Resumen de Poland: The “Good Change”
Although Polish economy was booming, the “Poland is in ruins!” slogan was introduced by the opposition Law and Justice party (PiS) in its parliamentary elections campaign.
The low electoral turnout implied a widespread mistrust of the political system, regardless of who was in power, and a carefree belief that whoever holds power cannot do enough damage for citizens to care.
The government claims that it represents the sovereign, meaning the Polish people, while the constitutional court “tries to behave as an unelected third chamber of parliament”.
Anti-refugee propaganda turned public opinion, which was hitherto receptive to the need to extend help. In a poll over 50% of respondents said they had seen an increase of nationalism in Poland this year. The new government probably considers this a good thing.
Another important element of the ideological reorientation is the official endorsement of Christianity as the alleged core of Polish nationhood and statehood, and the concomitant rise of the public role of the Catholic Church.
Although Jarosław Kaczyński is formally just an ordinary MP, his position at the head of the party makes him the de facto leader of the country, albeit without any constitutional responsibility.
