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| Poles protest over PiS 'breaking constitution' | Poles protest over PiS 'breaking constitution' |
| (6 months later) | |
| On Saturday 27 February the Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD) are planning a “We, The People” march in Warsaw. The protest movement was formed in the wake of the Polish parliamentary elections in October 2015, when the rightwing Law and Justice (PiS) party became the first party in post-communist Poland to control an absolute majority of the seats in the Polish parliament and the presidency at the same time. | On Saturday 27 February the Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD) are planning a “We, The People” march in Warsaw. The protest movement was formed in the wake of the Polish parliamentary elections in October 2015, when the rightwing Law and Justice (PiS) party became the first party in post-communist Poland to control an absolute majority of the seats in the Polish parliament and the presidency at the same time. |
| KOD has taken issue with a number of recent PiS initiatives, with the government recently passing bills curtailing the independence of the judiciary, media and civil service. Many protesters believe the bills are a threat to Polish democracy. | KOD has taken issue with a number of recent PiS initiatives, with the government recently passing bills curtailing the independence of the judiciary, media and civil service. Many protesters believe the bills are a threat to Polish democracy. |
| While recent decisions in parliament have caused alarm, there are also other issues facing Polish citizens. There’s a real concern about the country’s education system, the cost of living, the derogatory treatment of minority groups and the rise of youth movements siding with the far-right. | While recent decisions in parliament have caused alarm, there are also other issues facing Polish citizens. There’s a real concern about the country’s education system, the cost of living, the derogatory treatment of minority groups and the rise of youth movements siding with the far-right. |
| ‘The youth of the country is very rightwing and nationalistic’ | ‘The youth of the country is very rightwing and nationalistic’ |
| Marcin Szymaniak has lived in Warsaw all his life. Having worked many years as a news reporter for Życie Warszawy and the rightwing pro-Law and Justice paper Rzeczpospolita, he now writes for history magazines and actively takes part in the KOD demonstrations. He is frustrated about the protests not having had the desired effect so far. | Marcin Szymaniak has lived in Warsaw all his life. Having worked many years as a news reporter for Życie Warszawy and the rightwing pro-Law and Justice paper Rzeczpospolita, he now writes for history magazines and actively takes part in the KOD demonstrations. He is frustrated about the protests not having had the desired effect so far. |
| “Participants of anti-government demonstrations are mainly people from the larger cities, with a higher social and economic status then the average Polish citizen. Because of this I think the KOD demonstrations have been ineffective. Very few working class and young people are taking part. Young Poles are currently very rightwing and nationalistic.” | “Participants of anti-government demonstrations are mainly people from the larger cities, with a higher social and economic status then the average Polish citizen. Because of this I think the KOD demonstrations have been ineffective. Very few working class and young people are taking part. Young Poles are currently very rightwing and nationalistic.” |
| Marcin says it’s hard to avoid the hysteria in the Polish rightwing media about immigration. “PiS is perceived by its voters as the last barrier against the ‘Islamisation’ of Poland. Under the previous government Poland accepted to host 7,000 Syrian refugees. I don’t know what the PiS government plans on doing with that agreement. If they accept this decision, they could be easily attacked by the other far-right parties in parliament, like Kukiz’15. They are proposing a referendum on a complete immigration ban.” | Marcin says it’s hard to avoid the hysteria in the Polish rightwing media about immigration. “PiS is perceived by its voters as the last barrier against the ‘Islamisation’ of Poland. Under the previous government Poland accepted to host 7,000 Syrian refugees. I don’t know what the PiS government plans on doing with that agreement. If they accept this decision, they could be easily attacked by the other far-right parties in parliament, like Kukiz’15. They are proposing a referendum on a complete immigration ban.” |
