On 15 October 2023, Poland has held the general election. After two terms in power, the governing Law and Justice party has faced the risk of losing the majority for the benefit of the opposition gathered in three electoral blocks, that includes the Civic Coalition led by former president of the European Council Donald Tusk.
The stake of the election has gone well beyond Poland – in recent eight years Polish ruling party has dismantled the independent judiciary and civil service, turned the public media into a ruthless propaganda tool, spied on the opposition leaders and neglected rulings of the European Court of Justice, among other, questioning the very principles of the European Union. Already in 2020, the election observation mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has put the fairness of the elections in Poland in question.
At the same time, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has raised the Poland’s profile and importance on the European security map. The country has become a hub for arms deliveries to Ukraine from all over the world and sharply increased the defence spending. The country’s reputation has improved after Poles have hosted over 2 million of Ukrainian refugees, out of which around 1 million has remained in the country.
With many European Union countries, including in Central and Eastern Europe, struggling with consecutive waves of populism and authoritarianism, the election in Poland – fifth largest EU member state – will not only define the future of Poland but could influence the balance of power between populists and democrats in the EU as well, particularly in the context of the upcoming European elections in 2024.
While STG Talk will cover the results of the Polish elections on 15 October, more importantly it will discuss its consequences for European policies, notably in the areas of democracy and security – two important transnational issues that are currently at the core of the political debate in Europe.
Speakers:
Wojciech Bialozyt, Policy Leader Fellow
Elizabeth O'Brien, Policy Leader Fellow
Veronica Anghel, Visiting Fellow
Please note this is an in-person event. No zoom link will be provided upon registration.