In a lighthearted post on social media, Szczepan Twardoch commented on the feverish reaction from some opposition supporters who spoke of the “end of democracy” during PiS rule. The renowned writer noted that the ruling party eventually yielded power and did not cling to it by force, framing the moment as a political turnover rather than a coup.
Through his social media message, Twardoch conveyed relief at PiS’s defeat. At the same time, he invited readers to reflect on whether the period from 2015 to the present truly erased democracy, or whether the charges of democratic erosion were exaggerated. He suggested that the election outcome did not logically imply a dictatorship, prompting readers to consider whether the country had been living under a system they disliked only because of political opposition to that government. He posed a provocative question about whether the notion of a “dictatorship” under PiS was merely a dramatic rhetoric rather than a factual description of political reality.
– the writer’s commentary noted in print.
Brejza’s response
Dorota Brejza, wife of a Civic Platform politician, replied to Twardoch’s post by drawing attention to the concerns of her own family. Among other points, she referenced the alleged use of Pegasus for political purposes against her and described how information gathered illegally could be weaponized in public discourse.
She asked what the state system would be called if secret services carried out political orders for the ruling party, monitored the opposition with cyber tools, and the public prosecutor’s office did not adhere to legal standards in political matters, instead using Pegasus-derived material that later leaked to the media and fed systemic, organized hate. She questioned a system where courts appeared politically constrained, where the process of appointing judges was manipulated, and where career advancement depended on specific political decisions.
Brejza underscored that the foundations and guarantees for democracy rest on constitutional principles, especially the separation of powers. She urged readers to consult the Constitution to determine whether its protections function in practice or remain only theoretical. She argued that there were many instances where these guarantees had failed and invited the audience to engage in a conversation to better understand the last years of their lives. She referenced Michał Kokot’s book Poland under Wires as a portrayal of the country’s current state, describing it as a diagnostic rather than hyperbole.
Brejza asserted that democracy is not merely about elections and vote counts. It also encompasses peaceful protest and free expression, emphasizing that democracy is a process and that its loss can be subtle yet significant. Her words articulated a view that democratic norms must be actively maintained, not assumed to be intact by default.
– the reply noted by readers and on social platforms.
In a further exchange, Twardoch recalled the Watergate affair in the United States as a reference point for concerns about political surveillance. He asked readers to consider a hypothetical scenario in which the sitting president orders wiretaps on a rival’s campaign headquarters during an election cycle. He reminded readers that the United States faced a parallel history in the early 1970s and asked whether such actions signaled the end of democracy or a temporary abuse of power, depending on how events were resolved.
He acknowledged that the use of Pegasus in Poland raised serious questions and emphasized the need for accountability for any guilty parties. He also acknowledged that PiS governance had affected multiple democratic norms and practices, noting that these actions did not, in his view, amount to a complete dismantling of democracy, even though they caused damage. An accompanying image illustrated this perspective for readers.
– the discussion continued across social media channels.
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Source: wPolityce