| Two of the major issues for people living in Poland are the low wages and job security. “A lot of Polish workers are on ‘trash job contracts’,” he says. “These are temporary jobs with no benefits or social security. Unfortunately, previous governments have been motivated by a neo-liberal ideology, turning a blind eye to some employers’ practices. Trade unions don’t exist in smaller Polish businesses, which means there’s no pressure from workers to change the current situation.” | Two of the major issues for people living in Poland are the low wages and job security. “A lot of Polish workers are on ‘trash job contracts’,” he says. “These are temporary jobs with no benefits or social security. Unfortunately, previous governments have been motivated by a neo-liberal ideology, turning a blind eye to some employers’ practices. Trade unions don’t exist in smaller Polish businesses, which means there’s no pressure from workers to change the current situation.” |
| A lot has been made recently about a new government scheme offering families an extra 500 złoty a month (about £90) for their second and every next child. Marcin explains the reasoning behind this scheme, and its possible flaws. | A lot has been made recently about a new government scheme offering families an extra 500 złoty a month (about £90) for their second and every next child. Marcin explains the reasoning behind this scheme, and its possible flaws. |
| “PiS is very Catholic and closely linked to the church. They are entirely against abortion and contraception, and would ideally like to ban both. But the new 500-złoty scheme is flawed. | “PiS is very Catholic and closely linked to the church. They are entirely against abortion and contraception, and would ideally like to ban both. But the new 500-złoty scheme is flawed. |
| “A millionaire with two children will get this benefit, while a single mother with one child will get nothing. The government says it’s not a social-care programme but a family-support scheme. It’s obvious they want to support the old-style Catholic family model of a working man, a stay-at-home wife and a large amount of children.” | “A millionaire with two children will get this benefit, while a single mother with one child will get nothing. The government says it’s not a social-care programme but a family-support scheme. It’s obvious they want to support the old-style Catholic family model of a working man, a stay-at-home wife and a large amount of children.” |
| ‘Their strong religious motivations mean minorities and the LGBT community are dismissed in a derogatory way’ | ‘Their strong religious motivations mean minorities and the LGBT community are dismissed in a derogatory way’ |
| Selia has also actively taken part in KOD demonstrations. She lives in the central Polish city of Kalisz, and recalls the atmosphere of a recent march she attended in Łódź. “It was very civil and easygoing. There were no hateful slogans. Everyone I met was simply unwilling to accept PiS breaking the constitution. The main problem is not the laws themselves, but the way they were passed.” | Selia has also actively taken part in KOD demonstrations. She lives in the central Polish city of Kalisz, and recalls the atmosphere of a recent march she attended in Łódź. “It was very civil and easygoing. There were no hateful slogans. Everyone I met was simply unwilling to accept PiS breaking the constitution. The main problem is not the laws themselves, but the way they were passed.” |
| Selia says that when the previous government, Civic Platform (PO), was in power between 2007 and 2015, things were far from perfect, but she is concerned about how PiS is now marginalising minority groups in Poland. | Selia says that when the previous government, Civic Platform (PO), was in power between 2007 and 2015, things were far from perfect, but she is concerned about how PiS is now marginalising minority groups in Poland. |
| “The main enemy of PiS are supporters of ‘gender ideology’ – basically everyone who is not living in a structured conservative family. The government is not a huge fan of equal rights, and I’m also worried about its association with radical youth organisations like ONR or Młodzież Wszechpolska. | “The main enemy of PiS are supporters of ‘gender ideology’ – basically everyone who is not living in a structured conservative family. The government is not a huge fan of equal rights, and I’m also worried about its association with radical youth organisations like ONR or Młodzież Wszechpolska. |
| “These groups despise anyone who is different to them: immigrants, non-Catholics, liberals, the LGBT community and KOD protesters. I’m afraid because I think that’s how wars start.” | “These groups despise anyone who is different to them: immigrants, non-Catholics, liberals, the LGBT community and KOD protesters. I’m afraid because I think that’s how wars start.” |
| Hannah also strongly dislikes the way PiS is marginalising vulnerable minorities and the LGBT community. She recently witnessed the KOD demonstrations in the Śródmieście district of Warsaw. “The Law and Justice party have won over a majority of voters by promising extra child benefits, free pre-school education and a universal healthcare system. But their strong religious motivations mean vulnerable groups in society and the LGBT community are dismissed in a derogatory way. | Hannah also strongly dislikes the way PiS is marginalising vulnerable minorities and the LGBT community. She recently witnessed the KOD demonstrations in the Śródmieście district of Warsaw. “The Law and Justice party have won over a majority of voters by promising extra child benefits, free pre-school education and a universal healthcare system. But their strong religious motivations mean vulnerable groups in society and the LGBT community are dismissed in a derogatory way. |
