Poland: Political Group Quietly Supporting Anti Shale Movement

The Polish opposition party Ruch Palikota (RP) is supporting the anti-shale movement in the Pomorskie region.

Local activists have confirmed to Natural Gas Europe that politicians and supporters of the RP in Pomorskie, including MP Robert Biedron, have provided information, training and legal advice to anti-shale organizations.

Activists are advised of the rights of access to information and coached on how to communicate with media. The party also organizes meetings with scientists and foreign politicians opposed to shale gas development.

All surveys indicate a strong support for the development of shale gas in Poland. Neither the party leadership or official platform declare any open opposition to shale gas.

However the Ruch Palikota cooperates with the European Greens and during the visit to Warsaw of the Greens' leader Daniel Cohn-Bendit this past March, the party announced it would cooperate with the European Parliamentary group, supporting the use of renewables and a push for a referendum on use of nuclear power in Poland.

In the 2011 parliamentary election the Ruch Palikota (Palikot's Movement) won 10% of the votes, becoming the third force in the parliament. The party was named after its originator: Janusz Palikot.

Palikot left the ruling Platforma Obywatelska in 2010 and established his own political movement. The philosopher and businessman turned politician is known for publicity stunts, anti-catholicism, liberalism as well as for media questions about his personal wealth and money transfers from tax havens.

Natural Gas Europe will provide additional coverage from North Pomorze where local activists join forces to create a regional anti-shale movement.