Polish Opposition Leader Suggests EU Exit Talks to Force Reforms

WARSAW, Poland – Jarosław Kaczyński, the main opposition leader in Poland, suggested that countries led by nationalist parties could initiate negotiations to leave the European Union as a tactic to compel the bloc to return powers to its member states. The remarks were made Wednesday at an economic forum in southern Poland.

"The European Union must be changed. This is my deep conviction, shared by my party and, I believe, very many Poles," Kaczyński stated. He contended that EU institutions, such as the European Commission, wield excessive influence. Kaczyński expressed optimism that upcoming elections in France and Spain could bring far-right politicians to power, potentially opening avenues for discussions about EU reform.

Kaczyński outlined several reform proposals, including empowering national parliamentarians to monitor instances where EU bodies allegedly violate EU law. As a final measure, he proposed that reform-minded countries could establish a new treaty with a delayed effective date while simultaneously commencing EU withdrawal negotiations. This, he suggested, would create leverage to push other nations and EU bodies toward accepting proposed changes.

The comments drew criticism from senior Polish government officials. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who leads a pro-European government, wrote on X, "Jarosław Kaczyński has just announced that Poland should begin negotiations on the conditions of leaving the European Union."

Kaczyński countered Tusk's interpretation, stating on X, "We want the union to benefit not the elites, but the ordinary citizens."

Poland, a significant nation on NATO's eastern flank and one of the EU's most rapidly growing economies, has gained strategic importance in recent years, partly due to its crucial role in supporting Ukraine.

Kaczyński's Law and Justice party governed Poland from 2015 to 2023, a period marked by significant disputes with EU institutions concerning the rule of law and human rights. Current polls suggest that Kaczyński's party could regain power in the upcoming general elections, especially if it forms alliances with smaller far-right groups that have seen a rise in popularity in Poland.

Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski commented on Kaczyński's remarks, suggesting they would clarify the implications of a far-right electoral victory for Polish voters. "I thank Jarosław Kaczyński for his honesty," Sikorski said.