The debate over what constitutes democratic and acceptable governance in the twenty-first century European Union continues regarding several member states, including Poland. The governing center-left Citizens Coalition, led by the Civic Platform party and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, charges the right-of-center Law and Justice party with violations against democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom. Law and Justice, led by former PM Jaroslaw Kaczynski, denies these charges and accuses the current government of excesses on the same issues.
There is more than one valid view on this nexus of issues, both regarding the period Law and Justice governed Poland (2015–23) and since Civic Coalition took office in December 2023. They are more complex and nuanced than the prevailing narratives about “democrats” and “illiberal, far-right” politicians.
Join Senior Fellow Matt Boyse and Peter Doran of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies for a discussion of their recent in-depth examination of objectivity, consistency, and politics in the debate about democracy, rule of law, media freedom, and more. Heritage Foundation’s Jim Carafano will moderate the discussion.
Please join Ambassador Greer for a fireside chat with Senior Fellow Peter Rough on the Trump administration’s first year back in office and what’s next for US trade policy.
Experts and policymakers will discuss how to close regulatory gaps, improve compliance, and build more resilient and trusted infrastructure.
Join Nina Shea in a discussion with Ethan Gutmann and Congressman Chris Smith, the author of the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting bill.
Please join Acting Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Pierre Yared for a conversation with Senior Fellow Tom Duesterberg on the first year of the Trump administration’s economic agenda and the key factors shaping the US economy’s outlook.
