Jarosław Kaczyński has stepped down as leader of Poland's ruling Law and Justice party, which has faced declining popularity, and has been succeeded by Przemysław Czarnek.
Przemysław Czarnek, a 48-year-old known for his socially conservative views, has taken over as the leader of Poland's ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS). Czarnek, a former education minister, has been a proponent of the Catholic Church’s teachings in schools and has criticized what he terms 'LGBT ideology,' linking it to an increase in youth suicides in Poland. He perceives the current centrist government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk as being too friendly to Germany and has promised to restore what he views as 'normality' in Poland.
Czarnek replaces Jarosław Kaczyński, who led the party since its inception in 2003 and has decided to step down due to the party's waning popularity. Recent polls indicate that support for PiS has dropped to a record low, with only 25% of Poles expressing a willingness to vote for the party—its lowest level of support since 2012. In the 2023 parliamentary elections, PiS secured 35.4% of the votes, highlighting a significant decline when compared to its previous strength.
The leadership change comes at a critical time for PiS as they navigate a challenging political landscape ahead of upcoming elections. With Czarnek at the helm, the party's direction may lean heavily into more conservative social policies, aiming to consolidate its support base amid growing opposition. This development could have profound implications for Poland's political dynamics and its relationship with the EU, particularly regarding social issues.
