Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of Poland’s national-conservative Law and Justice party, has suggested that nations governed by nationalist parties should consider opening negotiations to leave the European Union. Speaking at an economic forum in southern Poland on Wednesday, Kaczyński stated that such a move could serve as a mechanism to pressure the bloc into returning more powers to individual member states.
Kaczyński, whose party held power in Poland from 2015 to 2023, argued that the European Union is in need of significant change. He expressed a belief that current EU institutions, specifically the European Commission, possess an excessive amount of influence. He suggested that upcoming elections in France and Spain, which could potentially bring far-right politicians to power, might provide an opening for broader discussions regarding the future of the union.
The opposition leader outlined several potential avenues for reform, including a proposal to have national parliamentarians monitor the frequency with which EU bodies violate their own laws. As a final resort, he proposed that countries seeking reform could draft a new treaty to take effect later, while simultaneously initiating withdrawal negotiations as a strategic tool to force EU bodies and other member states to accept changes. Kaczyński emphasized that his goal is to prioritize the interests of ordinary citizens over those of the elites, focusing on energy prices, security, migration policy, and reducing bureaucracy.
The remarks immediately drew sharp criticism from Polish government officials. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who represents a pro-European stance, took to social media platform X to claim that Kaczyński had declared Poland should begin negotiations on the conditions of leaving the EU. Kaczyński countered the assertion on the same platform, accusing Tusk of misrepresenting his intentions.
Poland, which is recognized as a key nation on NATO’s eastern flank and maintains one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, has played a critical role in supporting Ukraine. With general elections approaching in one year, polls suggest that Kaczyński could potentially return to power if his party forms alliances with smaller, rising far-right groups. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski expressed his gratitude for Kaczyński’s comments, stating that the remarks would help Polish voters understand the implications of choosing the far-right.
