From Brussels to Warsaw: The Political Rhetoric and Strategy of Polish Conservatives

Abstract

This article analyzes the rhetorical strategies of Poland’s right-wing conservative parties — Law and Justice (PiS) and Confederation — in the context of their critical stance toward European integration. Euroscepticism in Polish political discourse is not interpreted as a direct rejection of Poland’s membership in the European Union, but rather as a strategic rethinking of its role through the lens of national sovereignty, cultural identity, and autonomy in the field of security.

It is established that PiS adheres to a pragmatic approach, emphasizing the defense of national interests within European institutions, whereas Confederation demonstrates a more radical form of rhetorical opposition to supranational structures.

The aim of the study is to identify ideological and strategic differences between these parties regarding European integration, the mechanisms of articulating national interest, and to assess their impact on Poland’s domestic political dynamics. Particular attention is paid to rhetorical oppositions such as “Brussels vs. Warsaw” and “tradition vs. decadence,” which structure the ideological boundaries of right-wing conservative discourse.

The methodological framework combines comparative and institutional analysis, applying the concept of transnational cleavage as an explanatory lens for the evolution of party positions on integration processes. The empirical base includes party documents, public speeches, legislative initiatives, and responses from EU institutions.

The study offers scholarly novelty through a comparative analysis of rhetorical strategies employed by Polish right-wing parties in the context of transnational cleavage, and its findings may be used to assess political dynamics and communication strategies within the EU.