A close ally of the PSL chairman Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Bogusław Sonik said there would soon be talks about his move into the parliamentary elections on the PSL list, stressing that the PSL’s ideological circle resonates with him during a recent interview with PAP on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Sonik announced on RMF FM that he was leaving Civic Platform.
He later explained that leaving the Platform after 22 years is tough and that their paths have finally diverged. He argued that the party had shifted to the left and could no longer meet his expectations.
He added that his concern went beyond mere governance of everyday services like hot water; the focus should be on a party that unites people and offers a sense of stability for those who are comfortable with what was, and for those seeking guarantees for the future.
Sonik noted this during the interview with PAP on Wednesday. When asked whether he intended to stand as a candidate on the PSL or Poland 2050 lists in the coming elections, he said it was up to the leaders of those groups to decide. He left room for consideration, saying that such a proposal would be worth evaluating and possibly accepting.
He affirmed his wish to remain an active politician. When questioned about his position on appearing on the PSL and Poland 2050 lists, he admitted it was premature to discuss specifics. He acknowledged it would be difficult to stay ahead of developments and noted uncertainty about the other group’s level of interest.
To counter speculation that PO had already agreed to launch the elections with PSL and Poland 2050 on their lists, Sonik said he did not share that view. He stated that it was too early and that he had not discussed such a move with anyone. He affirmed his friendship with PSL president Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and suggested a discussion would occur soon, given the ideological proximity of the circles involved.
PSL MP Marek Sawicki responded by saying he could see a place for Sonik, given his background, biography, and views that align with his own. He urged colleagues from Lesser Poland to consider a fitting spot on the list for Sonik. Sawicki also remarked that Sonik is a politician with merits and a strong biography, though he noted Sonik’s conservative stance aligns with his own preferences.
When RMF FM pressed for the reason behind Sonik’s decision, he cited as a factor the leadership’s position on a bill liberalizing anti-abortion regulations and the belief that those who oppose such provisions should not appear on electoral lists. He said, regardless of personal views, the development was unacceptable to him.
In September 2022, Donald Tusk stated that on the first day after winning the election a bill would be introduced in the Sejm to allow abortion up to 12 weeks as a woman’s decision, and that opponents would not be included on electoral lists. He also suggested that this stance would be non-negotiable for those on the lists. Sonik recalled this stance while explaining his plan to stay true to his platform while preparing parliamentary lists, asserting that any guarantee offered must align with his own position, so as not to embarrass himself later.
The response of the PO Lesser Poland
Miszalski, the head of the Małopolska PO, remarked that Sonik’s move did not come as a surprise. He noted that Sonik had been largely absent from parliamentary duties and regional meetings for a long time, and that his public activity in parliament had waned. He stated that Sonik had often said he disagreed with the PO, both on his views and the future work ahead.
Miszalski expressed a sense of regret over every parliamentarian but added that each person must follow their own path. He suggested Sonik would likely remain in opposition, and he wished him luck in that course.
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mly/PAP
Source: wPolityce