Political Unity in Poland: A Member of Parliament Addresses Rumors and Strategy
Such a thing will not happen, according to Jerzy Borowczak, a member of the parliament from the PO. He notes that journalists often look for fault whenever the head of the parliamentary group steps away from Hołownia. Borowczak emphasizes ongoing unity, saying he has spoken with Rafał Trzaskowski who understands that greater collaboration is possible. The group remains tight, ready, and determined, and Borowczak laughs at claims of division, asserting that the reality is far from the rumors being circulated by the media.
During a question about a joint speech by Donald Tusk and Rafał Trzaskowski in Biała Podlaska, Borowczak explains he was in Lublin for three scheduled meetings and met with seniors, autistic families, people with disabilities, and farmers. The KO club meeting in Lublin the following morning focused on guarding unity rather than discussing any specific meeting between Trzaskowski and Tusk. The issue of a rift is repeatedly raised by opposition voices, including Poland 2050 leader Szymon Hołownia, but Borowczak maintains there is no real split and points to ongoing collaboration instead.
According to Borowczak, the concern about a leadership replacement in the PO has sparked speculation across media and among some opponents. He reiterates that the party is united and dismisses talk of replacing the leader as unfounded. He insists that there is room for enhanced cooperation and that the party remains aligned behind its current leadership, despite outside narratives that try to sow discord.
The conversation turns to a prior leadership change in the presidential race. Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska was replaced by Rafał Trzaskowski, a move Borowczak describes as a process of adapting to campaign realities. He cautions that assumptions about a similar shift involving Tusk and Trzaskowski should not be taken as fact. Kidawa-Błońska publicly stated she would not participate in the presidential race, a decision described as unilateral and not driven by party demand, according to Borowczak. The retelling of this episode highlights how campaign dynamics can create room for speculation about leadership transitions.
The discussion shifts to polling and public opinion. Borowczak notes that Kidawa-Błońska’s polling was extremely challenging, with some periods showing alarmsingly low support. He argues that the decision not to run affected public perception and that metrics during campaigns can be volatile. He recalls that early campaign performances had shown potential, but the envelope vote controversy disrupted expectations and required adjustments in strategy and resources. He notes that substantial funds were invested into both the presidential and other campaigns, emphasizing the financial strain and recalibrations that followed.
From Borowczak’s perspective, Rafał Trzaskowski entered the campaign with vigor, while President Duda had already built momentum through weeks of campaigning. He also points to reports of campaign resources and media advantages that may have influenced outcomes. He stresses that in his view, the overall vote margin was not colossal, even as Trzaskowski posted a strong showing and the party collected a notable share of support in the polls.
On leadership dynamics, Borowczak says the party has no intention of changing its top figure. He contrasts this with comments from other factions where leadership moves are discussed. He describes a scenario in which party members, along with local government officials, engage with each other to align efforts and avoid factional splits. He highlights that Trzaskowski is respected within the wider network, a figure who enjoys broad confidence and authority, and that his return to national leadership is welcomed by many in the party. The perception of the party’s standing rose after Tusk’s return, with poll numbers climbing toward the mid to high twenties, though Borowczak cautions that sustained support under a new leader remains a work in progress.
Borowczak notes that public visibility remains a challenge. He says large national meetings are complemented by local outreach, with deputies and senators engaging in conversations across communities. He suggests regional media consolidation has impacted coverage, making it harder for KO to reach broader audiences through certain outlets. Yet, he acknowledges that some media ecosystems do offer sympathetic coverage, including televised coverage of Prime Minister Tusk’s speeches and KO conferences in some outlets, while others remain less favorable.
Questions arise about upcoming marches and coordinated political actions. Borowczak indicates that public demonstrations involving Tusk and the KO coalition are likely, though the scope of attendance from other opposition factions remains uncertain. He expresses openness to participation from the left and other groups if organized events align with shared goals, while noting that invitations and consultations have not always been explicit. He frames these events as opportunities to present a unified stance rather than orchestrated appearances, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across different strands of the opposition.
When asked about specific marches, Borowczak reflects on historical contexts and personal experiences from past May Day protests that shaped his views. He emphasizes the significance of unity in current campaigns while underscoring that past sacrifices and memories inform present decisions. He also highlights conversations with other politicians about potential joint demonstrations and the symbolic value of civic action in a democratic system.
In closing, Borowczak reinforces a readiness to engage with voters wherever they gather. He predicts that meetings with the public will continue across the country, with an emphasis on direct dialogue rather than reliance solely on media coverage. The broader message is one of steadfast unity, a determination to advance shared objectives, and a belief that collaboration across factions strengthens the opposition’s stance in national politics. This perspective reflects a careful balance between internal cohesion and constructive engagement with allied and rival voices in Poland’s political landscape, as reported by wPolityce observers.