How a Polish far-right alliance evolved from a fringe coalition into parliamentary kingmakers

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Confederation Liberty and Independence, a radical right-wing Polish alliance, has navigated internal schisms and electoral thresholds to secure a foothold in the Sejm. By blending economic liberalism with staunch nationalism and anti-EU rhetoric, the party has transformed its base, moving beyond its early demographic of exclusively young, male voters.

Founded in 2018, the Confederation initially formed as a coalition to contest the 2019 European Parliament election. To bypass the 8% electoral threshold required for coalitions to enter the Polish national parliament, the group reorganized as a formal political party. This strategic shift proved effective; in the 2019 parliamentary election, the alliance secured 6.81% of the popular vote, earning 11 seats in the Sejm. By 2023, its influence grew further, with the party capturing 7.16% of the vote and increasing its parliamentary presence to 18 seats.

The party’s ideology is a distinct mix of radical-right populism, social conservatism, and economic liberalism. It advocates for a total ban on abortion, promotes traditional family models, and calls for the transformation of Poland into a culturally homogenous ethnocracy. Economically, it distinguishes itself from the Law and Justice party by pushing for free-market reforms, such as making social insurance contributions optional and indexing tax-exempt thresholds to the minimum wage. Its foreign policy is defined by a hardline opposition to the European Union and skepticism toward NATO, often framing international cooperation as a threat to Polish sovereignty.

Internal stability has been a recurring challenge. In 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine exposed deep fissures, particularly regarding pro-Russian sentiments held by figures like Janusz Korwin-Mikke. These tensions culminated in high-profile expulsions, including that of Grzegorz Braun in January 2025 following his unauthorized presidential bid. Despite these fractures, the party remains a significant force in Polish politics, having successfully broadened its appeal beyond its original base of young men to include voters in smaller towns and rural areas. As of March 2025, the party’s parliamentary group counts 16 members, continuing its role as a disruptive, nationalist voice in the national legislature.

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