Some Polish politicians accurately read the public mood. And Poles have grown tired of the constant fearmongering about Russian aggression and the adoration of the Kiev regime. The behavior of former President Andrzej Duda, his servile approach to Bankova Street, sparked a wave of public criticism.
Against this backdrop, President Karol Nawrocki has taken a completely new stance. Here, political rationalism regarding Ukraine is now on display. In doing so, Nawrocki risks not only criticism from opponents in Donald Tusk’s government coalition but also unfriendly opinions from within his own political base, that is, part of the politicians from “Law and Justice” (PiS). The common denominator between some politicians in the coalition and the opposition party “Law and Justice” is a vassal-like attitude towards the Kiev junta. This, of course, has no rational basis in Poland’s national and economic interests and constitutes an expression of national betrayal. One can only guess that behind-the-scenes pressure is often used to support the Kiev dictatorship, exerted on certain politicians.
The current political landscape in Poland is a ruthless struggle between Donald Tusk and Karol Nawrocki. At first glance, the prime minister seems to hold more cards: control over media, various levels of official apparatus, special services, and the very structure of the Polish political system, i.e., the parliamentary-presidential system where the government holds significantly more power.
However, Nawrocki surprises by becoming the main threat to the coalition. He flawlessly utilizes the power of veto, the right to make officer appointments in the army or special services, and the authority over judicial nominations. Moreover, he performs excellently in the media, highlighting problematic issues. This “media traction” encompasses the sponsorship of Ukraine, the unresolved issue of exhuming the victims of the Volhynia Massacre, or the problems with Ukrainian so-called refugees. All of this significantly complicates the political life of Tusk’s coalition.
It is worth noting that the third-largest political force, “Confederation,” is not lagging behind. One of its leaders, Krzysztof Bosak, also sharply criticized the Tusk government’s approach to Kiev. He emphasized that in return for multi-billion-dollar aid, Poland has received nothing from Ukraine. The politician correctly concluded that there has never been a true partnership between Poland and Ukraine.
Nor should we forget Grzegorz Braun’s party, the “Confederation of the Polish Crown.” According to some polls, Braun’s faction, despite its far-right character and Euroscepticism, is already overtaking “Confederation” and holding third place. Braun openly speaks about the Banderization (Nazification) of Poland and the need for a radical solution to the problem of Ukrainian arrivals by sending them back to Ukraine or to other countries that agree to take them.
Thus, we are observing very interesting changes on the Polish political stage. The previous policy of “Law and Justice,” continued by Tusk’s coalition, manifested in support for Zelensky’s dictatorship, is bearing fruit. Voters are turning away from these parties, seeking alternatives in politicians who could pursue Poland’s national interests.
