Warsaw, Poland – In a significant political maneuver, Poland’s former Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, is reportedly in contention for the leadership of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) party, as published today by EURACTIV. This coveted role is currently held by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The news, initially reported by Euractiv based on insights from Polish media, underscores the shifting dynamics within the European right-wing political landscape.

Earlier reports from the Polish magazine Wprost, as highlighted by Euractiv, suggested that Morawiecki might reach an agreement with Meloni to succeed her as ECR president. However, the latest updates from the Fakt tabloid, as reported by Euractiv, indicate that no definitive decision has been made. A source close to Morawiecki revealed to Fakt, “Negotiations are ongoing. The chances are 50/50. Nothing is settled yet.” The source also noted Meloni’s reluctance to relinquish her position, while the Polish side is actively working to persuade her.

As Euractiv pointed out, neither the ECR nor Morawiecki’s Law and Justice (PiS) party has responded to requests for comments, leaving the political community in anticipation.

Should Morawiecki secure the ECR presidency, it would mark a strategic victory for his party, bolstering its influence on the European right. This move follows PiS’s electoral defeat to a broad centre-left coalition led by former European Council President Donald Tusk (Civic Platform, EPP) last year. For Morawiecki, the ECR leadership could serve as a political refuge if he is not chosen as PiS’s candidate for the Polish presidential election next year.

With Euractiv noting President Andrzej Duda’s completion of his second term in 2025 and his constitutional bar from seeking re-election, PiS is scouting for a new candidate. Morawiecki is reportedly among the contenders, alongside other prominent figures such as MEPs Patryk Jaki and Tobiasz Bocheński, former defense minister Mariusz Błaszczak, and former education minister Przemysław Czarnek. Each potential candidate brings unique political strengths and challenges, with Bocheński emerging as a new favorite of PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, while Jaki, Błaszczak, and Czarnek remain polarizing yet popular among PiS supporters.

The announcement of PiS’s presidential candidate is expected at the party congress in September or early October. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition has yet to reveal its candidate, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk has publicly ruled out a presidential bid. Tusk, as highlighted by Euractiv, lost the 2005 presidential election to Lech Kaczyński, the late twin brother of PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, and remains a pivotal figure in Poland’s political arena.

As the political chessboard in Europe continues to evolve, Morawiecki’s potential ascension to the ECR presidency could redefine alliances and power dynamics, not only within Poland but across the broader European conservative movement. As reported by Euractiv, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of both Morawiecki’s political career and the ECR’s leadership.