The legislative elections in Poland: a crucial issue for Europe
Polish voters went to the polls on Sunday October 15 for the legislative elections, in a tense political context. The populist Law and Justice party (PiS), currently in power, is favored in the polls, but it risks encountering difficulties in forming a government coalition. This election is of particular importance for the future of Poland’s ties with the European Union (EU) and neighboring Ukraine.
PiS, led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, has pledged to continue its reforms of the justice system, which are heavily criticized by the EU. These reforms are seen as a threat to the rule of law and democracy in Poland. A PiS victory could therefore worsen tensions between Poland and the EU, as well as concerns over the rights of women, migrants and press freedom.
In opposition to PiS, former European Council head Donald Tusk led a campaign focused on defending European values and keeping Poland in the EU. According to him, PiS has “secret plans” to leave the EU, which would be a serious mistake for the country and for Europe as a whole.
Another party to watch in these elections is the Confederation, a far-right party that advocates anti-migrant and anti-European policies. Although an alliance between the Confederation and PiS is possible, some analysts say tensions between the two parties could make this coalition unlikely.
The results of these elections will have a significant impact on Poland’s relations with the EU and Ukraine. Poland, as a member of the EU and NATO, plays a key role in defending democratic values in Eastern Europe. A PiS victory would risk undermining this position and weakening EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the region.
Poland is also a key partner for Ukraine, which faces armed conflict with Russia in the east of the country. Poland already hosts a million Ukrainian refugees and actively supports Ukraine in its fight for its territorial integrity. An election favorable to PiS could weaken this solidarity, while Ukraine needs support and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the parliamentary elections in Poland are of paramount importance, both for the country and for Europe. The results of this election will have a major impact on Poland’s relations with the EU and Ukraine, as well as democratic values and stability in the region. It is therefore crucial to carefully follow political developments in Poland and their repercussions on the international scene.