In Polish public discourse, it is often claimed that those in power have made political decisions or have been guided by political criteria. In this context, the adjective ‘political’ becomes pejorative – like the word ‘criminal’. As if a politician were a criminal, or at least someone who is suspicious by definition. From such a perspective, politics even seems evil. It is therefore not surprising that of all the professions in which the public trusts Poland, politicians are at the bottom.
And yet, despite this, in a democratic state, citizens give politicians enormous power that they do not trust to representatives of any other profession: power over their safety, freedom and life. It is politicians who make and enforce laws, oversee the army, the police, health care, the justice system, etc. They are elected for this very reason, because the voters supported their policies.
According to the classical definition of Aristotle, politics is a wise concern for the common good. The mission, duty, calling and task of a politician is to practice politics, that is, to deal with public affairs. There are no societies that exist outside of politics. It is therefore absurd to accuse politicians of being guided in their decisions by political criteria. That is what they were elected for. Of course, they can be criticized for saying that their decisions were politically bad, unfavorable, harmful and costly, but not that they were political.
Source: wPolityce
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.