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The leader of the Polish People’s Party (PSL), the deputy prime minister in the left-liberal government, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, has stated that breaking up the coalition would be less costly than losing voters for the parties involved. This bold declaration comes amidst growing tensions within the coalition over the contentious issue of abortion.
The abortion issue has become a significant point of contention, particularly between the Civic Coalition (KO) and the Left, on one side, and the PSL on the other. The PSL leader’s opposition to the Left’s proposal to decriminalize abortion has sparked outrage among abortion rights supporters.
The rejected bill, voted down on July 12, sought to decriminalize assistance in performing abortions and would have allowed abortions up to the 12th week of pregnancy with the pregnant woman’s consent. The lack of unity in the left-liberal coalition was evident, as some PSL members voted against the bill.
In response to this stance, PSL offices have been attacked, and an activist, Marta Lempart, placed an insulting note on Kosiniak-Kamysz’s parliamentary office and verbally attacked him at a pro-abortion rally.
“You got those seats thanks to us, so now give them the f**k back if you don’t like the electorate and their views. You are the a**holes, not democrats! Get the f**k out!” shouted Lempart at the demonstration held in front of the Polish parliament on Tuesday evening.
Despite the backlash, Kosiniak-Kamysz has stood firm, emphasizing that the only viable legislative change would be a return to the so-called “abortion compromise” that existed before a Constitutional Tribunal ruling in the fall of 2020. He has also expressed his frustration with the Left for not supporting a bill on the use of weapons by soldiers on the border with Belarus.
On Polsat News TV, Kosiniak-Kamysz reiterated that the PSL “was not, is not, and will not be anyone’s vassal.” He highlighted the party’s priorities, including a compromise bill on health insurance contributions that he hopes will be implemented as soon as possible, starting from the new year.
The PSL leader called for mutual respect, balance, and calm in the public discourse, addressing the actions of Lempart and others. He also reiterated his pre-election stance on the decriminalization or demedicalization of abortion, advocating for a return to the previous compromise and the organization of a nationwide referendum.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the importance of focusing on the economy, reducing health insurance contributions, and supporting entrepreneurs to retain voter support.
He warned that failing to do so could result in significant electoral losses for the coalition parties.
“The breakup of the coalition is less costly than the loss of voters by the parties that form the coalition,” he stated.
