Is Poland's Democracy in Danger?

 Carnegie Europe: Judy asks: Is Poland's Democracy in Danger?

13 experts reply:  

https://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/89911#:~:text=Yes.,metaphor%20of%20the%20boiling%20frog.

EUGENIUSZ SMOLARMEMBER OF NEW EASTERN EUROPE’S EDITORIAL BOARD

Definitely yes!

The revolutionary goals of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party were stated by its leader Jaroslaw Kaczyński in 2016: “I would be willing to accept a slowdown in [the country’s] economic development if in turn I could push through my vision of Poland.”

State capture has been consistently implemented since 2015. Radical purges were carried out in all organs of power, including the military, special services, and public administration. With a majority in parliament, PiS was able to change any law, implement any economic or social project or foreign policy without objections from the courts. The attack on the independence of the Constitutional Tribunal, the Supreme Court, and the entire judiciary would therefore seem irrational if it were not for the overriding objective: to guarantee power in the future. It is important that the subservient Supreme Court formally adjudicates the correctness of the parliamentary election.

By proclaiming Poland’s sovereignty in the narrowest sense PiS entered into conflict with the EU over judicial independence. It is risking ties with the United States and weakening Poland’s position, including in the region. For Kaczyński & co., this doesn’t matter. For the sake of retaining power, the real goal is to achieve full sovereignty in domestic politics that is not limited by the EU’s principles and laws.

And over several years, the authorities failed to find anything blameworthy in the behavior of former Polish prime minister Donald Tusk and his government. Hence the establishment of an extra-constitutional, extra-legal commission. It will play the role of police, prosecutors, and courts. Even if this kangaroo court fails to prevent opposition leaders from participating in the elections, an arbitrary administrative decision of the commission will be able to prevent anyone from taking a seat as a member of parliament or from holding any public office. In this way, despite its expected defeat in the elections, PiS will be able to gain a majority in parliament and continue to govern.

So, we have been witnessing a coup d’état where the costs—and relations with allies—do not count. Poland’s democracy is in danger!