Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, announced Friday that roughly three dozen parliamentarians have resigned from the party [1].

This mass departure signals a significant internal fracture within one of Poland's most influential political forces. The loss of these members could weaken the party's legislative leverage and alter the balance of power in the parliament.

The resignations followed a strict ultimatum issued by the party leadership. Members were required to sign a statement declaring their non-affiliation with other political associations by Thursday at midnight [4]. Those who refused to sign the document chose to leave the party [2].

Kaczyński addressed the situation during a press briefing in Warsaw. He said that the requirements were clear and that every member understood the implications of the statement. "Everyone knew what signing was and what disagreement to sign a statement of non-affiliation with associations conducting political activity was," Kaczyński said [2].

Reports on the exact number of departures vary slightly. Some sources indicate that more than 30 members have left the party [2], while other reports suggest the number is close to 40 [3]. Kaczyński described the group as "thirty-some" MPs [1].

The party will now move to formalize these departures. Kaczyński said a meeting of the Political Committee will take place next week to formally accept the resignations [4].

This internal purge emphasizes the leadership's desire for absolute loyalty and a singular party identity. By forcing a choice between a signed pledge and party membership, the PiS leadership has prioritized ideological purity over numerical strength in the legislature.

“"Everyone knew what signing was and what disagreement to sign a statement of non-affiliation with associations conducting political activity was."”

The resignation of 30 to 40 MPs represents a strategic gamble by Jarosław Kaczyński to consolidate control. By purging members who refused to sign the loyalty pledge, PiS is trading legislative numbers for a more disciplined and ideologically cohesive core. This split may create a new independent bloc in the parliament, potentially complicating future coalition negotiations or voting blocs.