Elections in Poland!

The last few weeks in Polish politics and thus also in little room somewhere in DC were marked by  upcoming parliamentary elections. Supporters of two major parties, central Civil Platform and right wing-Law&Justice were confident of their own victories. The electoral struggle was warmed up by economic crisis, Polish Presidency in the EU, Jarosław Kaczyński's (leader of Law&Justice) refusal to debate with Prime Minister on neutral ground, and hooligans' protests organized in opposition to government closing major stadium in Poland.

The stake was high. The fear for some was that if Law&Justice was to win, Poland would turn back towards anachronic patriotism, lavish redistribution, inner conflict, and Ribbentrop-Molotov obsession in international politics. Others, opposed continuation of current government politics, which seems to be inert, blunt and allows for some loosening of tight culturally conservative social structure in Poland.

Prime Minister Tusk reaction after the elections result

The turnout in this elections is 48.87%. It always surprises me that citizens of country, which not so long ago fought, advocated and were tortured in name of democracy and free elections, are not motivated enough to make it to the ballot box. 

Half of those who voted supported Civic Platform, which gives right to its leader to form the government.

Second power in the Parliament is Law&Justice with about 30% of votes. The biggest surprise in this elections, is a stunning result of Palikot Movement, which managed to gain 10% support from the voters. The surprise comes from the fact that Movement was formed as an anti- party grass-root formation which supports secular country, legalization of soft drugs, abortion, and in-vitro. As the results show, space for such liberal views is being created on Polish political scene due to electoral endorsement.