Poland

The political landscape in Poland is undergoing significant shifts as the main opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party faces a major internal fracture. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who served from 2017 to 2023, has announced the formation of a new parliamentary club, signaling a substantial split within PiS. This development follows reports of internal disagreements and a loyalty oath demanded by PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, which many members, including Mateusz Morawiecki's allies, reportedly refused to sign.

The move by Mateusz Morawiecki, who is also a Member of Parliament, and his supporters, marks a direct challenge to Jarosław Kaczyński's leadership and the party's direction, with Mateusz Morawiecki stating his disinterest in internal party maneuvers and his intention to operate independently. Political commentators suggest that actions by figures like Przemysław Czarnek may have contributed to the division within PiS, a party that has been the dominant force on the Polish right for two decades.

In other domestic news, several investigations into alleged corruption and mismanagement are underway, including probes into a Krakow water utility, hospitals in the Masovia region, and a large-scale fraud scheme involving fictitious students. Adam Bodnar, a Member of the Senate, has commented on the whereabouts of Marcin Romanowski, a former Deputy Minister of Justice, amidst ongoing investigations. Public safety remains a concern following violent incidents such as a machete attack in Radom and the brutal beating of a prosecutor. Separately, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has appointed a new government plenipotentiary, and his announcements have triggered reactions from the state-owned oil…