Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of Poland's national-conservative Law and Justice party, suggested that nations led by nationalist parties could launch negotiations to leave the European Union as a tactical strategy to force the bloc to return governing powers to individual member states. Speaking at an economic forum in southern Poland roughly one year before the country's upcoming general election, Kaczyński argued that central EU authorities currently hold too much power over sovereign capitals.
Addressing attendees on Wednesday, Kaczyński expressed his deep conviction that the European Union requires significant structural changes, asserting that his perspective is shared by his political party and many Polish citizens. He targeted EU institutions such as the European Commission, the executive branch of the bloc, for exercising excessive influence. Kaczyński noted that upcoming elections in France and Spain could potentially bring far-right politicians to power, which he said could open pathways for serious discussions regarding reform.
To achieve his vision of reform, Kaczyński proposed several concrete measures, including assigning national parliamentarians the responsibility to monitor how frequently central EU bodies violate European Union law. As a last resort to compel compliance, he suggested that countries seeking changes could draft and conclude a new treaty that would take effect at a future date while simultaneously opening formal EU withdrawal negotiations. He described this maneuver as a method to pressure other member states and EU governing bodies into accepting reform terms.
Kaczyński outlined that the primary focus of his proposed reforms would center on improving everyday living conditions for citizens, reducing energy costs, bolstering regional security, executing a responsible migration policy, and promoting ambitious economic and agricultural growth free from unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
The opposition leader's comments quickly prompted sharp condemnation from key officials in Poland's pro-European government. Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the remarks on social media platform X, writing that Kaczyński had "just announced that Poland should begin negotiations on the conditions of leaving the European Union." Kaczyński responded on X, accusing Tusk of misrepresenting his true intentions and stating, "We want the union to benefit not the elites, but the ordinary citizens." Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also reacted to the statements, saying, "I thank Jarosław Kaczyński for his honesty," while adding that the remarks should help Polish voters recognize the practical consequences of electing far-right forces.
Poland plays a crucial strategic role on NATO's eastern flank and stands as one of the European Union's fastest-growing economies, gaining heightened geopolitical importance through its extensive support for Ukraine. Kaczyński’s Law and Justice party previously held power in Poland from 2015 to 2023, a period marked by persistent disputes with EU institutions regarding human rights standards and the rule of law. With general elections scheduled in a year, current polling suggests Kaczyński could potentially return his party to government if he secures an alliance with smaller, rising far-right political factions in Poland.
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