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| Cover of Steffen Möller's book, own editing |
Aleksandra Kołeczek: The conservatives from PiS (Law and Justice) won because of the
resentment and lack of mobilisation of the society. Many years of domination of
the center, neo-liberal party PO (Civic Platform), had made a lot of people disappointed.
Their lives were very much different from the vision the ruling government
promoted – economic growth did not cause a greater social justice. Nonetheless,
it seemed that politicians that were supposed to represent the nation did not
seem concerned enough with this. The credibility of the political class was constantly
disqualified because
of the bribery and impunity. Over 50% of the citizens in Poland who could take part in the parliamental elections did not exercise their right. Right wing conservatives, populists and liberals benefitted. Moreover, PiS has an alluring programme which creates an illusion that social rights can be granted regardless to the rights of minorities and international solidarity. The people who wanted to please their nationalist interests finally found their answer.
of the bribery and impunity. Over 50% of the citizens in Poland who could take part in the parliamental elections did not exercise their right. Right wing conservatives, populists and liberals benefitted. Moreover, PiS has an alluring programme which creates an illusion that social rights can be granted regardless to the rights of minorities and international solidarity. The people who wanted to please their nationalist interests finally found their answer.
SonjasSofa: To what extent is the political culture changing right now in Poland?
Aleksandra Kołeczek: The political culture of the ruling party in Poland continues the
tendencies of the predecessor and further radicalises irresponsible behaviour.
It undermined the very basis of the political system, which is the
Constitutional Tribunal. By enforcing the control over the tribunal, PiS
eliminates the crucial control of the upcoming law proposal when it comes to
their compliance with the Polish Constitution. Without that control any other
idea of the ruling party can be quickly implemented thanks to the majority in
the parliament, supportive president, monolithic government, politicised civil
service and public media. They are ready to implement changes proposed by PiS
with paralysing speed (for example overnight), without public debate.
That change also leads to building a broad opposition outside of
parliament. The way of making changes described above makes a lot of people
angry. A civil movement called KOD (Committee of the Defense of Democracy) was
formed. It is a broad movement, which unites people from many political and
non-political organisations, who have one thing in common – they don’t agree to
the weakening of the democracy in Poland. The demos organised by KOD happen
regularly all over Poland and abroad (among others in Brussels, Berlin and
London). Thousands of people attend. The awakening of that group and the face
that those people can unite to defend common values, is also a big change in
political culture in Poland.
SonjasSofa: How dangerous is it to work against the new government?
Aleksandra Kołeczek: So far there are no repressions against the opposition in Poland. We
have the right to demonstrate and, in theory, the right to state opposing
opinions is granted. However, the changes that the ruling party is making,
makes the opposition anxious. By introducing new law PiS gained control over
public media. The management and staff of public radio and TV stations was
replaced by those who are in favour of the new government. In that way, access
to information and to presence in the media was strongly limited for those who
could be critical. Moreover, there is a new law coming, which will allow
greater invigilation of the citizens under the pretext of increasing safety. If
the new police bill is introduced, the court order won’t be necessary to read
emails, check location and use other type of metadata considering individuals.
This kind of power can be easily overused to silence the opposition.
SonjasSofa: How strong is the Polish civic society?
Aleksandra Kołeczek: Thanks to the KOD movement and increasing anger caused by the lack of
democratic standards the civil society is more mobilised and is getting
stronger. However, there is also a part of society (the half of those who were
entitled to vote, but they didn’t), who is so fed up with low political
culture, lack of representation that they don’t want to take part in the
democracy at all. The developments of
upcoming years are crucial. It will prove whether civil society can make a
change. The KOD movement is still strong, but each time less people come to the
demos. They will also observe the European Union reactions, hoping for the European
community to make influence in order to ensure democratic standards in Europe.
SonjasSofa: How does the majority of the people currently think about the
European Union?
Aleksandra Kołeczek: The majority of the people in Poland are in favour of the membership of
Poland in the European Union (84% according to the recent data). The huge support
of the people is certainly caused by the financial help that Poland is
receiving from the EU. There is still very little awareness of the
possibilities and obligations that come with the membership. That is why the participation
in the latest elections to the European Parliament was so low (only 22,7% of
those eligible to vote). Paradoxically, due to the recent political situation the awareness
can increase, because the recent debate about the political situation in Poland
was transmitted by the TV and widely discussed in the media. The most important
for the opposition will be the result of the rule of law procedure started by
the European Commission. Hopes are high.
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