In discussions about Poland’s political landscape, observers note that the ruling party often tries to corner smaller factions into a single bloc, much like shepherding a scattered flock into one pen. This tactic tends to be met with public skepticism and is interpreted as an electoral squabble. The sentiment across society grows tense, with opposition groups growing more combative toward one another. This observation was voiced by Jacek Bury, a veteran Polish senator, during an interview with wPolityce.pl.
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wPolityce.pl: What do you make of the latest poll results showing PiS gaining a bit while opposition parties, except for Konfederacja, lose ground?
Jack Bury: He asked about difficult topics. He is surprised by how little support PiS currently enjoys given the country’s situation. In times of national crises or wars, the country tends to rally around those in power, and he would have expected PiS to be above 40 percent in the polls, yet that level remains out of reach.
He noted that the war in Ukraine has triggered global economic turbulences, which have hit Poland as well, affecting those in power.
According to him, much of this volatility stems from decisions by those in charge. Inflation has surged, not helped by the government’s handling of funds from major programs, and inflation here remains higher than in many European peers. While inflation has eased somewhat, it remains a concern. Some credit for the government’s actions is acknowledged, yet the broader picture is interpreted as a poor economic climate driven by external shocks and domestic policy choices.
The interviewer returned to the poll question and asked why support for PiS remains relatively steady amid economic strain.
Bury suggested the opposition, especially the KO, has focused more on internal battles than on presenting a credible alternative to Poles. He warned that while the KO has begun outlining proposals, the political drama risks becoming a contest of populism. He predicted proposals like a universal pension boost or other populist programs could appear in quick succession, aimed at attracting votes rather than fostering sustainable economic development. Meanwhile, Konfederacja’s appeal is rising among some voters due to its positioning as a fresh voice on economic liberalism, though there is skepticism about its broader aims. Young voters, in particular, may confuse Konfederacja with libertarian ideas, underestimating the group’s more controversial elements. If the true intentions become clear, support could wane.
Bury also reflected on the PSL and the Poland 2050 alliance. He noted PSL’s long-standing proximity to the electoral threshold and Poland 2050’s previously strong position, which has softened in recent polls. He attributed the shift to messaging gaps and the misunderstanding that the alliance represents a single party, rather than a coalition united around shared goals such as energy transformation and education. He emphasized that the alliance would likely remain two separate entities under a joint banner to pursue common objectives after elections.
Asked about the potential consequences of a prolonged debate over whether PSL and Poland 2050 would run together or separately, Bury argued that the absence of a decisive plan harms political credibility. He stressed that open discussions, even when difficult, can lead to a constructive shared platform. A future coalition, he suggested, would probably involve two parties operating under one committee, with no final decision yet made. The risk of not crossing the electoral threshold existed, but he believed a united coalition could secure more than the required margin and offered a chance to present a constructive program for Poland before the vote.
The conversation then touched on rumors of a reshuffle within the KO’s leadership, potentially replacing a candidate for Prime Minister. Ipsos polls cited in the discussion indicated broader appeal for a different leader among opposition voters. Bury acknowledged that a change might attract some support, but doubted its decisive impact. He recalled past political maneuvers and emphasized that the outcome could boost or barely move the opposition’s prospects depending on how voters perceive the changes. He cautioned against assuming a single face on the ticket would automatically win voters over.
Returning to the idea of a unified opposition, the host pressed on whether this issue should be closed as a factor in the polls. Bury stated that a cohesive approach is essential. He argued against collapsing all opposition voices into a single list under one leader, explaining that such consolidation could simplify the ruling party’s campaign and alienate voters who prefer other parties that might otherwise contribute different but valuable ideas. He concluded that Poland 2050 and PSL aim to offer concrete, positive proposals rather than a monolithic political front, and that the current diversity of approaches should be preserved to present a more robust set of options for Poles.
Adam Stankiewicz contributed to the discussion.
Source: wPolityce