Opposition figures minimize the controversy over Michał Kołodziejczak appearing on Civic Coalition lists. Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski of the PSL argues that this move by Tusk is aimed at squeezing out a few points of the vote. In contrast, Dariusz Wieczorek, a left party MP, says there are more pressing problems in Poland that require attention. Deputy Justice Minister Michał Woś countered that the opposition will simply nod toward Germany in response.
Tusk aims to harvest votes
According to the PSL representative, Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski, identifying Michał Kołodziejczak as the top candidate on Civic Coalition lists in the Konin district does not make him the KO leader. There is one leader, he notes, and Tusk seems to be trying to mobilize support everywhere. The agro club alliances for KO reportedly did not yield strong results, yet every percent matters in this election. Bartoszewski contends that Tusk calculated that Kołodziejczak could bring in a few extra votes, justifying a broad effort.
When asked if Tusk hopes to strain Poland’s ties with the United States in favor of Russia, Bartoszewski replied that rural voters might feel unsettled by recent shifts.
Poles are broadly pro-American, Bartoszewski said, adding that any politician who wagers against that sentiment would pay a political price.
Efforts to provoke national quarrels
Deputy Justice Minister Michał Woś explained that his remarks about Kołodziejczak came after observing a peasant protest near Racibórz. He dismissed Kołodziejczak as a controversial figure whose candidacy does not add to Poland’s political strength. He warned that aligning with such a figure would undermine Poland’s interests and serve German aims, suggesting that those in Berlin prefer a weaker Poland to preserve certain geostrategic ties with the United States. Woś emphasized that Poland’s security remains the top priority and that European leaders have pursued policies that left the region reliant on Russia. He stressed that the government cares about Poland’s safety, not in-fighting among Poles.
Woś argued that Kołodziejczak is sometimes described as a leader within KO, yet he accuses him of inciting hatred and harmful rhetoric. He claimed that Tusk is absorbing negative influences into Polish politics, a characterization that many recall from Kołodziejczak’s statements about antagonistic symbols. Woś asserted that the public has heard Kołodziejczak speak in provocative terms, a dynamic that Tusk seems willing to tolerate. He added that Donald Tusk knew very well who he brought onto the list and what Kołodziejczak was doing when the conflict between Ukraine and Russia intensified.
Woś concluded that forPoles, security remains the most urgent concern, and he argued that Kołodziejczak is either a useful instrument or an influential agent in a broader strategic play.
The left’s perspective remains unchanged
From the left, MP Dariusz Wieczorek says larger issues eclipse Kołodziejczak in the current campaign. He points to security, inflation, and the broader economic turmoil as the core topics that must be faced. He argues that PiS is unlikely to win outright and that Kołodziejczak has become a KO decision rather than a real PO leadership matter. Wieczorek concedes that people sometimes say foolish things but questions whether suggesting Russian ties is a valid conclusion. He questions the competence of those who would claim to control such influences and asks what the services are doing in terms of actual oversight.
PiS MP Małgorzata Wassermann responds that information about agents and operations is highly sensitive, insisting that Polish services are functioning in an exemplary manner. Wieczorek scoffs, suggesting there is little tolerance for what he views as Russian agent narratives in Poland. He notes that operational knowledge and criminal prosecution are different matters and praises the services for their effectiveness, warning that Poland could see an influx of both overt and covert agents if not properly managed.
Wassermann retorts that there is a tendency to yield to Germany. She questions who Germany might rely on if Polish options falter and reminds readers of historical alliances with Berlin. Woś adds that this political maneuvering aims to reshape the political stage and keep the Third Way out of Parliament, while confirming that there are no obvious opponents to Tusk within the PO on the current lists.
Tusk reshapes the political landscape
Kukiz’15 MP Jarosław Sachajko notes that the strategy is straightforward: Tusk anticipates a poor electoral performance and is attempting to set a cleaner political stage. The move to include Kołodziejczak on the KO list is seen as a way to prevent the Third Way from entering Parliament, while also ensuring that certain figures within the PO appear balanced on the lists for the Senate. Sachajko argues that with more Poles engaging in politics, the economy is in a strong position relative to much of Europe, though recent German policy on Russia remains contentious. He suggests that Poland’s growth has prompted a backlash and that the aim is to restructure the government to a configuration more favorable to the current governing coalition. The Kukiz’15 politician adds that Germany prioritizes cheap raw materials and the reestablishment of ties with Russia, tying this to the broader political strategy to promote Tusk’s leadership.
In this light, the broader aim appears to be stabilizing Poland’s economic trajectory and preserving the prospect of continued growth, even as critics push back against perceived compromises. There is a sense that Tusk is consolidating power to minimize opposition and to push through a particular political agenda, with some arguing that the party is intent on neutralizing rivals both inside and outside its ranks. The discussion reflects a tense national debate over the direction of Poland’s alliance with the United States, Europe, and its own political future.
Source reporting from wPolityce provided the context for these discussions.