According to Overbeek, it’s not just supporters of Donald Tusk and Lech Walesa who are taking to the streets. There is widespread discontent among the people. ‘Walesa is far from popular with large segments of the population. What got people out on the street is that they’re just sick of it.’
There are many issues within the Polish government that people would like to see changed. “Nepotism, corruption, favoritism, mismanagement, use of power, Catholic state ideology and the collapse of the rule of law,” Overbeek says.
Destruction of the rule of law
Another reason for the demonstration is the arrival of a new commission approved by the Polish government. This committee is seen as a tool to sideline opposition political figures. This allows for research on Russian influence in administrative power. This could be an excuse for Poland’s rulers to condemn key opposition figures. Overbeek says this step is of a qualitatively different level to what has been seen so far in Poland.
Poland has often been contacted by the European Union on these issues. The European Court of Justice has also repeatedly condemned Poland for violating the rule of law. The Polish government has always denied this. This new commission will allow ruling party politicians to accuse people they suspect of listening to Russian interests. “It’s very vague and now they can ban people they find guilty from public life for ten years,” Overbeek said.
Poland has been divided into two groups due to recent polarization. Within the government bubble, the demonstration is either suppressed or ridiculed. The ruling party, Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, is doing everything possible to stay in power. Due to low voter turnout in Poland, he only needs a small fraction of the electorate to hold his position. Overbeek says this gear can change that. “It is the opposition’s hope that people will mobilize. Maybe we don’t get 50 percent turnout, but 60 percent or more.”