Poland's PiS bans members from political associations, targets Morawiecki and Czarnek groups in 7-day ultimatum

Background of the associations

Morawiecki unveiled his 'Rozwój Plus' on 15 April, gathering figures such as Michał Dworczyk, Marcin Horała, Paweł Jabłoński, Daniel Obajtek and Ryszard Terlecki. 'Po pierwsze Polska' was formed on 9 June by allies of Przemysław Czarnek, including Elżbieta Witek, Tobiasz Bocheński, Patryk Jaki, Michał Moskal and Marek Wesoły (one source, Niezalezna.pl, attributes the association to Jacek Sasin). Both organizations were seen as factional vehicles within the opposition party, prompting the leadership to act.

The resolution

On Wednesday afternoon, the party presidium gathered at its Nowogrodzka Street headquarters in Warsaw. After the meeting, spokesman Rafał Bochenek announced a resolution imposing "a ban on acting in and participating in associations, foundations and other organizations of a political nature".

Members of Law and Justice, regardless of the functions they hold, are required to absolutely refrain from belonging to any associations, foundations, non‑governmental organizations or other legal entities whose statutory or actual purpose is to conduct political activity.

Bochenek explained the decision was taken "to preserve ideological, organizational and political unity". The resolution explicitly covers Morawiecki's Rozwój Plus and the Po pierwsze Polska grouping.

Ultimatum and consequences

Members who are part of such organizations must halt their activity immediately and resign within seven days. Additionally, all MPs and MEPs will receive a declaration to sign, confirming they do not belong to any proscribed entity; the form must be returned by 22 July. Those who fail to comply face exclusion from the party. Morawiecki was not present at the meeting, according to the spokesman.

Czarnek's remarks on Ukraine

While the association ban dominated the briefing, the presidium also addressed Czarnek's controversial Monday interview on TV Republika. He argued Poland should leverage its EU and NATO position to force Ukraine to change its policy towards Poland, saying one must "force the European Union to stop financing armaments and the reconstruction of Ukraine until Ukraine embarks on a path of pro‑human values".

Law and Justice stands and has always stood on the position that military aid, also carried out by the EU for Ukraine, is absolutely necessary.

Kaczyński promised the leadership would clarify the matter. Czarnek himself stated on Wednesday that he would repeat his words without hesitation, insisting there is no contradiction with Kaczyński's stance. Party officials arriving at the headquarters declined to say whether Czarnek would remain the candidate for prime minister.