Polarisation within Poland's main opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), has reached breaking point. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and his supporters have been forced out of the party after internal disputes over future policy strategy boiled over into a loyalty pledge ultimatum. PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński's demand that all Members of Parliament sign a commitment not to collaborate with other political groups, or face expulsion, has resulted in dozens of MPs being effectively dismissed from the party.
Kaczyński confirmed on Friday that the rebel MPs had failed to sign the oath by the Thursday midnight deadline and would be formally processed for expulsion during a party leadership meeting on Tuesday. While the defectors insisted they have no intention of leaving, they acknowledged the likelihood of formal expulsion. This deepening rift within PiS follows months of escalating disagreements over its direction ahead of Poland's parliamentary election in 2027.
Morawiecki's growth-oriented policy group, established in April to appeal to centre-right voters and entrepreneurs, drew strong criticism from Kaczyński and his allies. They questioned Morawiecki's loyalty amid whispers of his growing dissatisfaction with the party's shift towards nationalism and an older electorate.
Morawiecki denied any intention of splitting PiS, saying his group had “until the very last moment fought for the unity of the party” by advocating a “strategy of two lungs”. He blamed a circle of “plotters” surrounding Kaczyński for the crisis and loyalty ultimatum. The splinter group comprises 40 MPs, three Members of the European Parliament, and one senator – a significant defection from PiS.
The party's internal strife has major implications for Poland's politics. With its largest parliamentary presence now at risk, PiS faces challenges from newer right-wing factions, such as the libertarian-right Confederation and far-right ethno-nationalist Confederation of the Polish Crown, which have fragmented the conservative vote.