The left is prepared to stand independently, stated Robert Biedroń, co-chair of the New Left, on Tuesday. He expressed regret that a broad coalition could not be formed for local elections.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a decision to seek registration for the Civic Coalition Election Commission for the upcoming local government polls.
“I will use all my authority, if I have it among coalition partners, to ensure that this heated election season does not fracture the coalition by October 15. I am confident it will work,” Tusk assured.
Biedroń: The Left is ready to advance on its own
Robert Biedroń, whose party discussed participation formulas with KO for the local elections, referred to the prime minister’s remarks in a interview with the Polish Press Agency.
He stated that the group is prepared to begin without a coalition, even though efforts were made to persuade colleagues to join forces. The leadership regrets the failure, since a shared base had helped shape governance, making a joint effort seem natural.
“We are ready to move forward on our own,” he said.
As the New Left co-chair noted, the plan for local election participation will not split the parties forming the current coalition majority, he added.
“There won’t be conflicts,” he assured.
The left intends to operate as a broad, united entity, placing greater emphasis on advancing left-wing values, particularly as achieving a majority on several left-leaning policies remains challenging, Biedroń explained.
“Greater room to highlight differences”
He argued that results should strengthen the left so that issues like quality public services, health care access, education, housing, and public transport are better addressed.
The left will now have more opportunities to underscore these differences, emphasizing credibility in the ongoing struggle. If someone wants a well-organized, self-governing Poland, the left will invite them to support them and request votes. – he emphasized.
The politician also noted that all allied formations cooperate, but each follows its own path.
This Saturday an announcement will outline the starting formula, including which groups and configurations will participate, Biedroń stated, adding that the National Council of the New Left will meet that day.
Local elections
Asked about potential cooperation with the Civic Coalition and Trzecia Droga, Biedroń replied that his party is open to the possibility.
“Regional meetings will proceed separately, with other scenarios on the table,” he added.
“We are the formation that most strongly emphasizes cooperation and seeking common ground, and we will keep pursuing that whenever feasible.”
The local elections are scheduled for April 7, with a second round for municipalities, mayors, and city presidents two weeks later.
[Source attribution: wPolityce]
PAP/bjg
[Source: wPolityce]