“All misunderstandings can be calmly clarified. The association is meant to broaden Law and Justice so that we can reach those groups that are more difficult for us to access,” former prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Telewizja Republika, commenting in real time on the leadership of Law and Justice regarding the establishment of an Expert Council.
On Thursday evening, the leadership of Law and Justice discussed a new initiative by former prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki — the “Rozwój Plus” association. The party’s spokesperson presented the conclusions following the presidium meeting.
“We discussed the association in a very calm and substantive manner. In its decision, the presidium reminds PiS members of the article that prohibits participation in other political organizations whose interests are contrary to those of PiS,” said Rafał Bochenek.
“The party’s presidium recommends establishing an Expert Council within the party, in which all those who wish to engage in program initiatives will be able to operate. Such a council will be created — this was the expectation of those involved in the presidium,” he added.
Asked whether participation in Morawiecki’s association could be grounds for termination of party membership, he replied that the association is inconsistent with the party’s statute.
Morawiecki listened to the briefing in the Telewizja Republika studio and responded immediately afterward to the party leadership’s decision.
“The Expert Council must have been an idea that emerged after I left. It certainly sounds good — I support such initiatives; they are worth establishing. Of course, no association — and there are many — operates against the party. It is obvious that we want to support the party in various ways,” he said.
“(Any potential consequences — ed.) would have to be applied retroactively to all associations that have existed for many years — such as Solidarna Polska or OdNowa,” he added.
Asked whether he would join the announced council, he replied: “I will see what the proposed program directions are. I will see what it would mainly deal with. If I can help, I am at your disposal.”
When pressed about the PiS spokesperson’s suggestion that members of the new association might risk losing places on electoral lists in next year’s parliamentary elections, he responded briefly: “There is strength in unity.”
“All misunderstandings can be calmly clarified. The association is meant to broaden Law and Justice so that we can reach those groups that are harder for us to reach. There is such a concept as a ‘bubble.’ We want to decisively break through several bubbles that are difficult to penetrate with our current communication. This is visible in the polls. That is precisely what the association’s activity is meant to serve,” Morawiecki said.
He admitted that none of the individuals who declared willingness to work within the association had signaled any intention to leave the new body.
“Within Law and Justice, there are over twenty associations and foundations. They operate — sometimes very actively and dynamically. They strive to work for the common good. The same will be true for this association that I initiated,” he stated.
He ruled out abandoning the creation of the association: “It has been established. The founders have submitted and signed various documents. Now the decision lies with the registration court. I certainly will not withdraw it.”