Poland has opened its border with Ukraine to war refugees. Not so at another border, with Belarus. Since February 24th, more than 4.5 million people have entered Poland fleeing from Ukraine. This influx of war refugees met an open border and an unprecedented grassroots response. Citizens organised help: they took families home, brought food, offered transport. According to opinionContinue reading “The paradox of Polish migration policy”
Tag Archives: Populism
Poland’s abortion protests—democratic standards at stake
The passion behind the demonstrations signifies a battle for basic democratic standards in a world of creeping authoritarian temptations. On October 22nd, the Constitutional Court in Poland made an unprecedented decision, declaring abortion due to foetal defects unconstitutional. Because around 90 per cent of all legal abortions in the country are performed on this criterion, upon enteringContinue reading “Poland’s abortion protests—democratic standards at stake”
Poles apart—the presidential election in Poland
The presidential election in Poland was an intolerant affair—and the argument isn’t over yet. On July 12th, the second round of the presidential election took place in Poland. Not only the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic but also its significance for the country’s future made this a special race. In the end, supported by theContinue reading “Poles apart—the presidential election in Poland”
The corona campaign
The Polish Law and Justice party sees an opportunity in the wave of coronavirus infections to further consolidate power.
The illiberal tandem vs Europe
Poland and Hungary tend to be paired up when discussing the political crisis of the European Union (EU). The reason is the emergence of so-called “illiberal democracies” in these eastern member states, which do not comply with some of the founding values of the EU. Viktor Orbán seized power in Hungary in 2010, and he’s just won the elections for the third term. In Poland, the Law and Justice party (PiS) has taken over after winning parliamentary elections in late 2015. Shortly after, in the Krynica Forum in October 2016 both party leaders, Jarosław Kaczyński and Viktor Orbán, announced they would stand together for “cultural counter-revolution” and renewal of the post-Brexit EU. So, how long will it last?
Turning The Tables: Poland’s New Government And Europe
Last Sunday’s election results left some Poles devastated, but others seem to be if not hopeful, then relieved. The massive victory of the conservative Law and Justice party (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS) defeating Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska – PO) was, however, not a political earthquake, but rather a self-fulfilling prophecy that finally came true. Perhaps it also is a manifestation of a deeper change within Polish society. The question is if this will turn to good account for Poland – and for Europe, too.
Dr Maria Skóra 