On the Decentralization of Poland

All real power is in Warsaw, but it should be shared across the country

31 May 2019

This has been not a usual voting season because this year marks the 30th anniversary of the elections, which had determined the framework of the still ongoing conflict between the main forces sitting at the Round Table. Some argue that it is a geriatric dispute and will disappear with the dying out of the main actors. We disagree with this thesis because their successor-facsimiles are popping all the time.

To stop this process, we need to change the repertoire: we need to redefine the conflict because that is going to determine whether Poland will survive as a state and whether Poles will have something to propose to the world.

Old Story

We all crave for parties to seriously take care of the country’s when they are in control. Regardless of the political option with which we sympathise, there is a collective feeling that we have met a dead end; low indicators of trust in state institutions prove this. The law and our freedoms depend on this trust, not the parties.

Indexes of trust in the reformed state institutions are taking a nose-dive, but politicians do not even show a shadow of initiative to do something about it. The rulers happily take advantage of the edge they have over their rivals, casting everything they have with their people. Meanwhile, the opposition promises to defend the corrupt institutions but does not show how it is going to rebuild them. It is high time that we ourselves – regardless of party interests – propose ways to repair the state.

Subscribe

Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.

MonthlyVAT included

€4/month

See all details

  • Full access to articles and reports
  • Monthly foresights and risk analysis delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with most important highlights
  • Visegrad Insight social media community groups invitation

AnnualVAT included

€40/year

See all details

  • All monthly features PLUS…
  • Free invitation to one editorial board discussion to participate in deciding on the future direction of the Visegrad Insight
  • Free delivery of two select hardcopies of Visegrad Insight reports

Student OR Donation

Choose your contribution

See all details

  • Full access to articles and reports
  • Monthly foresights, weekly newsletters, and risk analysis delivered by e-mail
  • Free invitation to one editorial board discussion to participate in deciding on the future direction of the Visegrad Insight (annual subscription only)

Can I receive an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.

Are my credit card details safe?

Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.

How modify or cancel my subscription?

At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.

Newsletter

Weekly updates with our latest articles and the editorial commentary.