| “They don’t want to legally recognise homosexuality and are against IVF treatment. They’re even calling for doctors who are involved with IVF to be imprisoned.” | “They don’t want to legally recognise homosexuality and are against IVF treatment. They’re even calling for doctors who are involved with IVF to be imprisoned.” |
| Hannah and her partner began IVF treatment themselves last November, when Civic Platform had just been voted out of power. Since then they feel the process has become very stressful. “When we started the treatment, the clinic we went to was very busy. Returning in January, at around the same time state-funded IVF cycles were stopped, the clinic was almost empty. | Hannah and her partner began IVF treatment themselves last November, when Civic Platform had just been voted out of power. Since then they feel the process has become very stressful. “When we started the treatment, the clinic we went to was very busy. Returning in January, at around the same time state-funded IVF cycles were stopped, the clinic was almost empty. |
| “Many couples were relying solely on state-funded IVF. This will damage Poland in the long run as the country’s birth rate is one of the lowest in Europe. We now have to attend official offices in the city to sign numerous documents stating that we are using IVF and that we are legally the parents. We feel we are being singled out.” | “Many couples were relying solely on state-funded IVF. This will damage Poland in the long run as the country’s birth rate is one of the lowest in Europe. We now have to attend official offices in the city to sign numerous documents stating that we are using IVF and that we are legally the parents. We feel we are being singled out.” |
| Having already gone through two IVF cycles, the first unsuccessful and the second ending in a miscarriage, Hannah and her partner are hoping it’s third time lucky. “We’re going to try again this April or May and fingers crossed, we get a much-wanted baby.” | Having already gone through two IVF cycles, the first unsuccessful and the second ending in a miscarriage, Hannah and her partner are hoping it’s third time lucky. “We’re going to try again this April or May and fingers crossed, we get a much-wanted baby.” |
| ‘Most people in Poland are not familiar with their legal rights’ | ‘Most people in Poland are not familiar with their legal rights’ |
| Working as a business lawyer just outside Warsaw, Katarzyna finds the government’s paralysis of the country’s constitutional tribunal terrifying. “It’s the only body that can stop authorities from passing legislation that breaches the constitution. The changes that PiS have made mean people are left without the necessary protection provided by Poland’s laws. | Working as a business lawyer just outside Warsaw, Katarzyna finds the government’s paralysis of the country’s constitutional tribunal terrifying. “It’s the only body that can stop authorities from passing legislation that breaches the constitution. The changes that PiS have made mean people are left without the necessary protection provided by Poland’s laws. |
| “Police and other agencies can gather informations about citizens’ internet activity without any court order. Most people are not familiar with their legal rights. Eighty per cent of the population don’t know that they can appeal against a court judgment. I’m afraid that the average citizen will only notice a difference when they are faced with it personally.” | “Police and other agencies can gather informations about citizens’ internet activity without any court order. Most people are not familiar with their legal rights. Eighty per cent of the population don’t know that they can appeal against a court judgment. I’m afraid that the average citizen will only notice a difference when they are faced with it personally.” |
| Despite her fears about the government’s recent actions in parliament, Katarzyna says living standards in Poland have improved in the last couple of decades. “Low salaries are still a problem, and some important professions are still being undervalued. But I believe Poland is still a developing country. | Despite her fears about the government’s recent actions in parliament, Katarzyna says living standards in Poland have improved in the last couple of decades. “Low salaries are still a problem, and some important professions are still being undervalued. But I believe Poland is still a developing country. |
| “When Poland became a democratic country, and implemented capitalism as its economic system 26 years ago, our debt was huge. The infrastructure was outdated, our agriculture was inefficient and most industries were overstaffed. | “When Poland became a democratic country, and implemented capitalism as its economic system 26 years ago, our debt was huge. The infrastructure was outdated, our agriculture was inefficient and most industries were overstaffed. |
