Karol Nawrocki’s victory in the presidential election—secured with support from the entire right-wing spectrum—has significantly increased the likelihood of a future coalition between Law and Justice (PiS) and the Confederation party. “The model in which Karol Nawrocki won the second round thanks to the backing of all right-wing factions is exemplary not only for Poland—it also made a big impression on the European right,” says Przemysław Czarnek, PiS MP and a member of Nawrocki’s campaign team.
Nawrocki’s success was no coincidence. His ability to unite various, often conflicted, conservative groups was one of the main reasons he became the right’s consensus candidate. As head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), he had already demonstrated a talent for building bridges, gaining support not only from PiS, but also the Confederation and even the Polish People’s Party (PSL). “As IPN president, Karol managed to bring together different communities around the issue of historical memory—not just political groups, but also, for example, football fans, many of whom are nationalists,” notes Fr. Jarosław Wąsowicz. This skill proved invaluable during the campaign, whose unofficial slogan “Anyone but Trzaskowski” helped unify the right-wing electorate—eclipsing the old refrain: “PiS and PO—same evil.”
A Roadmap and Possible Tensions
While Nawrocki’s victory opens the door to deeper collaboration, both parties have their reservations. PiS is wary of being held accountable for some of the Confederation’s more controversial statements, while the Confederation must navigate internal pressure from the far-right Grzegorz Braun, who could accuse them of softening their stance.
Nonetheless, a clear vision for a future coalition is beginning to take shape. PiS MP Dariusz Matecki outlines a shared policy agenda: “It’s easier to envision a coalition when we map out the issues we want to tackle together—like the Central Communication Port (CPK), nuclear energy, initiatives to encourage Poles to have children, maintaining the 800-plus child benefit, and a hardline stance on illegal mass immigration, including deportations,” he explains. He even suggests Przemysław Czarnek as a possible prime minister—someone capable of “putting out fires” when disputes inevitably arise.
A Lesson from the Past—and an Opportunity for Poland
The united victory in the presidential race is seen by many as a blueprint for conservative success. “The model in which Karol Nawrocki won thanks to support from all right-wing parties is exemplary not only for Poland—it has also resonated with the broader European right,” Czarnek reiterates.
However, the shadow of a failed right-wing coalition from the past looms large. The article recalls the collapse of the PiS-Samoobrona-LPR coalition of 2005–2007 and the pivotal role played by Roman Giertych—who later confessed he had acted as a kind of “Konrad Wallenrod” in that government, sabotaging it from within. Has the Polish right learned from that painful episode?
What legislative proposals will the Presidential Palace introduce to solidify this new alliance? And beyond Czarnek, who else is being considered for key posts in the potential new government? The full answers can be found in Piotr Lisiewicz’s article in the latest issue of Gazeta Polska.