Any change of power, if it is serious, means new people, new policy and, as a rule, a new image. The opposition conservative party Law and Justice (PiS) promised even “good changes” during the election campaign. Will it stick to its promises?
To answer this question, one should look at Poland and our policy of recent years. Yes, we are an example of successful democratic and economic reforms. The economy was growing, and the institutions of the democratic state were fulfilling their tasks. However, for many years, the policy in Poland has been antagonistic, not cooperative. Law and Justice and Jaroslaw Kaczynski himself brought to nothing the beginnings of Donald Tusk and his Civic Platform Party (PO). They rejected all proposals of cooperation (except for cooperation with Ukraine). Honestly, I must say also that the PO team has never especially called upon the opposition to cooperation.
The attitude to Smolensk air catastrophe was a symbol of existence of “two Polands.” Whereas PiS declared that it was a preplanned murder, the PO expressed its doubts concerning these accusations. Besides, several financial rows convinced the voters that the rule of the PO should come to an end.
These remarks are important for understanding that there are no changes in the team in our country, and Jaroslaw Kaczynski simply wants to “change the government,” above all, to “transform” it.
And there would be nothing wrong about it, be it not for the several lessons from the first weeks of the government’s activity. The parliamentary majority ignores the Constitution, violates the law’s word and spirit. It happened when the changes in the Constitutional Court began, the state mass media were seized, and the law on the state service was amended. We can only expect that the Prosecutor’s Office will also be seized and an attempt to dominate in the courts of general jurisdiction will be made.
The PiS rejects the principle of balancing the influence in the state institutions. It wants to get everything and the best at once.
Such actions faced an immediate reaction of the allies and the EU. One can expect criticism and actions, according to the European agreements. In the long run it may lead to Poland’s isolation. Recently several Polish politicians got involved in a verbal skirmish with their German fellows. This is a road to nowhere.
As a reaction to the abovementioned actions, more and more people are joining street protests, organized by the so-called Committee on Democracies Protection.
The opposition’s leader, ex-minister of foreign affairs Grzegorz Schetyna said that they may have a “Polish” Maidan as a result.
Even if there is a long way off, Poland has found itself in a dangerous situation. President of Law and Justice Jaroslaw Kaczynski is the factual leader of the state, he dominates the president, the prime minister, and of course his party.
He may be ruling everywhere, but he is not responsible for anything. Now he is demonstrating his intention to change Poland according to his likes, in other words – to own it.
Marek Siwiec is ex-MEP and former head of the Bureau of National Security of Poland
