Warsaw – A wave of internal conflict is roiling Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party after party leader Jarosław Kaczyński issued a stark warning to members: any public commentary on a recent dispute between two prominent politicians will result in suspension. The move comes after a public spat between Ryszard Terlecki and Sebastian Kaleta escalated, exposing deep divisions within the ruling party. The situation unfolded following Terlecki’s remarks regarding the parliamentary attendance of Zbigniew Ziobro, a former minister and key figure within PiS.
The internal strife within PiS has been brewing for some time, exacerbated by differing political strategies and personal rivalries. Kaczyński’s intervention, delivered via a post on X (formerly Twitter), signals a desperate attempt to contain the damage and prevent further public airing of grievances. The ultimatum underscores the fragility of unity within the party as it navigates a challenging political landscape and prepares for upcoming elections. This latest episode highlights the ongoing power struggles within PiS, a party that has dominated Polish politics for much of the past decade.
The Spark: A Sejm Corridor Dispute
The immediate catalyst for Kaczyński’s intervention was an exchange between Terlecki and Kaleta in the Sejm, Poland’s parliament. According to reporting from Onet Wiadomości, Terlecki, when questioned by TVN24 about Ziobro’s infrequent attendance in the Sejm, suggested that Ziobro’s parliamentary allowance might be reconsidered. Kaleta then interjected, telling Terlecki, “Make sure to refrain from commenting on this matter.”
Terlecki responded to further questioning about the incident on Friday, describing Kaleta’s intervention with a vulgarity – “Gówn****ria” – and adding, “But what can you do? Not everyone is well-mannered.” He dismissed the idea of an apology from Kaleta, stating he had already forgiven his colleague. This exchange, initially confined to the corridors of power, quickly spilled into the public domain, igniting a firestorm of reactions within PiS.
Fractured Loyalties and Kaczyński’s Response
The fallout from the Terlecki-Kaleta exchange revealed a clear split within PiS. Mateusz Morawiecki, a prominent figure in the party, publicly defended Terlecki, while Patryk Jaki strongly supported Kaleta. This division largely mirrors the existing fault lines between the “maślarze” (butter-eaters, a term for those perceived as enjoying the benefits of power) and “harcerze” (scouts, representing a more ideologically driven faction) within the party, as reported by Newsweek.
Kaczyński’s response was swift, and uncompromising. In a post on X, he declared, “Every member of PiS who takes a stand in this harmful discussion, regardless of merit or party position, will be suspended from party membership, which will obviously also affect their political future.” This ultimatum, as reported by PAP, effectively silenced public debate within the party, at least temporarily.
Despite Kaczyński’s strong words, there were initial signs of defiance. Jacek Kurski, in a television appearance, criticized Morawiecki, seemingly ignoring the leader’s directive. However, reports suggest that Kaczyński ultimately refrained from suspending Kurski, and a period of relative calm descended upon the party.
Beyond the Internal Dispute: SAFE and Presidential Veto
The internal turmoil within PiS is unfolding against the backdrop of broader political challenges, including a contentious debate over the SAFE (Strategic Assistance for Defence) program. Kaczyński has urged the President to veto legislation related to SAFE, arguing it does not adequately serve Poland’s national interests. This stance represents a shift from the earlier position of Mariusz Błaszczak, who previously hailed SAFE as an opportunity for the Polish defense industry last September. The party now claims that the program will primarily benefit German companies, a claim the government denies.
Sources within Onet report that Błaszczak, along with Bartosz Kownacki, are now leading the party’s strategy regarding SAFE. The question of whether President Karol Nawrocki will heed Kaczyński’s call for a veto remains open, with some observers suggesting he is leaning towards doing so, influenced by critical assessments of SAFE from figures like Sławomir Cenckiewicz and Jacek Saryusz-Wolski. The government has also begun to suggest that the SAFE legislation is not essential for accessing program funds, further complicating the situation.
The ongoing debate over SAFE underscores the complex interplay between internal party dynamics and broader policy decisions. It also highlights the challenges facing PiS as it attempts to maintain unity and project a coherent message to the public.
As PiS attempts to navigate these internal divisions and external pressures, the coming weeks will be crucial. The party’s upcoming convention in Stalowa Wola, ostensibly focused on defense policy, will be closely watched for signs of continued discord or a renewed sense of unity. The President’s decision regarding the SAFE program will also be a key indicator of the balance of power within the ruling coalition. The future direction of PiS, and indeed Polish politics, hangs in the balance.
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