Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski’s moves shake Poland’s conservative camp; unity matters more than fracture. This was PiS spokesman Rafał Bochenek’s stance in an interview with PAP about Ardanowski’s resignation from PiS membership and his plan to form a new political grouping.
Ardanowski told PAP on Tuesday that he was leaving the party, which also means stepping away from the parliamentary club. He did not rule out joining the Kukiz’15 circle and announced plans to build a new social movement that, as he stated, would culminate in a political party. He also emphasized a desire to bridge right‑wing currents that do not want to align solely with the Law and Justice platform.
Bochenek: We must unite, not divide
PiS spokesperson Rafał Bochenek argued that Ardanowski’s decision harms the Polish right and echoes criticism of the so‑called December 13 coalition. In his PAP interview he warned that the MP’s move would not help the opposition prevail in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary races. Bochenek noted that PiS values Ardanowski’s work and standing in agricultural circles, while expressing regret over the timing of his departure.
Ardanowski critical of PiS
Speaking to Interia on Monday, Ardanowski claimed that PiS behaves as if it does not intend to reclaim power, and he pointed to the party’s president, Jarosław Kaczyński, as the main obstacle. He criticized what he described as a rise of careerists and financial managers who have taken root in state structures.
Bochenek announces a new phase for PiS
Asked to comment on Ardanowski’s remarks, Bochenek said he did not recognize the MP’s descriptions and noted that such formulations had not surfaced before the last parliamentary elections. PiS, he added, is continuously evolving. A party is a living group that changes with its members, including those in the current parliament.
He highlighted that new initiatives, fresh ideas, and renewed energy have become visible in the past six months. He suggested that from September a new version of PiS activities would emerge.
Ardanowski has been linked to PiS since 2001. He served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture in the first PiS government, later as an adviser to President Lech Kaczyński, and in 2018 was appointed Minister of Agriculture under Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, holding the role until autumn 2020. In December 2020 he was named Chairman of the Council for Agriculture and Rural Development appointed by President Andrzej Duda.
“After the Word” with Kukiz
Late June saw Ardanowski confirming to Wawa.info his mission to help form a new political force. Jarosław Sachajko, also associated with Kukiz’15, was identified as the second MP taking part in the party-building effort. In early July Ardanowski told Onet that the new center‑right party would be named the Polish Party. He said he had already spoken with Kukiz, and that several dozen people showed interest in joining a possible party.
yes/PAP
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