DoRzeczy.pl: The government coalition starts with a rather strong but negative message. In recent days, the case of MPs Vasik and Kaminsky dominates. Is this voter not perceived negatively?
Prof. Bishop Bartholomew: It depends on which part of the electorate. Of course, such actions are also directed against the voters who came to the parliamentary elections. This can maintain the interest, the tension, the excitement that is needed for the election. Today, all parties are in campaign mode before the local government elections. I don't know if PiS has it or not, because PiS is talking about regrouping, we see consolidation. Everyone is watching what will happen in April and June. All major parties will maintain polarization. These actions help to consolidate the electorate in the short term. It is risky in the long run. The question arises – where are the positive actions? They are in the symbolic sphere, such as the removal of barriers in front of the Sejm.
Is the activity of PiS mainly aimed at the electorate? I have the impression that this is the march planned for January 11.
Yes. They allowed PiS to consolidate internally. The question is whether the second phase of these activities will be to win voters, not only on the basis of heavy voters in local government elections. PiS has a difficult task. He needs to strengthen his electorate, which he is doing, but also look for a soft voter who may come to local government elections. Today it is a “hard line” action, a continuation of the parliamentary campaign.
Is Shimon Holownia taking a risky gamble? On the one hand, it arouses interest in the style of doing politics, but in some issues it seems that Donald Tusk can be manipulated, as was the case with MPs Vesik and Kaminski.
Szymon Hołownia is focused on the bigger horizon and the presidential election, which is more important to him. He will learn something when it comes to intra-coalition political games. The fact that he allows himself to be maneuvered is due to less experience than Donald Tusk or other politicians of the ruling coalition. His actions may be different because he works on his image through the media. He projects a super entertaining, “cool marshal” image and could be such a “cool president.” When it comes to playing hardball in politics, it's clear that he sometimes gets too involved in political projects that aren't his, and they can burn him out. Here he has to be careful about what the other coalition partners, and above all the Prime Minister, are putting on him. Does he have to support it all? Currently, it is part of the polarization game between PO and PiS. Does he need it for the presidential election? I honestly doubt it.
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