Poland's Upcoming Elections: Law and Justice Party's Crucial Test

 

The Law and Justice Party will face a significant challenge in the next elections in Poland on October 15. Poland, led by the Law and Justice Party, personifies contradictions in its views on Europe and foreign affairs. The party demonstrates Euroskepticism by debating the EU’s rule of law while also highlighting European strategic autonomy and burden-sharing within NATO.

Law and Justice might be forced into a coalition government with the far-right Confederation Party because its support has dropped to 38% as of early September. Law and Justice is focusing on the more nationalist and anti-Ukrainian aid Confederation Party supporters to win an outright majority. Law and Justice are accused of harming Ukraine to advance their political goals by the pro-EU Civic Coalition, which is led by Donald Tusk.

In contrast to Law and Justice, who paint Germany as a threat to Polish sovereignty, the Civic Coalition focuses its campaign on fighting corruption, improving government performance, and improving ties with Berlin. This story illustrates the conflict between supranational and national interests and the struggle inside Polish democracy, which has become more intense as the EU seeks to enlarge.

The strong right slant of Law and Justice has led to domestic policies that are exclusive, notably hurting young people and the LGBTQ population. Poland is becoming a more powerful military force in Europe, in contrast to Germany’s defensive posture, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Poland has a firm commitment to defense spending and security. As it gets closer to the next elections, Poland is at a turning point. An intricate story of nationalism, Euroskepticism, and shifting alliances has been fashioned by the Law and Justice Party’s protracted rule in power. The country struggles to maintain a strong sense of national identity while balancing its engagement with the European Union and putting itn interests first.