Introduction

The Law and Justice (PiS) party, now in opposition after losing power in Poland’s 2023 elections, has adopted several key strategies to challenge the new government.

For 2025 election, they have chosen Karol Nawrocki as their presidential candidate.

Mobilizing Supporters

PiS has been organizing large protests against the new government’s actions, particularly:

Opposing changes in public media

Protesting the detention of former PiS politicians

Legal and Constitutional Challenges

Utilizing the Constitutional Tribunal, which is still filled with PiS-appointed judges, to potentially obstruct the government’s reform efforts

Leveraging President Andrzej Duda’s veto power to block the government’s legislative agenda

Financial Maneuvers

PiS is facing financial difficulties after the National Electoral Commission rejected its 2023 financial report. The party is:

Appealing the decision that could result in the loss of 75 million złoty in state funding

Framing this as political persecution, with party leader Jarosław Kaczyński claiming Poland is in a state of “dictatorial anarchy”

Media and Messaging

Despite losing control of state media, PiS is:

Continuing to use nationalist rhetoric

Portraying itself as a victim of political persecution

Criticizing the new government’s actions as undemocratic

Political Polarization

PiS is attempting to maintain its core support by:

Emphasizing conservative Catholic values

Opposing liberal policies on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights

Framing the political landscape as a stark choice between their vision for Poland and that of their opponents

Preparing for Future Elections

With the 2025 presidential election on the horizon, PiS is:

Working to maintain its voter base despite recent setbacks

Positioning itself as the primary opposition force against the current government coalition

Conclusion

These strategies demonstrate PiS’s efforts to remain a significant political force in Poland, despite its transition from ruling party to opposition.