Morawiecki Postpones Launch of Political Party to Expand Rozwój Plus Civic Association

Strategy shift toward civic association

Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and his political circle have decided to postpone the formal creation of a new political party, shifting their primary focus to developing the Rozwój Plus association. While Morawiecki previously declared in early August that a political party would launch by 15 October, officials close to the leadership now indicate the formal step will occur either late this year or in early 2027. Representatives explain that Polish voters view the association format more favorably than traditional political parties, offering a broader base to attract new members. Robert Gontarz, a parliamentarian linked to Rozwój Plus, confirmed that building a party has moved to the background for now.

We are changing the formula a bit. We noticed that because we operate as an association, we can open a much broader front. There are many people who want to cooperate with us, but would not necessarily want to do so in the form of a political party. However, the association formula is something completely acceptable and desirable for them.

October convention and program plans

The event scheduled for 15 October, which had previously been discussed as a founding congress for a new party (with dates including 17 October also floated in late September), will proceed under a modified agenda. Instead of registering a party, Rozwój Plus plans to present a comprehensive policy platform, outlining its long-term vision and delivering an assessment of the current government's three years in office. Internal discussions regarding party names have considered Rozwój Plus and Wielka Polska, though final decisions remain deferred. The leadership reports that building local branches now occupies 70% of their operational time. Internal polling conducted for the association indicates rising public concern over public finances and the healthcare system, areas where Morawiecki intends to leverage his prior ministerial and prime ministerial economic portfolio.

Parliamentary footprint and local government expansion

Rozwój Plus established an independent parliamentary club in early August following a dispute within Law and Justice (PiS). The confrontation began in late July when PiS Chairman Jarosław Kaczyński issued an ultimatum ordering parliamentarians to resign from external political associations under threat of party expulsion. More than 40 politicians aligned with Morawiecki refused to submit the declarations, maintaining they had not left PiS but were advancing a civic initiative.

The resulting parliamentary group numbers 41 members, comprising 40 deputies in the Sejm and one senator. In September, Marcin Horała of Rozwój Plus was elected Deputy Marshal of the Sejm. Local expansion has also brought in several municipal leaders, including city mayors Daniel Beger of Świętochłowice, Krystian Kinastowski of Kalisz, Łukasz Nowak of Tarnobrzeg, Paweł Osiewała of Sieradz, Dariusz Wójtowicz of Mysłowice, and Marcin Witko of Tomaszów Mazowiecki. According to internal association figures, only 30% of applicants joining Rozwój Plus have previous ties to PiS.

Right-wing alliances and presidential talks

Alongside structural expansion, Morawiecki has explored broader cross-party cooperation on the political right. The former prime minister has not ruled out forming a Senate pact that could encompass Law and Justice, Konfederacja, and the Confederation of the Polish Crown led by Grzegorz Braun. Morawiecki held direct discussions regarding right-wing cooperation with President Karol Nawrocki as his group continues to prepare analytical reports evaluating state institutions.