PiS proposes a new Ministry of Polonia and Poles Abroad at 15th policy conference in Węgrów

Conference and the new ministry pledge

The Law and Justice (PiS) programme council chief Piotr Gliński used the party's 15th policy conference in the 'Myśląc Polska: Alternatywa 2.0' series, held at the Centre for Dialogue of Cultures in Węgrów on Saturday, to declare that the creation of a Ministry of Polonia and Poles Abroad will appear in the election programme. Jarosław Kaczyński and prospective prime ministerial candidate Przemysław Czarnek had originally been scheduled to address the meeting but did not deliver remarks, leaving Gliński to open the event dedicated to diaspora affairs.

That is why today we shall discuss a programme postulate of Law and Justice that will be included in our programme, namely the postulate of establishing a Ministry of Polonia and Poles Abroad.

Gliński pointed to what he described as neglect by the current administration, noting that representatives of the foreign ministry leadership had failed to attend sessions of the parliamentary committee handling these matters, despite the ministry having seven deputy ministers. He estimated the global Polish diaspora at roughly 20 million, admitting the actively engaged number was likely smaller, and argued that Poland must integrate these communities into its work on the country's future.

20 million, maybe a little fewer active, but people of Polish origin, Polish representatives of the Polish diaspora around the world… Poland must include these people in its work on the future. Poland must be active in supporting these circles and in their integration.

Fulfilment claims and credibility

During his speech Gliński contrasted PiS's record with that of its rivals, asserting that the party delivered around 90 percent of its pledges. He described credibility as the foundation of politics and stressed that the party approaches the programme seriously. The statement came alongside a broader argument that every political grouping is required to renew its programme ahead of elections in order to adapt to changing circumstances.

We approach it seriously, because that is how politics should work – on credibility, and credibility is a strong suit of Law and Justice, and it will stay that way.

Timeline of the programme series

Gliński confirmed that 15 further conferences are planned within the 'Myśląc Polska: Alternatywa 2.0' cycle. Once all 30 meetings are completed, PiS intends to present a campaign programme built on the solutions developed throughout the series. Earlier instalments have already addressed agriculture, health, defence, education, the economy and local government.

Internal party presence

The gathering drew attention for the attendance of MPs associated with Mateusz Morawiecki's 'Rozwój Plus' association: Maria Koc, Marzena Machałek and Mirosława Stachowiak-Różecka were all present despite the political distance between the former prime minister's circle and the current party leadership. Their participation signalled continued overlap between the groupings.

Next steps

Gliński described the approach as "rational, calm, but above all substantively prepared", framing the remaining conferences as the method to shape a final programme. No timeline was given for when the cycle would conclude, nor was a date set for presenting the finished document.