Restoring liberal democracy in Poland

Abstract

When analyzing the specificity of the exercise of power by Law and Justice and the circumstances of its loss, the following questions should be answered: how did PiS try to consolidate power and ensure impunity? Why was PiS removed from power? How does the current government hold PiS accountable? Does the current government have a chance to prevent PiS from returning to power? During the period in power, PiS primarily tried to take control of the media and the justice system, and public support was to be ensured by extensive social programs. However, PiS failed to take full control over these institutions, and by pushing a conservative national-Catholic agenda it alienated moderate voters and lost its coalition ability. The opposition took advantage of this, adapting its tactics to the prevailing social and political climate, which enabled it to regain power. Currently, it is implementing decisive settlements with its predecessors, the main goal of which is to ensure that PiS does not return to power.