In a controversial action undermining public trust in the foundations of the state, driven by questioning the results of the presidential election under Donald Tusk’s “patronage,” a street demonstration has been scheduled for Friday in front of Poland’s Supreme Court. Mateusz Kijowski, the former leader of the Committee for the Defense of Democracy (KOD), is among those urging people to participate.
Over recent weeks, representatives of the Civic Coalition (KO) have increasingly promoted a narrative challenging the outcome of Poland’s presidential elections, in which civic candidate Karol Nawrocki defeated KO representative Rafał Trzaskowski. Initially pushed by the radical group Silni Razem and Roman Giertych, this narrative has now gained traction among ministers within Donald Tusk’s government.
There is an attempt to create an impression of widespread public discontent through numerous electoral protests, significantly submitted using “templates” provided by Roman Giertych. Giertych himself, along with his supporters, is also exerting pressure on the Supreme Court, which is responsible for examining these protests. Concurrently, there is a move to discredit the Supreme Court’s Extraordinary Control and Public Affairs Chamber, tasked with certifying election results.
Now, a societal dimension is being further activated, this time through public demonstrations.
The Return of Kijowski
Organizations closely aligned with the Civic Coalition and strongly critical of the Law and Justice party (PiS)—including Polish Grandmothers, Free Prosecutors, and Freedom Equality Democracy—have planned a protest for the morning of Friday, June 27, outside the Supreme Court building.
Mateusz Kijowski, the former head of the Committee for the Defense of Democracy and current chairman of Freedom Equality Democracy, is actively calling for participation.
“A recount of all votes is essential. If detected irregularities turn out to be systemic, the presidential election must be repeated. On June 27, two sessions addressing electoral protests will be held at the Supreme Court. The sessions are open to the public, but not everyone will be able to enter the courtroom. Let’s protest against falsified elections on the street,” urges Kijowski.
The Committee for the Defense of Democracy was formed shortly after the 2015 parliamentary elections, won by the United Right coalition. Led by Mateusz Kijowski, KOD quickly became the central organization of street-based opposition movements, aligning with the “street and abroad” strategy promoted by the then-leader of the Civic Platform.
In June 2024, Kijowski was convicted to eight months of suspended imprisonment for falsifying invoices.
Żaryn: Civic Platform Treats Poland as Its Private Property
Stanisław Żaryn, advisor to the President of Poland, reminded the public via social media that the “total opposition” tactic adopted after the 2015 elections exemplifies Civic Platform’s politically damaging actions.
“Immediately after losing in 2015, Civic Platform adopted the ‘total opposition’ strategy, repeatedly engaging in political mischief rooted essentially in refusing to accept the 2015 election results. Their subsequent political maneuvers, increasingly radical actions, and demonstrations stemmed from a lack of any other ideas to regain power. These groups employed obstruction and state sabotage, believing it would bring them political gains, effectively rejecting democratic mechanisms,” said Żaryn.
According to Żaryn, “Civic Platform’s circle increasingly signals that it views Poland as its private property, temporarily lent to the Polish people.”