The new issue of Sieci presents a compact briefing on the opening days of the election campaign. It highlights the precarious standing of Donald Tusk and his party. On one side, voter lists are notably weak; on the other, the campaign appears driven more by hostility than by a concrete program. This sets the stage for expectations that the opposition leader might resort to some of the harsher campaign tactics. Poland’s political fate seems to hang in the balance as observers gauge how the major groups are steering their messages. In the article Ready for the finish, Marek Pyza and Marcin Wikło analyze these dynamics.
Articles from the current issue are available as part of the Network of Friends subscription.
Ready for the finish
The alliance announced with fanfare by the opposition parties is cracking under pressure and showing signs of strain. The Civic Platform headquarters offers few compelling ideas, and when ideas appear they respond only imperfectly to the changing power dynamics. This does not guarantee success for Law and Justice, but the campaign gains momentum. The launch of the PiS bus featuring the highly popular Beata Szydlo is seen as a symbolic step in the right direction. Maintaining a steady direction and a consistent message is crucial, and early studies suggest this approach is effective.
– highlighted Pyza and Wikło in Sieci.
Even observers less engaged in politics can see that the PiS campaign was carefully crafted and meticulously prepared. Internal party discussions and the weighing of different opinions on key topics shaped the strategy. Meanwhile the opposition began to imitate PiS in some actions, raising the question of whether this will secure their victory.
For the first time, the PO mobilized its supporters to speak with a united frontline. At the start of the holiday period, daily conferences and new topics emerged, focusing on issues such as the operations of state-owned enterprises and the so-called millionaire alley. These were echoes of PiS actions from the past. The opposition enjoyed considerable latitude in topic selection, yet for a long stretch remained largely passive. The idea of a shared list became a pressure point, particularly for Donald Tusk who had hoped to become a unifying hegemon, yet remained the leader of the largest party. His commitment to the June 4 demonstration looked like it might cement a new leadership stride, but the plan did not materialize as hoped.
– publicists are noted for their emphasis.
We have a chance to govern ourselves
In a conversation with Jacek Karnowski, Professor Piotr Gliński, Minister of Culture and National Heritage, discusses the opportunities to govern, reparations from Germany, and relations with Ukraine. He stresses the importance of community and unity, and he questions the role of the Polish artistic community in shaping national identity. The debate goes beyond politics to the responsibilities artists bear toward society, especially toward the most vulnerable members of the community. The legacy of the left-wing intelligentsia is examined, as is the way the postwar era reshaped the cultural elite and the broader social fabric. The contemporary voices from artists who support dialogue and responsibility appear alongside warnings about pressure, exclusion, boycotts, and public hostility toward dissenting perspectives.
Gliński suggests that a public debate between Jarosław Kaczyński and Donald Tusk would be challenging, given the latter’s reliance on media exposure and party resources. He argues that Kaczyński embodies a different political class: disciplined, resolute, and focused on Poland’s interests. The platform has strong backers and sponsors, yet its ability to implement major projects remains a critical test. The past eight years are described as a remarkable achievement led by Kaczyński, aided by state tools, amid crises such as a pandemic, war, and political hostility. The view is that a direct debate between the two would be unlikely to alter the fundamental dynamics, but that does not diminish the significance of the exchange of ideas.
– Gliński’s reflections are presented as a call for constructive dialogue rather than a clash of personalities.
Ukrainian grain does not enter Poland
Robert Telus, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses Poland’s stance on Ukrainian grain imports and the European Union embargo. He notes that neighboring countries have a vested interest in enforcing the embargo due to the cross-border nature of grain flows. Poland acted at the border on April 15 and helped build a coalition of frontline states, which pressured the EU to address the issue and extend the embargo to September 15. The EU coalition includes Hungary and Slovakia, both signaling a tough stance, while Bulgaria presents a more complex situation in light of its domestic sunflower processing industry. The proposed flexibility allows additions or removals from the embargo list as needed.
The minister argues there are no obstacles to extending the embargo and emphasizes that this is a test of European solidarity. The aim is to ensure Ukrainian grain flows to areas with a genuine shortage, recognizing that the global grain supply remains unchanged by the conflict. The transport routes have simply shifted toward Europe, and in other regions such as parts of Africa, grain shortages may persist. The ultimate outcome hinges on European decision-makers working with prudence and shared responsibility. A failure to cooperate could be seen as an attempt by hostile actors to destabilize the European agricultural market. Telus frames the issue as a test of unity and a reminder that the continent must act where needed to stabilize supply chains.
– Telus’s commentary highlights the complexity of balancing humanitarian needs, market stability, and political optics in a highly interconnected region.
What else is in the new Network?
The issue also includes pieces by Stanisław Janecki on Kaczyński rising while Tusk slides, Konrad Kołodziejski on the mole of fascism, Dariusz Matuszak on the fifth referendum question, Jakub Augustyn Maciejewski on how hostility is perceived, Maciej Walaszczyk on the risk of overprotection, Aleksandra Rybińska on admiration and resentment, Jan Rokita on the right and immigration, Marek Budzisz on possible Ukrainian offensives, and more. A conversation between Marcin Wikła and Beata Szydło, a former prime minister and European Parliament member, explores the need for serious leadership in Poland, while Edyta Hołdyńska talks with Krystyna Liwińska about a stance of independence. The weekly edition also features analysis from Krzysztof Feusette, Dorota Osiewicz, Bronisław Wildstein, Andrzej Rafał Potocki, Marta Kaczyńska-Zielińska, Alina Czerniakowska, Piotr Cywiński, Wiktor Świętlik, and the Zybertowicz family. The issue promises further insights and perspectives for readers seeking a broader view of Poland’s current political landscape.
Further material from Sieci is available in the current issue and will be online later this year for Network of Friends subscribers. Viewers are invited to watch the wPolsce.pl program as well. The discussion topics span political strategy, national identity, and policy approaches across the Polish political spectrum.
criminal law
Source: wPolityce