Poll: Morawiecki narrowly favored over Czarnek as PiS prime ministerial candidate

Mateusz Morawiecki holds a narrow lead over Przemysław Czarnek as the preferred candidate for prime minister within the Law and Justice party (PiS), according to a new poll. Morawiecki garnered 40.7% support among respondents asked to choose between the two, while Czarnek received 18%. A significant 41.3% were undecided or found it difficult to say.

The poll results show a clearer preference for Morawiecki among the general public. He was favored by 40% of voters from the parties currently forming the government coalition. Among opposition voters, including those supporting PiS, the choice was much closer, with Morawiecki at 37% and Czarnek at 36%. Undecided voters also leaned towards Morawiecki, with 47% choosing him compared to 11% for Czarnek.

These findings emerge amid rising internal tensions within PiS. The party leadership recently passed a resolution requiring members to resign from political associations within the party, specifically targeting Mateusz Morawiecki's "Rozwój Plus" association. Failure to comply could lead to expulsion proceedings.

Adding to the internal dynamics are Przemysław Czarnek's controversial statements regarding aid to Ukraine. He previously called for the European Union, using Poland's influence, to halt funding for Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction until Ukraine aligns with "pro-human values." The party has stated the matter was resolved through discussions between party leader Jarosław Kaczyński and the prime ministerial candidate.