Polish Opposition Rejects Prime Minister's Coalition Proposal for New Government

Polish opposition parties have rejected the proposals of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki to participate in forming a coalition government with the "Law and Justice" party ("PiS"), according to Reuters. 

Members of the united opposition stated that they received invitations to join coalition talks with the "Law and Justice" party, offering them the opportunity to implement their political proposals within the framework of the new government's work. However, Morawiecki's call did not receive a response among opposition politicians who may form a government independently, without the involvement of "Law and Justice."

"I am surprised because I have publicly told the prime minister many times that this farce is unnecessary, that he unnecessarily prolongs the agony of this government," said Marek Sawicki, a deputy from the Polish Peasants' Party, which is part of the "Third Way" bloc.

Meanwhile, Krzysztof Gawłowski from the opposition bloc "Left" posted an image of Morawiecki's invitation on Twitter with the caption: "I want to inform you that we are not going anywhere."

Co-chair of the far-right "Confederation," which is not part of the united opposition, Sławomir Mentzen, announced that he also rejected Morawiecki's proposal for assistance in forming the government.

Earlier, Polish President Andrzej Duda officially tasked Morawiecki, who was the prime minister in the previous Sejm session, with forming a new government.

In contrast, opposition parties, even before the start of the Sejm's work, announced the creation of a coalition and presented its program. Donald Tusk, a representative of the opposition, is the sole candidate nominated by the united opposition to form the new government.

It's worth noting that the European Commission may initiate a disciplinary procedure if the Polish government does not resolve the issue of blocking the border with Ukraine. According to EU legislation, it is the responsibility of the Polish government to ensure the free movement of Ukrainian trucks with goods at border crossings. Currently, the European Commission is not ready to disclose the nature of measures that may be applied to Poland, as negotiations between Poland and Ukraine are still ongoing. However, unofficial information suggests that a procedure for violating EU rules is being considered due to Poland's failure to comply with the liberalization of trade rules between the EU and Ukraine, which was extended until 2024.