The anti-Semitic Polish MP the right didn't want to touch - and who may now decide the elections

Grzegorz Braun, an anti-Semitic Polish MP, may decide the elections in Poland after a dramatic split in the right that removed 40 MPs from the Law and Justice party. Polls show 32% for Tusk's party, 20% for Law and Justice, 15% for Confederation, and 7% for Development Plus. Braun, remembered by Israelis as the one who extinguished a menorah with a fire extinguisher, has become a key figure and enjoys popularity in the rural south and among young people.

Poland's political system is in turmoil ahead of next year's elections. Grzegorz Braun, an anti-Semitic Polish MP, may become the kingmaker after a dramatic split in the right that removed 40 MPs from the Law and Justice party. Braun, remembered by Israelis as the one who extinguished a menorah with a fire extinguisher, was once seen as extreme and erratic, but has become a key figure. His support surged during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to his vocal opposition to lockdowns, and he enjoys great popularity in the conservative, rural south of Poland, and surprisingly also attracts a young audience. While Tusk looks at the split in the right 'with a smile', experts warn that a combination of forces from four right-wing parties could pose a formidable rival to him. Polls currently show 32% for Tusk's party, compared to 20% for Law and Justice, 15% for the original Confederation party, and 7% for Development Plus.