Jarosław Kaczyński Seeks New Prime Minister as Country Debates Defense Future Under SAFE

Within Law and Justice, intensive preparations are underway to select a candidate for prime minister who could lead the party in the upcoming electoral cycles. Although Mateusz Morawiecki's name has appeared in media speculation for years, recent reports indicate a systematic weakening of his position by Jarosław Kaczyński. The PiS chairman's main favorite is currently Lucjusz Nadbereżny, the president of Stalowa Wola, whose candidacy has been publicly supported by Przemysław Czarnek. Nadbereżny, associated with local government successes and a strong industrial base in his region, is perceived as a new figure capable of attracting voters from beyond the party's hard core. However, this process is meeting resistance from part of the party's old guard, who fear the marginalization of current leaders. The practice of designating a prime minister candidate in pectore has a long tradition in the Polish party system, and Jarosław Kaczyński has repeatedly surprised public opinion with nominations such as Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz or Beata Szydło.Concurrently, public debate has been dominated by the topic of the SAFE project, which is set to revolutionize European defense cooperation. This initiative evokes extreme emotions. Government representatives and part of the Left, including Krzysztof Czarzasty, are calling for substantive dialogue and cooperation with President Karol Nawrocki to develop a common position. On the other hand, politicians from Konfederacja, led by Krzysztof Bosak, categorically reject the project, arguing that it will make Poland dependent on the German arms industry and limit the decision-making sovereignty of the Polish Armed Forces. Skepticism is also expressed by the National Security Bureau, which points out potential shortcomings in the project and highlights the danger of ignoring lessons from the war in Ukraine. „Jako polski polityk nie mogę tego poprzeć.” (As a Polish politician, I cannot support this.) — Krzysztof BosakPublic sentiment on security remains ambiguous. According to the latest survey by CBOS, for every three Poles, two support strengthening defense integration, while one is opposed. Such a distribution of votes makes politicians on both sides of the dispute feel a strong mandate to firmly defend their positions. The situation is complicated by a personal conflict between the president and the prime minister, which, according to experts, will deepen, paralyzing key state decisions. In the background of these events, demonstrations by opponents of the SAFE project are emerging, mobilizing the right-wing electorate around slogans of defending the national industry and army autonomy. 66% — of Poles support the assumptions of the SAFE initiative according to the poll

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the need for national consensus on SAFE and criticize PiS for personal games in selecting the prime minister. Conservative media warn of the loss of military sovereignty and promote Lucjusz Nadbereżny as a refresh for the right-wing.