| “Our standard of living was never going to match western standards after only 12 years of EU membership. The ‘older’ EU countries built their economies over a much longer time. Things have improved since the 90s, but it’s obvious that more needs to be done.” | “Our standard of living was never going to match western standards after only 12 years of EU membership. The ‘older’ EU countries built their economies over a much longer time. Things have improved since the 90s, but it’s obvious that more needs to be done.” |
| Katarzyna feels there is room for improvement in the education sector. “As a mother of a primary school pupil, I have to say that the standard of teaching isn’t very impressive. Maybe this is a reflection on poor wages and employment conditions.” | Katarzyna feels there is room for improvement in the education sector. “As a mother of a primary school pupil, I have to say that the standard of teaching isn’t very impressive. Maybe this is a reflection on poor wages and employment conditions.” |
| Artur lives in the town of Jelenia Góra near the south-west city of Legnica, and he echoes the concerns over Poland’s education system. “I believe Poland needed fundamental change. But there is plenty for PiS to do to improve living conditions for Polish citizens. Teaching is the most undervalued profession in Poland, all the way up to higher education. | Artur lives in the town of Jelenia Góra near the south-west city of Legnica, and he echoes the concerns over Poland’s education system. “I believe Poland needed fundamental change. But there is plenty for PiS to do to improve living conditions for Polish citizens. Teaching is the most undervalued profession in Poland, all the way up to higher education. |
| “There isn’t a single Polish university in the top 300 of any serious higher education list. This is due to mismanagement and a reluctance to accept organisational improvements, which is endangering bright young people’s further education and careers. A lot of Poland’s institutions, mechanisms, media and people of influence need to change.” | “There isn’t a single Polish university in the top 300 of any serious higher education list. This is due to mismanagement and a reluctance to accept organisational improvements, which is endangering bright young people’s further education and careers. A lot of Poland’s institutions, mechanisms, media and people of influence need to change.” |
| ‘The real problem facing Poland is the cost of living’ | ‘The real problem facing Poland is the cost of living’ |
| Julian Gilbert has lived in Poland for the last 20 years and owns a firm teaching business English to organisations. He too has a child of primary school age, but is much more complimentary regarding the Polish education system. “My eldest son, Alex, is eight and I try to compare my friends’ experiences in the UK with here. Overall I think schools here are better, both academically and in terms of discipline. | Julian Gilbert has lived in Poland for the last 20 years and owns a firm teaching business English to organisations. He too has a child of primary school age, but is much more complimentary regarding the Polish education system. “My eldest son, Alex, is eight and I try to compare my friends’ experiences in the UK with here. Overall I think schools here are better, both academically and in terms of discipline. |
| “One big difference which might surprise people in the UK is that private schools are considered in Poland to be much worse than state schools. Here private schools are considered places [where], if you have enough money, you send your child if he or she isn’t brilliant academically.” | “One big difference which might surprise people in the UK is that private schools are considered in Poland to be much worse than state schools. Here private schools are considered places [where], if you have enough money, you send your child if he or she isn’t brilliant academically.” |
| Julian is originally from Southport but has settled in Gdynia with his Polish wife, Kamilla, and their two sons. He follows developments in parliament with interest, but fears that the issue concerning most citizens is being overshadowed by other matters. | Julian is originally from Southport but has settled in Gdynia with his Polish wife, Kamilla, and their two sons. He follows developments in parliament with interest, but fears that the issue concerning most citizens is being overshadowed by other matters. |
| “There is currently too much emphasis on issues like immigration, religion and historical events. The real problem Poland is facing is the cost of living. The prices of things like property are extremely high, and most people’s wages are simply too low to be able to afford them. | “There is currently too much emphasis on issues like immigration, religion and historical events. The real problem Poland is facing is the cost of living. The prices of things like property are extremely high, and most people’s wages are simply too low to be able to afford them. |
