Our objective is to be a driving force for the Polish right and to earn the trust of millions of new voters. Looking ahead to 2024, the path seems clear: a stronger position for the Confederation, according to Krzysztof Bosak, deputy speaker of the Sejm and a leading figure within the movement.
PAP reported that 2023 was packed with significant political events: the campaign trail, parliamentary elections, and a shift in Poland’s political balance. What did that year mean for the Confederation? Bosak described it as a year of mobilization and strategy. The group carried out an ongoing campaign not tied to the major blocs, choosing to defend an independent stance rather than align with PiS or the Civic Platform. They faced a media landscape that was often skeptical or only partially engaged with their work, yet the party managed to establish a parliamentary club and attract several hundred thousand new voters. In terms of executive influence, the Confederation did not gain a seat at the table, and Bosak noted a broader shift in power from the camp around Jarosław Kaczyński toward Donald Tusk. The Confederation sees itself as an alternative to both sides, finding meaning in independent representation rather than in government coalitions. These reflections show a critical view of the outgoing Morawiecki administration and a cautious stance toward the early days of the Tusk government, which Bosak did not characterize as superior.
As election results unfolded, Bosak acknowledged the party’s higher ambitions. Polls suggested a modest upswing inside the electorate, but he urged moderation, pointing out that short-term poll gaps rarely reflect long-term realities. The central ambition remains clear: lead the Polish right and win the confidence of millions who currently see opportunity in PiS, PO, or Third Way. The goal is not just more MPs or a bigger club; it is a broader voice that can shape policy and offer a distinct alternative for voters.
Turning to the year’s notable events, Bosak addressed a recent incident in the Sejm when MP Grzegorz Braun extinguished Hanukkah candles with a powder fire extinguisher during a ceremony. Braun was suspended from the Confederation club and barred from speaking on the parliamentary floor, with a formal complaint filed for disrupting a religious ceremony. The Confederation signaled that its response would align with its broader mission: prioritize Polish security, prosperity, and fundamental values such as freedom and independence, while remaining steadfast about the issues that define their work. The episode, in the party’s view, was a media-fueled disturbance that did not alter the core objectives or the foundations of collaboration.
Media chatter linked Janusz Korwin-Mikke, who has been suspended from the Confederation and removed from the Leadership Council, to a possible closer alliance with Braun. Bosak chose not to speculate on those discussions, signaling a wait-and-see approach.
There was also concern within the party about potential factional moves that could fragment the parliamentary group. Bosak remained optimistic about 2024, asserting that the Confederation’s position would strengthen. He stressed that fear was not driving their plans, but rather ambition and a determination to achieve their goals. The leadership anticipated continuity of staff and collaboration, contingent on the willingness of partners to stay united. The parliamentary club, Bosak suggested, would endure through 2024, continuing to grow without being consumed by internal quarrels.
Looking toward 2024, the Confederation expected a busy electoral calendar, including local elections and the European Parliament ballot. The core challenge would be to present strong, pro-Polish candidates everywhere. The party aimed to place councilors in regional assemblies to influence provincial governance and to field representatives in the European Parliament to monitor where EU-level decisions intersect with Polish interests. The aim was to keep a vigilant eye on Eurocrats and Polish political actors alike, ensuring Poland’s interests remained front and center and resisting the straightforward trade of national concerns for EU funding. Letters would be sent to provincial parliaments and all constituencies to emphasize the breadth of their electoral plans. The party pledged to seek the strongest possible representation in both sets of elections.
Asked about cooperation with other parties in the upcoming elections, the leadership said they would present their own lists and would evaluate whether alliances were prudent. The process would be deliberate, with time set aside to register, assess the political landscape, and decide what would best serve Polish voters and the Confederation’s supporters.
In summary, the Confederation’s year was framed as a test of independence, a test of endurance, and a test of political courage. The party positioned itself as a principled alternative in a polarized environment, ready to push for national renewal, defend core freedoms, and pursue a future where Polish policy remains in the hands of those committed to the country’s sovereignty and economic vitality. The events of the Sejm and the broader electoral horizon were treated as steps in a longer journey toward stronger, more accountable representation for the Polish people.