In more evidence that the ruling Civic Platform’s popularity has taken a dent, a new opinion poll finds that the party has lost eight percentage points in support since the beginning of March.

The poll by TNS OBOP records 39 percent support for the centre-right Civic Platform (PO) with their main rival, the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) on 27 percent.

The Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) is on 18 percent, continuing a trend, with Law and Justice, of rising support in recent weeks.

A survey commissioned by Polish Radio by the conducted by Homo Homini institute on 11 April found the gap between the PO and PiS down to 2.5 percent.

Observers say that the government, which Civic Platform dominates alongside the junior coalition partner Polish Peasant’s Party (PSL) has taken a hit from the Smolensk air disaster anniversary last weekend, price hikes and controversial changes to the pension system in an attempt to lower public debt.

Another opinion poll, by Gfk Polonia, however, finds that Civic Platform’s support has grown over the last few days, with 50 percent of the respondents declaring their support for Pm Tusk’s party - up four percent. Support for Law and Justice stable, on 30 percent.  (pg/kk)