In a move defying party lines, the pair of deputies to the Polish parliament, Paulina Matysiak of the leftist Together party and Marcin Horała of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party announced last week their initiative to create a new social movement, “Yes for Development.”
Their stated goal is to foster collaboration across diverse political and social spectra to support key development projects in Poland, such as the Central Communication Port (CPK), nuclear power plants, and the expansion of ports and military infrastructure. This cross-party cooperation, however, has not gone without consequences.
Following this announcement, the Together party declared that Matysiak’s involvement in the new association was a “private initiative” taken against the party leadership’s wishes. As a result, the party leadership has initiated disciplinary proceedings against her, deeming her actions detrimental to the party’s interests. Moreover, she has been temporarily suspended from her rights as a member of the Left parliamentary club, with a potential permanent expulsion pending if she does not cease her collaboration with Horała.
Despite facing significant backlash, Matysiak remains defiant, insisting “on her love for the ‘Together’ party” and denying any betrayal of its values. In her statement, she expressed surprise at the swift and harsh reaction from her party and emphasized her ongoing commitment to leftist ideals.
“I am not the fifth column of PiS. I think independently, I have my own opinion. I will not change my opinion, I am convinced of this direction of my actions,” declared Matysiak.
She stated however that she does not intend to end her cooperation with Marcin Horała. She also conveyed that she does not plan to leave the Together party on her own initiative. “I believe that I have done nothing wrong regarding the direction of the association,” she explained. “I truly believe in the Together party’s slogan, ‘a different politics is possible,’ and I strive to implement it.”
Matysiak also highlighted that the new movement aims to transcend typical parliamentary schematics by opening up to individuals with diverse views who prioritize national development. She underscored that the organization is intended to be a non-governmental entity focused on broad-based development initiatives.
