Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of Poland's largest opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), has voiced his strong opposition to Poland adopting the euro currency, saying that such a move would be “suicidal.”

“The fact that Germany and France are now completely dominating affairs in the EU is now the prevailing wisdom,” said Mr Kaczyński. “We are surrendering ourselves to the dictates of these two countries. The question is whether it is in our interest to do so. In our opinion it isn't,” he added, saying that Poland had the ability to act as a “separate entity.”

The PiS leader's opinion on the euro issue is important because in order to adopt the common currency, Poland would have to change its constitution where a “Polish currency” is specifically mentioned. In order to change the constitution, a two-thirds majority is needed in parliament.

With the current composition of parliament, a two-thirds majority is not possible without the votes of PiS MPs.

'Civilizational war'

The statements were made at a press conference Wednesday held by Mr Kaczyński in which he addressed several issues aside from euro adoption, including the rise of the ultra-liberal Palikot's Movement and the current debate on the role of the Catholic Church in Polish society.

Mr Kaczyński also said that Poland was at “civilizational war,” with itself, battling over religion and patriotism, but also issues such as “education, culture and even the legal system.” He said this was due to some wanting to “copy” trends which have long been present in the West.

“It is laughable and pathetic. It's an expansion of barbarism,” Mr Kaczyski said.