This article is a part of Poland Unpacked. Weekly intelligence for decision-makers
After a heated previous week, dominated by President Karol Nawrocki’s veto on the ban of dog chains and cryptocurrency regulations, Polish politics has taken a bit of a breather in recent days. Public attention has largely shifted overseas, focusing on the new U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS). The strategy’s apparent loosening of ties with European Union countries in Washington’s transatlantic policy, while not entirely surprising, has sparked intense reactions among Polish politicians. A recent pro-EU post by Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X, countering Elon Musk’s narrative, garnered over 30 million views:
And drew critical responses from Polish right-wing politicians like Marek Jakubiak who asked about whether Mr. Tusk is the PM of Poland or Europe.
This is hardly unexpected, given that a strong pro-American orientation has long been embedded in both Law and Justice (PiS) and the Confederation. Yet recent developments show that Poland’s right-wing is increasingly fragmented beyond a shared opposition to the Tusk government, Brussels, and a fondness for the U.S. One might even say that an open struggle has erupted within the right.
The highlight on the political social media bubble was the “Polish Fox News” moment - Telewizja Republika aired a graphic dividing PiS into warring factions where the two key ones were charmingly nicknamed the “Harcerze” (boy scouts; Mr. Morawiecki's people) and the “Maślarze” (butter boys; nicknamed after an incident on board a Polish LOT airlines plane when one of these politicians was served German-branded butter and loudly complained about it in the social media):
This right-wing struggle is more than just a spectacle for political enthusiasts; it reflects a dispute over the dominant ideological direction on the right. Law and Justice is increasingly losing support to the far-right, pro-Russian Confederation of the Polish Crown led by Grzegorz Braun, which attacks Ukrainians in Poland, opposes the EU, and whitewashes Russian policy. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, from the “Harcerze” faction, criticizes the “Maślarze” for cozying up to Braun. Morawiecki, while critical of the EU, does not advocate leaving it, supports Ukraine, and condemns Russia. Rafał Mrowicki explores the secrets of these right-wing power struggles and their implications for Polish politics.
Meanwhile, the government is celebrating. December 13 marked two years since the formation of Donald Tusk’s cabinet. For several weeks, the administration has conducted a communication offensive, highlighting its achievements, while the opposition continues to critique it. At XYZ, we examined how the government performed legislatively and which ministries were the most active over the past two years - and thus had the greatest impact on the lives of Poles.
Three hours' drive from Warsaw lies Europe's final lowland wilderness. Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site straddling the Polish-Belarus border, preserves 1,500 square kilometres of woodland largely untouched for millennia.
Its star attraction: 800 European bisons, the continent's largest land mammals and a conservation triumph. Nearly extinct after the first world war, these ton-heavy beasts now roam freely - most visible in autumn and winter, when they venture into clearings. Morning walks through villages often yield sightings; guided safaris guarantee them.
Local cuisine mirrors the forest. Goulash, honey fungus soup harvested from surrounding woods, and potato-based staples like haluski and pierogis define the region's heritage cooking. Here the food and wilderness remain inseparable. Go on, take a weekend escape from obligations. Białowieża forest delivers what urban parks cannot.
You know one-hit wonders. Now meet a one-street wonder from southern Poland. Welcome to Sułoszowa, the Polish village where everyone’s neighbors - literally! All 3,361 residents share one epic 9‑kilometer street, lined with colorful roofs, tidy gardens, and golden fields stretching like a rainbow of crops.
