A significant rift developed between President-elect Karol Nawrocki and the Law and Justice (PiS) Party that supported his presidential campaign, centring on the prospective appointment of former education minister Przemysław Czarnek as head of the presidential chancellery, according to Euractiv.
Nawrocki opposes Czarnek simultaneously holding this position while serving as deputy leader of PiS, a condition Czarnek reportedly rejects. A Radio Wnet journalist cited sources indicating Czarnek would “opt to remain deputy party leader” if compelled to choose.
Czarnek confirmed no final decision had been reached.
There are preliminary discussions. I have the great honour and privilege of being on a list prepared by President Karol Nawrocki. That much I know. And that alone is an honour for me.
The dispute signals Nawrocki’s early assertion of autonomy despite owing his narrow 50.89% electoral victory to PiS backing. Political analyst Mirosław Oczkoś of the Warsaw School of Economics suggests Nawrocki may leverage the presidency to create “a new force on the right of Polish politics,” potentially rivalling PiS.
The confrontation unfolds against broader political tensions. Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government faces legislative paralysis, as Nawrocki’s veto power thwarts judicial reforms and abortion rights initiatives. Meanwhile, Tusk has questioned Nawrocki’s 369,591-vote margin, prompting Supreme Court-ordered recounts at 13 polling stations. Nawrocki responded sharply:
Mr Prime Minister, we have to start getting used to each other, so it’s time to abandon the hysteria and not destroy Polish democracy, but start cooperating.
Nawrocki’s stance complicates Poland’s foreign policy landscape. While both PiS and Tusk’s coalition support Ukraine militarily, Nawrocki opposes Kyiv’s NATO accession and advocates curtailing refugee benefits.
His alignment with US President Donald Trump, who endorsed him during a May 2025 White House visit, strengthens transatlantic ties but risks alienating EU partners, particularly regarding climate policies and rule-of-law disputes.
