A grand coalition of anti-Law and Justice (PiS) forces has inked a deal featuring many broadly sensible proposals: the plan for Poland’s development is well laid out, emphasizing national security, healthcare quality and accessibility improvements, environmental protection, and housing availability.
These universally agreeable goals, mirroring the non-controversial nature of such proposals could well fit into any government’s plan, irrespective of political leaning.
The left-liberal coalition faces criticism for the superficiality of certain commitments, like strengthening women’s rights while allowing predominantly male figures to lead the government.
The confrontational tone of the coalition agreement, especially towards the one-third of voters who think differently from the anti-PiS stance, raises concerns.
A significant part of the agreement is dedicated to “settling accounts” with the PiS rule, which could be interpreted as inciting a campaign against PiS supporters, a new witch hunt, suggesting a departure from democratic norms by prejudging and then proving political opponents guilty, all in the name of restoring law and order.
If we treat this solely as an example of journalistic flair, there is no problem — it fits within the convention of the “war for Poland” fought daily by our political commentators. However, if politicians aspiring to the highest offices in the state intend to follow this in the practice of governing, it means that as a democracy, we are beginning to drift towards a very dangerous direction.
Here we have a complete reversal of concepts and rules prevailing in civilized countries. The executive power first issues a condemning verdict against its political opponents, and only then is proof sought of this presupposed thesis.
This approach hints at troubling times ahead for Poland’s national and political community.
