Officials pointed to ongoing measures at multiple levels, including European Union procedures involving various organizations and politicians. They argued that Polish courts have sought to address the energy sector tied to the Turów complex and that these issues affect Poland’s energy security.
The government’s spokesperson described the upcoming meeting as a demonstration of defending the mine against actions by the European Union and activists who oppose the plant. The aim, according to the spokesperson, is to protect Poland’s interests and resist external pressure from EU member states.
Officials stressed that defending the mines and power plants is a step toward ensuring Poland’s security and sovereignty.
Beyond PiS: The Coalition’s Role
When asked whether all United Right leaders would attend Saturday’s event, officials indicated that coalition leaders were planned to appear, led by Jarosław Kaczyński. In addition to PiS, the United Right includes Sovereign Poland led by Zbigniew Ziobro, the Republican Party led by MEP Adam Bielan, and OdNowa RP led by Deputy Minister of National Defense Marcin Ociepa.
On Turów, in response to a decision by the Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw pausing the implementation of an environmental decree related to the coal mining concession after 2026, Kaczyński commented that several power plants lie within a broad region spanning parts of the Czech Republic and Germany. He suggested that external pressures aim to hinder Poland’s development, while acknowledging that not everyone shares these views.
On May 31, the Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw suspended the environmental decree for Turów after 2026, though it did not pause mining operations themselves. The decision followed complaints from groups including the Frank Bold Foundation, Greenpeace, and EKO-UNIA Ecological Association. The Minister of Climate and Environment confirmed a complaint had been filed by the General Directorate for Environmental Protection, with PGE GiEK and the National Public Prosecutor’s Office taking action related to the case.
Criticism of the Court Decision
Policymakers criticized the court ruling, with the Prime Minister labeling it a move that undermined Polish interests. Labor leaders and others described the decision as objectionable, urging a firm stance in the Turów matter. The debate highlights tensions between Poland’s energy strategy and EU regulatory frameworks.
The Turów issue remains central in discussions about how Poland balances energy security, regional development, and environmental obligations, a topic fueling political discourse across the coalition and its supporters. This coverage is drawn from wPolityce reports and related summaries.