Poland's opposition said today it might force an election through a no-confidence vote in parliament against the conservative government.
Opinion polls showed support for the government plunging and a majority of Poles in favour of elections after an aide of Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski was caught on film asking an opposition MP what she wanted in return for switching allegiance.
The ruling Law and Justice (PiS) is trying to build a new majority coalition after ditching its leftist partners Self-Defence last week in a row over the budget in the ex-communist European Union newcomer.
"We all agree that PiS's mandate has been bankrupted, that this parliament has lost its authority and that we must have new elections," said Grzegorz Schetyna, a leader of the main opposition party, the Civic Platform, who lead in the polls.
Asked if his party was considering supporting a motion for a so-called constructive vote of no confidence, Mr Schetyna said: "It is being considered."
Under the Polish constitution, to oust the government the opposition would need to carry a vote of no-confidence and also present a candidate for prime minister, who might then pave the way for elections.
Private television aired footage on Tuesday of secretly filmed meetings between Mr Kaczynski's top aide and a Self-Defence MP including discussions about a possible financial arrangement if she deserted her party to support the government.
Self-Defence leader Andrzej Lepper told radio: "In this madness we cannot live and the country cannot be governed."
The small Peasants' Party - regarded as possible kingmakers with 25 seats in the 460-member assembly - responded to the television broadcast by suspending coalition talks with Law and Justice, demanding an explanation from Mr Kaczynski.