Opposition and governing parties level in poll

According to the poll, 34 percent of respondents would vote for Law and Justice at present, the same amount that would back Civic Platform.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk's Civic Platform is currently leading a coalition government with the Polish Peasants Party.

However, having won a second term in power in the October 2011 general election, Civic Platform embarked on an extensive programme of reforms, including the raising of the national retirement age, a factor which has been key to the slump in the party's popularity.

Six months ago, 44 percent of respondents declared a willingness to vote for the Civic Platform, while just 26 percent came out in favour of Law and Justice.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Left Alliance is also enjoying a burst of popularity, having lost out to new liberal party Palikot's Movement in last year's general election.

The Democratic Left Alliance has knocked Palikot's Movement off the third spot, garnering 12 percent backing, as opposed to the latter's 9 percent.

Junior coalition partner the Polish Peasants' Party won backing from 5 percent of respondents.

The poll was carried out on 1000 adults by TNS for the “Forum” programme of public broadcaster TVP. (nh)