| “Just 10 years ago property prices were within reach for average paid workers, but that isn’t the case any more. Public-sector workers are badly paid here [and] state schoolteachers, nurses, firemen and police. Pensions are also scandalously low. Even people with relatively good jobs find it hard to get by in Poland.” | “Just 10 years ago property prices were within reach for average paid workers, but that isn’t the case any more. Public-sector workers are badly paid here [and] state schoolteachers, nurses, firemen and police. Pensions are also scandalously low. Even people with relatively good jobs find it hard to get by in Poland.” |
| While the city of Gdynia is generally well-off, Julian points out that there are big differences between the country’s regions. “Gdynia is a maritime city. The ferries to Sweden depart from here and that brings work and money into the region. Generally the eastern parts of Poland are poorer. And like most countries there’s a massive difference between the capital, Warsaw, and the rest of Poland.” | While the city of Gdynia is generally well-off, Julian points out that there are big differences between the country’s regions. “Gdynia is a maritime city. The ferries to Sweden depart from here and that brings work and money into the region. Generally the eastern parts of Poland are poorer. And like most countries there’s a massive difference between the capital, Warsaw, and the rest of Poland.” |
| Despite these demographical gaps, Julian believes Poland is catching up with the older EU countries’ economies. “One of my clients in Gdynia is an IT firm that has become so successful it recently opened a branch in Silicon Valley. The young Polish guys who own it now have US workers in their employment.” | Despite these demographical gaps, Julian believes Poland is catching up with the older EU countries’ economies. “One of my clients in Gdynia is an IT firm that has become so successful it recently opened a branch in Silicon Valley. The young Polish guys who own it now have US workers in their employment.” |
| ‘Wages in Poland are completely inaccurate compared to the personal economical freedom enjoyed by other Europeans’ | ‘Wages in Poland are completely inaccurate compared to the personal economical freedom enjoyed by other Europeans’ |
| Thomas Piatek’s family live in a small southern Polish town near Oświęcim (Auschwitz). While he does not support the KOD protests, he too is concerned about the cost of living, and particularly feels the issue of state pensions needs to be addressed. | Thomas Piatek’s family live in a small southern Polish town near Oświęcim (Auschwitz). While he does not support the KOD protests, he too is concerned about the cost of living, and particularly feels the issue of state pensions needs to be addressed. |
| He says: “Jobs and wages in Poland are completely inaccurate compared to the personal economical freedom enjoyed by other Europeans. One reason being that Polish labour is still an attractive workforce for foreign investors who pay less money. Another reason is the current weak Polish złoty. | He says: “Jobs and wages in Poland are completely inaccurate compared to the personal economical freedom enjoyed by other Europeans. One reason being that Polish labour is still an attractive workforce for foreign investors who pay less money. Another reason is the current weak Polish złoty. |
| “Economical migration from Poland is still large. The largest and most underpaid sector is still healthcare. Doctors and nurses take weekend jobs in hospitals elsewhere in Europe, and earn the same amount of money they would have made working in Poland for a month.” | “Economical migration from Poland is still large. The largest and most underpaid sector is still healthcare. Doctors and nurses take weekend jobs in hospitals elsewhere in Europe, and earn the same amount of money they would have made working in Poland for a month.” |
| Pensioners in Poland seem to have been neglected by all previous governments, and are still seen as the biggest losers of the economic transformation that began 26 years ago. “Pensions are appalling,” says Thomas. “My mother, who worked under communist rule for 30 years, receives just 450 złoty a month [£80].” | Pensioners in Poland seem to have been neglected by all previous governments, and are still seen as the biggest losers of the economic transformation that began 26 years ago. “Pensions are appalling,” says Thomas. “My mother, who worked under communist rule for 30 years, receives just 450 złoty a month [£80].” |
| Despite these concerns, he does not believe that PiS is threatening Poland’s democracy with the new laws. “The new legislations balance out the judicial part of government after the previous government Civic Platform [party] staffed it with their supporters. The Law and Justice party are simply reversing the original unconstitutional process, reinstating the balance and bringing back the democratic process.” | Despite these concerns, he does not believe that PiS is threatening Poland’s democracy with the new laws. “The new legislations balance out the judicial part of government after the previous government Civic Platform [party] staffed it with their supporters. The Law and Justice party are simply reversing the original unconstitutional process, reinstating the balance and bringing back the democratic process.” |
