The current political landscape in Poland is shifting, with the so-called illiberal politics of the Law and Justice (PiS) party facing opposition from a diverse coalition of conservative, liberal, and left parties. However, a year after the election, the results have been mixed at best, with the governing coalition failing to reverse or change PiS’ policies. The government, led by Donald Tusk, has even adopted some of PiS’ tactics, such as using history as propaganda and proposing laws that restrict academic autonomy.
One of the key issues that the governing coalition has failed to address is PiS’ draconian abortion law, which sparked mass protests in Poland and played a crucial role in ousting PiS from power. Despite this, conservative elements within the coalition have prevented any meaningful progress on this issue. Additionally, the government has taken controversial measures such as suspending the right to asylum in Poland, a move that goes against EU values and conflicts with the Polish constitution.
The current political climate in Poland is also characterized by an increase in nationalism and the far-right’s influence. The Ministry of Higher Education, part of the governing coalition’s left-wing partners, is proposing a new higher education law that mirrors some of PiS’ policies, further eroding academic autonomy and increasing political favoritism. This trend towards illiberalism is concerning, especially as it could pave the way for a return to power for PiS in the next elections.
In order to combat the rise of illiberalism and offer a real alternative to PiS’ policies, the governing coalition must prioritize concrete policies over simply maintaining an anti-PiS image. Merely differentiating themselves from PiS is not enough; the coalition must actively work towards upholding the values of liberal democracy. Failure to do so could lead to further erosion of democratic norms and the consolidation of illiberal policies in Poland.
It is crucial for the governing coalition to address these issues and reverse the trend towards illiberalism in Poland. Emulating PiS’ tactics or adopting similar policies will only serve to strengthen the far-right and undermine democratic institutions. The upcoming elections present an opportunity for the coalition to demonstrate its commitment to liberal democracy and provide a true alternative to PiS’ illiberalism.
In conclusion, the current political situation in Poland remains precarious, with the governing coalition failing to live up to expectations and effectively counter PiS’ illiberal policies. To avoid a return to power for PiS and further erosion of democratic norms, the coalition must prioritize concrete policies that uphold liberal democracy and offer a genuine alternative to PiS’ brand of illiberalism. Only by taking decisive action can the coalition steer Poland towards a more democratic and inclusive future.
