Dozens of Lawmakers to Exit Poland's Ruling PiS Party Over Loyalty Declaration

A significant political realignment is underway in Poland as over 30 lawmakers prepare to leave the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party. The exodus stems from a party leadership directive mandating members to sign a loyalty declaration, a requirement that a substantial number of parliamentarians have refused to meet.

Party leader Jarosław Kaczyński confirmed the departures on Friday, stating that more than 30 parliamentarians would be leaving the party. Among the high-profile figures departing is former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, signaling a notable split within the party's ranks. The list of those leaving reportedly includes around 40 names, indicating a considerable faction is breaking away.

The refusal to sign the declaration signifies a challenge to the party's internal authority and raises questions about the future cohesion of PiS. The exact reasons for each lawmaker's decision remain to be fully detailed, but the party's demand for a formal loyalty statement appears to have been a decisive factor for this group. The situation highlights internal tensions within the party as it navigates its political future.