| Thomas also suggests that PiS have plans for Poland’s future in the EU. “PiS is for Poland’s continued membership, but they want to level the field in terms of access to Polish labour and industrial infrastructure. They believe foreign companies should pay their fair share of the profits to the national treasury, and give something back to the country where they are becoming successful in business. This issue is not getting the attention it deserves.” | Thomas also suggests that PiS have plans for Poland’s future in the EU. “PiS is for Poland’s continued membership, but they want to level the field in terms of access to Polish labour and industrial infrastructure. They believe foreign companies should pay their fair share of the profits to the national treasury, and give something back to the country where they are becoming successful in business. This issue is not getting the attention it deserves.” |
| ‘Presenting their own truth and possessing genes of betrayal’ | ‘Presenting their own truth and possessing genes of betrayal’ |
| One of the protesters’ primary concerns is the apparent curbing of Polish media by the government. Zbigniew Janik, who lives in Warsaw, argues that taking over public media is not uncommon among new Polish governments. | One of the protesters’ primary concerns is the apparent curbing of Polish media by the government. Zbigniew Janik, who lives in Warsaw, argues that taking over public media is not uncommon among new Polish governments. |
| “This has become common practice in Poland after a new government is elected. The public broadcasting corporation Telewizja Polska has a large reach, therefore they also have the capacity to shape opinions. For this reason it’s an attractive target for any political party in power. | “This has become common practice in Poland after a new government is elected. The public broadcasting corporation Telewizja Polska has a large reach, therefore they also have the capacity to shape opinions. For this reason it’s an attractive target for any political party in power. |
| “The public media under previous governments were certainly biased, presenting just the one view on Polish politics. But commercial TV stations like Polsat offer an alternative view. Commercial media stations are usually still aligned with the previous governments’ views, whereas public stations reflect the views of the ruling party. They both present their own truth.” | “The public media under previous governments were certainly biased, presenting just the one view on Polish politics. But commercial TV stations like Polsat offer an alternative view. Commercial media stations are usually still aligned with the previous governments’ views, whereas public stations reflect the views of the ruling party. They both present their own truth.” |
| Thomas Piatek agrees that government influence over public media is not a new phenomenon in Poland. “Every government in the past appointed key people in key positions within state-controlled media who supported the current establishment. This has never been an issue for the western media in the past, even when opposition parties have constantly raised the question.” | Thomas Piatek agrees that government influence over public media is not a new phenomenon in Poland. “Every government in the past appointed key people in key positions within state-controlled media who supported the current establishment. This has never been an issue for the western media in the past, even when opposition parties have constantly raised the question.” |
| Katarzyna also points out that private broadcasters such as Polsat and TVN balance out public state media. Nevertheless, she is concerned about the state of public service broadcasting in Poland. | Katarzyna also points out that private broadcasters such as Polsat and TVN balance out public state media. Nevertheless, she is concerned about the state of public service broadcasting in Poland. |
| “Every Polish citizen who owns a television set is obliged to pay a fee that supports the public television broadcaster. That is one of the reasons why public TV and radio should be politically neutral. Instead it presents government propaganda to the public. New public television authorities, appointed by PiS, have already removed around 60 journalists across the board. | “Every Polish citizen who owns a television set is obliged to pay a fee that supports the public television broadcaster. That is one of the reasons why public TV and radio should be politically neutral. Instead it presents government propaganda to the public. New public television authorities, appointed by PiS, have already removed around 60 journalists across the board. |
| “And according to PiS chairman Jarosław Kaczyński, corresponding with foreign press proves that I have ‘a gene of betrayal’. I guess I have that gene.” | “And according to PiS chairman Jarosław Kaczyński, corresponding with foreign press proves that I have ‘a gene of betrayal’. I guess I have that gene.” |