President Karol Nawrocki’s initiative to establish a new constitutional council has sparked deep division in Poland, with a majority of citizens opposing the move, according to a representative survey conducted by United Surveys for Wirtualna Polska. The poll, carried out between May 8–10, 2026, reveals a stark partisan split over the proposal to draft a “new generation” constitution by 2030—a deadline set by Nawrocki for the council’s work.
The council, appointed on May 3, includes prominent legal figures such as Julia Przyłębska (former president of the Constitutional Tribunal), Ryszard Piotrowski (constitutional scholar), Barbara Piwnik (former justice minister), and other high-profile jurists. Yet, public support remains fragile: only 33% of respondents back the initiative, while 60% oppose it, with nearly half (48.5%) expressing outright rejection.
Partisan Lines Harden Over Constitutional Reform
The survey underscores a near-total rejection among ruling coalition voters: 84% of their supporters “decisively oppose” the council, while only 5% offer lukewarm support. In contrast, 64% of opposition-aligned respondents approve, though 41% do so “decisively”—highlighting even internal skepticism. The divide suggests the proposal could intensify political polarization ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Nawrocki’s framing of the effort as a “new generation” constitution may aim to modernize Poland’s legal framework, but the survey’s results indicate that public trust in the process—and its timing—remains tenuous. The council’s ability to deliver a cohesive draft by 2030 will hinge on overcoming both procedural hurdles and the deep partisan divisions exposed by the poll.
What Comes Next?
The council’s first steps will likely focus on defining its methodology and engaging stakeholders, but political resistance could stall progress. A possible next step is a public consultation phase, though past attempts at constitutional reform have shown that even well-intentioned proposals can devolve into partisan clashes. If the council fails to bridge the ideological gap, Nawrocki’s ambition to present a draft by 2030 could unravel before it begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the constitutional council?
The council includes Julia Przyłębska (former Constitutional Tribunal president), Ryszard Piotrowski (constitutional scholar), Barbara Piwnik (former justice minister), and other legal experts appointed by President Nawrocki.
What is the timeline for the new constitution?
President Nawrocki has set a target of 2030 for the council to deliver a draft “new generation” constitution, aligning with the end of his presidential term.
How does public opinion differ by political affiliation?
Support is polarized: 84% of ruling coalition voters oppose the council, while 64% of opposition-aligned voters (PiS, Konfederacja, KKP) back it—though nearly 30% of opposition supporters also reject the idea.
With constitutional reform often sparking fierce debate, how do you think Poland’s political leaders should balance urgency with public consensus in this process?
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