Government signals zero tolerance for political actors echoing Kremlin narratives
Poland’s interior minister, Marcin Kierwiński, has warned that the far-right Confederation of the Polish Crown — led by controversial politician Grzegorz Braun — may face a formal ban if its pro-Russian rhetoric continues. Speaking on TVN24, Kierwiński said the party was “on the edge of delegalisation”, adding that “a few more of Mr Braun’s antics and statements supporting Putin” would cross a red line. The comments were reported by Onet, which outlined the minister’s remarks through its article on the ultimatum issued to Grzegorz Braun. Earlier, MEP Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz from the ruling Civic Coalition demanded the party’s prohibition, calling it an extremist organisation that “should have no place in public life”. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also criticised Braun in mid-November, saying his actions “border on treason” and accusing him of consciously amplifying Russian disinformation.
Rising support for the far right intensifies political tensions
Confederation of the Polish Crown, founded by Braun in 2019, is part of the wider Confederation bloc and holds three seats in the Sejm as well as representation in the European Parliament. The party combines traditionalist Catholicism, Euroscepticism and hardline nationalism, and its deputies frequently use parliamentary platforms to promote radical and pro-Russian narratives. Recent polling suggests the faction is gaining momentum, with support reaching as high as 10 per cent.
In November, Braun and fellow party MPs Włodzimierz Skalik, Roman Fritz and Sławomir Zawiślak wrote to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov advocating “de-escalation and normalisation” of Polish-Russian relations. They also criticised Sikorski’s decision to close Russia’s last consulate in Poland following sabotage incidents on the national rail network, urging the government not to fuel “increasing hostility” towards Moscow.
Pro-Russian rhetoric seen as national security threat
The interior minister’s warning reflects the government’s readiness to respond more forcefully to attempts to legitimise Kremlin positions within Polish politics. Officials view Braun’s messaging as an effort to sow division during Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, exploiting social tensions, amplifying polarisation and eroding trust in state institutions — dynamics that align with Moscow’s strategic interests.
Braun’s long-standing reputation for radical, anti-European, antisemitic and anti-Ukrainian statements further underscores the risks associated with his political agenda. His narratives resonate with segments of the electorate disillusioned with mainstream politics, giving anti-establishment and anti-Western messaging broader space to circulate.
Strategic implications for Poland and the wider EU
Analysts warn that parties like Confederation of the Polish Crown can be instrumentalised by Russia to undermine internal cohesion within EU member states. Pro-Russian statements from European politicians help the Kremlin present its views as legitimate alternatives within democratic debate, softening the perception of its aggression.
Polish officials argue that authorities must investigate potential links between Braun’s party and Moscow, including possible financial flows. Such scrutiny is seen as essential to determining whether the faction is merely a fringe radical group or an active vehicle of Russian hybrid operations. Comments from senior figures such as Sikorski, who said Braun’s involvement in Russian disinformation “borders on treason”, illustrate growing concern that the party’s actions pose a national security risk.
