Support for Poland leaving EU grows among center-right, survey shows

LONDON

Support for Poland leaving the EU has shifted from the far-right to the center-right, according to a new survey.

A poll by United Surveys for Poland’s Wirtualna Polska website found that backing for a “Polexit” was highest among voters for the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, rather than the far-right Confederation. The PiS lost its ruling party status in 2023 after governing the country for eight years.

While a majority of Poles still favor remaining in the EU, the proportion wanting to leave has grown to 24.7%, or nearly a quarter.

Overall, 65.7% of respondents want Poland to stay in the bloc, with 48.6% firmly opposed to leaving and 17.1% moderately against it.

PiS supporters were the most pro-Polexit, with 47% advocating secession – 29% firmly in favor –and only 33% opposed.

Confederation voters were second, with 41% supporting Polexit and only 8% rejecting it; 19% were strongly in favor.

Euro-skepticism has been rising in recent years and has become a key political theme.

In the summer presidential election, PiS-backed winner Karol Nawrocki emphasized Polish sovereignty over Brussels bureaucrats. Meanwhile, ultranationalist Grzegorz Braun has gained attention with his anti-EU rhetoric and high-profile stunts, with his party polling third nationally in December.

Supporters of the ruling coalition parties remain strongly pro-EU, with all showing more than 80% opposition to Polexit. Among Civic Coalition and The Left voters, not a single firm “yes” for leaving was seen.

The survey also found euro-skepticism is more common among men and people age 30–49, while 18–29-year-olds are the most pro-EU group.