Poland

In December 2023, Poland’s conservative government concluded its de facto eight-year rule, marking the end of a period characterized by profound systemic changes. These changes began with an unprecedented challenge to the state’s foundational principles, resulting in significant negative impacts on democratic norms and the rule of law.

Between 2022 and 2023, the system became entrenched, as civil rights and freedoms were eroded through the politicization of key institutions, including the Constitutional Tribunal, Supreme Court and National Council of the Judiciary. These reconfigurations enabled the Law and Justice party (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS) to pass detrimental and unconstitutional laws without effective constitutional oversight.

Simultaneously, the public prosecutor’s office became a tool of the ruling party, engaging in the persecution of political adversaries, including politicians and judges. Government officials faced minimal consequences for abuses, creating a culture of impunity.

The parliament’s role was diminished, with the body no longer serving as a venue for thorough debate or the development of well-founded legislation. The legislative process was abused, with initiatives often bypassing required impact assessments and consultations. The “Polish Deal,” a post-pandemic economic strategy, epitomized this legislative disarray, marked as it was by the suppression of opposition voices and procedural violations. Notably, the “Lex Tusk” law in April 2023, which concerned a state commission to investigate Russian influence, was intended to prevent an opposition leader from participating in elections.

The ruling party’s decisions also led to restrictions on civil rights, such as access to information. Public media became increasingly politicized, and local media underwent a process of “repolonization.” Private media faced obstacles like licensing issues, lawsuits and exclusion from public advertising funds. Support for social initiatives and NGOs became ideologically driven, with additional tension stemming from attempts to further politicize the education system.

A significant issue under the PiS government was the attack on reproductive rights, including the imposition of severe restrictions on abortion access. This sparked widespread protests and mobilization across the country, uniting a diverse coalition of activists, women’s rights organizations and concerned citizens. The government faced intense backlash, both domestically and internationally, as these measures were viewed as a direct assault on women’s rights and bodily autonomy.

During PiS’s tenure, new taxes and changes to tax laws imposed a heavier burden on citizens. Despite rising tax rates, Poland recorded one of the EU’s highest budget deficits in 2023, mainly due to increased social spending. This period also saw a significant rise in public debt, complicated by the off-budget accounting of expenses that obscured the true fiscal situation. The country experienced unprecedented inflation, nearing an annual rate of 19%, and saw the lowest investment rate since the 1990s. The economic situation worsened due to soaring energy prices after Poland swiftly ceased gas imports from Russia. Nevertheless, Poland’s economic growth outpaced many European countries, with unemployment rates remaining low. By 2022, Poland’s GDP per capita reached 79% of the EU average, demonstrating significant progress despite economic challenges (Eurostat 2023).

Relations with the European Union worsened due to serious rule-of-law violations and explicit anti-EU rhetoric. The European Court of Justice issued multiple rulings against Poland over controversial judicial reforms, aligning with the European Commission’s stance on judicial impartiality. Consequently, nearly €60 billion from the National Reconstruction Plan was withheld, hindering Poland’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

Poland’s international relations became strained following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The country faced an unprecedented crisis, becoming a haven for thousands of refugees from the east. The government facilitated immigrants’ residence and employment, integrating them into social benefit programs and education systems. Poland also became a hub for humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. Additionally, a border wall with Belarus was constructed in June 2022 to prevent illegal immigration.

The parliamentary elections on October 15, 2023 were neither fair nor equal. The entire state apparatus actively supported PiS in the campaign, marginalizing opposition candidates. State-owned companies ran pro-government media campaigns, and politicians frequently campaigned, exceeding legal limits.

PiS emerged as the strongest party, securing around 35.4% of the vote, but fell short of an absolute majority. The voter turnout rate, at 74%, was the highest since the transformation began in 1989, reflecting high levels of polarization and a demand for change. After Mateusz Morawiecki’s failed attempt to form a conservative government, liberal opposition leader Donald Tusk became the prime minister.

Eurostat. 2023. “GDP per capita, consumption per capita and price level indices.” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=GDP_per_capita,_consumption_per_capita_and_price_level_indices