Political relentlessness in Poland: When Germany becomes the scapegoat
Germany has become the preferred target of the Polish populist Law and Justice (PiS) party in its campaign for the legislative elections. A virulent attack aimed at discrediting his main opponent, Donald Tusk, by presenting him as an agent of Berlin.
In the election campaign in Poland, Germany has become the favored scapegoat of the populist Law and Justice (PiS) party. This obsession with Germany is particularly marked by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of the ruling party, who does not hesitate to target Germany in his speeches and election posters.
Anti-Germanism, a political force long exploited by the PiS, is intensified in this electoral campaign. The objective is clear: to discredit Donald Tusk, former president of the European Council and leader of the Civic Coalition, the main political opponent of PiS. In the party’s election spots, for example, we see Donald Tusk talking in German or in the company of German politicians, thus fueling the discourse according to which he is an agent of Germany.
This campaign to demonize Germany is not limited to advertising clips. Polish public television, largely government-controlled and pro-PiS, regularly broadcasts images featuring Donald Tusk and Angela Merkel with slogans such as “On the road to Berlin”. The German has become the alpha and omega of the PiS electoral battle plan, according to the Financial Times.
What shocks observers is the intensity with which PiS attacks Germany. The attacks have reached unprecedented levels, going beyond the usual criticism of Germany. Why this fixation on Germany? According to specialists, this strategy makes it possible to play on emotion and mobilize voters by evoking painful memories of the Second World War and scaring them with the idea of a hegemonic Germany. It is also about discrediting Donald Tusk by associating him with Germany, and thus reinforcing the message of PiS as a party defending Polish interests against Germany.
This strategy of political relentlessness against Germany is an illustration of the rise of nationalism and populism in Europe. By targeting Germany, PiS seeks to stoke tensions and divisions, exploiting people’s fears and resentments. A dangerous strategy which risks weakening relations between the two countries and further widening divisions within the European Union.
In conclusion, the populist Law and Justice party’s relentless attack on Germany in the Polish election campaign is a striking example of the use of nationalist and populist rhetoric to divide and manipulate voters.. This strategy of attacking Germany aims to discredit a political opponent and exploit the fears and resentments of the population. A dangerous approach which risks weakening international relations and harming the stability of the European Union.