Poland's largest opposition party, "Law and Justice" (PiS), has experienced a major split. 44 parliamentarians, led by former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, have left the political force. UNN reports this, citing Euractiv.
The new group includes members of the Rozwój Plus ("Development Plus") association, notably former Minister of Digitalization Janusz Cieszyński and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Paweł Jabłoński. MEPs Piotr Müller, Michał Dworczyk, and Waldemar Buda have also announced their departure from PiS.
The battle for the future of PiS
According to the publication, the conflict was caused by disagreements over the party's future strategy ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections. Morawiecki advocated for a return to supporting the moderate electorate, while the PiS leadership bet on consolidating the right flank.
Tensions escalated after PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński nominated former Minister of Education Przemysław Czarnek as the party's candidate for Prime Minister in the next elections.
Political analyst Daria Krotoszka believes the split is primarily caused by an internal party struggle for the future leadership of PiS, rather than ideological differences.
"The split occurred solely due to internal disputes within PiS. Morawiecki gave Kaczyński an ultimatum: either he becomes his political successor and first deputy chairman of the party, or he goes his own way. Kaczyński rejected this demand,"
According to Euractiv's assessment, the departure of 44 parliamentarians significantly weakens Jarosław Kaczyński's position and gives Mateusz Morawiecki his own parliamentary platform to fight for leadership on the Polish right wing ahead of the 2027 elections.