Liberal democracy requires that the opposition has the right to field candidates of their choice, providing a fair chance to defeat the government through elections. However, this basic principle is being challenged in Poland, one of Europe’s crucial economic and military powers. The ruling Law and Justice party has established a commission to investigate Russian interference in Polish politics, which seems reasonable given the Kremlin’s efforts to exert influence over European political parties. However, this commission is far from impartial, consisting exclusively of ruling-party members and loyalists. It has the authority to propose formal charges and punish suspected culprits, undermining the principles of democracy.
The commission’s true intention appears to be an attack on Donald Tusk, the leader of Poland’s biggest opposition party, before the parliamentary elections in the fall. The government may use the commission to tarnish Tusk’s reputation among voters or even disqualify him from running. Poland may soon become a democracy in name only, revealing the vulnerability of even the most successful democracies to authoritarian capture.
Poland has been a success story over the past three decades, with a thriving economy and expansive social and political rights. However, Law and Justice came to power in 2015 and began dismantling the rule of law, appointing loyalists to the constitutional court, influencing the judicial process, and controlling state propaganda. The establishment of this commission is the culmination of years of democratic backsliding.
The rise of authoritarian populism in Poland challenges conventional explanations that focus on cultural change or economic stagnation. Although Poland has experienced rapid economic growth and decreased poverty, Law and Justice has exploited resentments in poorer regions. The party also attracts prosperous voters and has played up fear over “LGBT ideology” and rejection of urban elites. Moreover, mounting scandals have eroded the Catholic Church’s role in politics, but Law and Justice’s appeal extends beyond deeply religious voters. Poland’s transformation should caution other democracies facing similar challenges that cultural change does not guarantee a return to democracy.
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