Poland's political climate has become increasingly charged as the government intensifies its crackdown on foreign criminal gangs and faces scrutiny over past election conduct. Recent announcements by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Law and Justice (PiS) party officials provide insight both on the current administration's stance and the challenges posed by former leaders.
On Wednesday, Tusk announced significant measures aimed at combating organized crime, emphasizing the government's strategy to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. "All deportation decisions are justified and based on legal grounds," Tusk insisted, backing his security forces’ large-scale operations against foreign criminal gangs. Following this, Deputy Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak disclosed alarming figures: since the start of 2025, 2,616 foreign nationals had been charged with crimes across Poland.
The operations, which took place on February 13 and 14, involved police and border guards arresting 1,474 individuals, out of which deportation proceedings were initiated against 398. With concerns focused on maintaining public safety, Siemoniak affirmed the government’s firm commitment to law enforcement, stating, "If someone does not respect Polish law or breaks it, there is no place for them in Poland." He elaborated on the nature of offenses, highlighting issues such as working without permits and more serious crimes like armed robbery and murder as contributing to the crackdown.
Siemoniak confirmed the government is preparing additional deportation flights and underscored the nature of the offenses committed by foreign nationals. He pointed out, "No one is deported for a traffic violation," but explained how repeated violations of residency regulations could lead to expulsion. Last year, nearly 8,000 individuals were expelled from Poland, reflecting the government’s stringent policy on illegal immigration.
The timing of these operations, coupled with the figures presented, may resonate with the public as Tusk seeks to bolster his standing amid looming elections.
Simultaneously, Poland is witnessing political upheaval related to the actions of former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Recently charged with abuse of power connected to the failed 2020 presidential postal vote, Morawiecki has waived his parliamentary immunity to face the accusations head-on. This situation stems from controversial decisions made during the COVID pandemic which cost PLN 70 million (€16.8 million) and led to accusations of political maneuvering by the PiS government.
Morawiecki has defended his actions, posting on social media, “I acted in Poland’s best interest—and I continue to do so. I wouldn’t change a thing.” Despite his claims of innocence, he has faced backlash from political opponents, who stress the importance of accountability. According to Piotr Skiba, spokesman for the prosecutor's office, Morawiecki is being indicted for abuse of power and could face up to three years imprisonment.
Further complicity emerges as the justice minister, Adam Bodnar, seeks to lift Morawiecki's immunity, allowing for full prosecution. The former prime minister's charges add another layer of scrutiny to the already fractious political environment, as current Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak pointedly remarked, “The legacy of the PiS government is a former prime minister with criminal charges.”
The PiS party remains staunchly supportive of Morawiecki, arguing the charges are politically motivated. Government spokesman Piotr Müller claimed it is fear of Morawiecki’s influence and potential revival of his leadership above all else driving the current investigations. MEP Marlena Maląg echoed this sentiment, stressing the historical significance of Morawiecki’s leadership and decisions during the crisis.
Meanwhile, the PiS party maintains its support for emotional ties to the U.S. political narrative, particularly under Donald Trump, seeking to capitalize on nationalistic fervor. Recent outreach efforts have included pro-Trump rallies, highlighting their commitment to this alignment even as relations with other European nations grow complex compared to the U.S.'s stance on Ukraine and democracy itself. The nationalist fervor within PiS remains unabated, with plans to incorporate this strategy heading toward the May presidential elections.
While the political atmosphere is fraught with challenges, the government appears focused on bolstering law enforcement efforts and redistributing accountability for the scandals engulfing the previous administration. With the integrity of the current political framework at stake, Polish citizens are at the crossroads of upholding law and order and demanding accountability from those who have led them during precarious times.