Leaders stated that until all issues are settled and an agreement is reached, they will not make any public announcements, according to PSL MP Marek Sawicki in a conversation with Radio Zet about the coalition talks. He also referenced a joke about PiS politicians potentially joining the PSL, noting that it was a light-hearted remark among friends his age. The joke went along the lines of: we’ll think about it, we’ll see, and you are welcome, a way to acknowledge the unlikely but open-ended nature of political discussions. He stressed that such offers can be made as jokes and should not be taken as real moves.
There is no rush yet
The question remains whether the Law and Justice party can assemble a working majority to form a government. At the same time, the Civic Coalition, Trzecia Droga, and Lewica are pursuing a coalition agreement. Could a resolution emerge by next Monday? This was the focus of discussion after Sawicki spoke with Radio Zet. While the Civic Coalition aims to assume power promptly, the PSL representative indicated that he is not pressed for speed at this moment.
From his perspective as a veteran member, caution is sensible. He suggested waiting to exhaust the first path discussed by President Andrzej Duda, who has indicated that if Prime Minister Morawiecki resigns, he would nominate a new prime minister on November 13. Therefore, the process along that route should be fully explored before moving forward.
Extra time could prove valuable to thoroughly refine the coalition agreement, Sawicki said on Radio Zet. He also expressed support for making the coalition agreement a public document this time.
He added that he was not involved in the negotiations and did not know the detailed terms yet. The leaders agreed not to announce anything until all terms were settled, a principle Sawicki compared to how things work in Brussels: nothing is considered settled until everything is agreed.
From PiS to PSL and back?
Asked whether any PiS MPs might want to join PSL, Sawicki replied that former ZSL members currently in PiS could be open to returning and engaging in talks with the People’s Party. He recalled joking with friends about the idea, emphasizing that such remarks are often exchanged casually among long-standing colleagues. He stressed that fateful decisions require formal procedures and cannot be rushed.
According to Sawicki, admission to the PSL follows a clear statute-based process. Prospective members must submit a membership declaration and be supported by two PSL members, with a quarantine period required if individuals from another party join the club or party. He noted that this is a formal, time-bound procedure.
When asked about speculation that Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki might persuade six MPs to switch to PiS, Sawicki replied that it is unlikely he has persuaded PSL members to move. He acknowledged that during transitional periods much is said and little happens in reality.
Opposition to civil partnerships
The discussion turned to ideological issues, including civil partnerships and the possibility of adoption by same-sex couples. It remains uncertain how potential coalition partners will respond to these topics. The question of how PSL might vote on partnerships was posed to Sawicki, who answered candidly that he personally does not intend to vote on the matter and expects no discipline in the party on this issue.
Regarding why some people prefer registered partnerships to civil marriage, Sawicki explained the practical distinctions between notarial deeds and civil marriage, noting that both can carry comparable costs. He stated that he does not support same-sex partnerships, and the PSL would not enforce a strict party line on this matter.
On the topic of adopting children by LGBT couples, Sawicki expressed opposition to such adoptions. He cited personal experiences of his own family and his children volunteering abroad who encountered families led by same-sex couples, which had shaped his views. He added that the experiences of those close to him have highlighted the importance of tolerance even as his personal stance remains traditional.
Hołownia as a potential Sejm marshal
When the idea of a rotating Sejm marshal was raised, Sawicki reflected that past terms have seen marshalling exchanges and replacements. He suggested that any coalition would vote to replace the marshal if necessary and that leadership shifts are part of parliamentary politics. He also considered Szymon Hołownia as a potential marshal candidate, noting that a debuting marshal could perform well if the role comes with strong media presence and a well-prepared staff at the Sejm Chancellery. The idea was presented as a possibility rather than a fixed plan.
Questions persisted about whether potential coalition partners might label Sawicki a homophobe. They also touched on the possibility that PSL, in coalition with Polska 2050, KO, and Lewica, would nonetheless influence policy in areas Sawicki may personally oppose. The discussion closed with the note that politics during transitional periods often involves rhetoric that does not always translate into immediate action.
aja/Radio Zet
Source attribution: wPolityce