PiS party in turmoil as Nawrocki ignores Kaczyński; TV Republika escalates conflict

A significant rift is emerging within Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, centered on President Andrzej Duda's appointment of Zbigniew Kapiński as the First President of the Supreme Court. Party leader Jarosław Kaczyński publicly opposed the nomination, even posting a sharp criticism of Kapiński on X, stating he could not imagine him taking the role. This marked Kaczyński's first overt attempt to block a decision by Duda, but it proved entirely ineffective.

The controversy has been amplified by TV Republika, a media outlet closely aligned with PiS. The station, led by Tomasz Sakiewicz, has strongly supported Kaczyński's stance, further fueling internal party divisions. Politicians within PiS, speaking anonymously, express frustration and difficulty in envisioning a simple resolution to the dispute, predicting it will generate ongoing conflicts.

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I cannot imagine that he will become the First President of the Supreme Court.

Przemysław Czarnek, a PiS candidate for prime minister, is attempting to mediate the escalating internal conflict. While acknowledging Kaczyński's and Sławomir Cenckiewicz's reservations about Kapiński, Czarnek also stated his acceptance of the president's choice and congratulated the new First President. Cenckiewicz, a former head of the National Security Bureau, is reportedly a key figure who influenced Kaczyński's opposition to the nomination, leading to the PiS leader's critical social media post.

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I understand the reservations from Mr. President Jarosław Kaczyński and Mr. Minister Sławomir Cenckiewicz, I share these reservations, and at the same time I accept the president's choice and congratulate the First President and wish him strength and perseverance.