There is a clear consensus that three opposition lists will participate in the Sejm elections, according to Grzegorz Schetyna, a member of Parliament from Koalicja Obywatelska (KO), in an interview with RMF FM. He also indicated that he might run for the Sejm himself, though nothing is ruled out, and he suggested that within about ten days a decision should be made confirming a joint list for the Senate.
“This is not a disaster for the opposition.”
In the morning segment on RMF FM, Schetyna was asked whether a united opposition slate for the Sejm was already a foregone conclusion and whether the opposition would begin with three separate lists.
All signs point to three lists, and he stated that this would not spell disaster for the opposition.
The veteran PO politician also commented on reports that a Senate opposition pact has already been set, describing it as a perspective that should become clearer within about ten days. He said that forming such a pact would be the best path to winning the Senate.
Asked about his own candidacy for the Senate, Schetyna replied that nothing is excluded but he believes his run would be for the Sejm.
“Perhaps I will start there, but I trust every vote counted today in the Sejm elections will be valid.”
Prime Minister Tusk or Trzaskowski?
The interview also explored whether Rafał Trzaskowski, the president of Warsaw and deputy leader of PO, would receive Donald Tusk’s blessing as the opposition’s candidate for prime minister should the opposition win.
According to Schetyna, envisioning such a scenario today is difficult. He described it as a binary choice: if Trzaskowski decides to pursue the role, he would assume leadership of the broader opposition, which is a strategic decision that would require Tusk’s input. He suggested that Tusk’s return from Brussels aimed to win elections and govern, thereby excluding one path or the other.
Schetyna noted that all parliamentary groups are expected to participate in the National Security Council meeting called by the president on Friday. The discussions will cover current security assessments tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including the ongoing conversations between Polish and U.S. leadership, as reported by the National Security Bureau Wednesday.
What are the plans for Sikorski?
During the online portion of the conversation, Schetyna was asked whether PO MEP Radosław Sikorski might become foreign minister again.
He said Sikorski is a fulfilled figure in the European Parliament and there are rumors about running him for parliamentary elections, bringing him back from Brussels to the Sejm.
He did caution against speculating about who should hold any specific ministry role.
In the Sejm elections, it seems likely there will be three opposition lists: KO, Lewica, and PSL with Poland 2050, a view recently echoed by politicians from different groups. Still, no decisions have been made.
Meeting at the National Security Bureau
Regarding tomorrow’s gathering at the National Security Bureau, Schetyna stated that all political groups would attend. The aim is to discuss future scenarios, including how to plan for armaments and investments in Poland’s security.
He emphasized that this requires a united stance from the opposition. He also expressed satisfaction with the cross-party unity among Polish politicians on the issue of Ukraine, noting the importance of speaking with one voice and acknowledging that unity had been achieved.
He also commented on Joe Biden’s visit to Warsaw and the earlier trip to Kyiv. He described Biden’s visit to Kyiv as a display that humiliated Putin and called the broader effort a meaningful demonstration beyond routine diplomacy.
Schetyna praised Biden’s Warsaw speech, recalling that Biden spoke clearly about freedom. He noted that the speech was addressed to Ukrainians, Moldovans, Belarusians, and all those who resist oppression, asserting sovereignty and self-determination.
“It is important that the elections are equal and fair”
The interview touched on concerns about electoral manipulation. Schetyna argued that if an electoral defense force is established, the elections would not be rigged. He stressed that fair and equal elections allow the social factor to influence outcomes and that cooperation among opposition parties remains crucial, even if a joint list cannot be formed.
He added that the opposition would not win without effective collaboration among parties, including cooperation between PO and Poland 2050.
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aja/PAP, RMF 24