Jarosław Kaczyński Seeks New Prime Minister, Controversy Over SAFE Program

The Polish political scene is currently focused on two key axes: the reconstruction of leadership in Law and Justice and the escalating dispute over the European defense program SAFE. According to media reports, Jarosław Kaczyński is considering anointing a new face for the position of future head of government. Przemysław Czarnek indicated in public statements that the candidacy of Lucjusz Nadbereżny, the current president of Stalowa Wola, would be „excellent”. However, this move is causing tensions within the party, particularly in relation to Mateusz Morawiecki, whose position appears to be weakening in favor of local government politicians. The second significant topic is the SAFE program, which is becoming a flashpoint for conflict between Donald Tusk's government and President Karol Nawrocki, as well as the opposition. According to a CBOS poll, the project enjoys support from 66% of citizens, however, politicians from Konfederacja and PiS raise arguments about threats to sovereignty. Krzysztof Bosak declared that as a Polish politician, he cannot support solutions which, in his opinion, favor the German arms industry at the expense of Polish potential. Military figures have also weighed in, including General Leon Komornicki, who calls for drawing lessons from the war in Ukraine and avoiding technological dependence on external suppliers. Since Russia's aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, European countries have been intensively seeking methods to integrate defense capabilities, which has given rise to numerous joint arms procurement initiatives. The internal dynamics of the ruling coalition are also showing signs of tension. Włodzimierz Czarzasty expressed a willingness to reach an agreement with President Karol Nawrocki on security matters, which has been met with criticism from part of the liberal camp, accusing him of succumbing to pressure from the Presidential Palace. Meanwhile, President Karol Nawrocki is actively shaping local government policy by appointing new members to the Council of Local Government, which is interpreted as building a support base ahead of upcoming political clashes. The situation is exacerbated by incidents in the public sphere, such as a controversial recording by Lech Wałęsa's son, which has sparked a wave of commentary on social media, further polarizing already tense public sentiment. „Gdyby to był prezydent Stalowej Woli Lucjusz Nadbereżny, byłoby znakomicie.” (If it were the President of Stalowa Woli, Lucjusz Nadbereżny, it would be excellent.) — Przemysław Czarnek

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize public support for SAFE and the need for army modernization, criticizing PiS for isolationism and party games. Conservative media highlight the threat to Polish industry and sovereignty, promoting new PiS leaders as an alternative to the current government.