Polish Politics and Media Debates: A Call for Rule of Law and Public Accountability

No time to read?
Get a summary

They argue that the state is being anarchized and that the law loses its bite under Tusk, as voiced by Law and Justice MP Joanna Borowiak in an interview on the wPolityce.pl platform. The central claim is that public institutions are under pressure, and only the people, including voters, can push back against what is described as deliberate lawlessness. This perspective frames the current political climate in Poland as a battle over sovereignty, constitutional order, and the proper role of oversight in times of political turbulence.

In discussing her present condition, Borowiak noted ongoing medical evaluations after injuries sustained during the dramatic events at TVP on December 20, 2023. She described additional tests that revealed more extensive damage to her hand and shoulder than initially expected. She is now undergoing specialized rehabilitation. The incident has already spurred legal actions, with the prosecutor’s office informed and a motion to prosecute the perpetrator submitted. Borowiak indicated she had been questioned twice and was providing further evidence to strengthen the case. This sequence of events adds a personal dimension to the broader debate about accountability and the rule of law in Poland.

The interview underscored a belief that the attack on TVP was illegal, a stance the court subsequently affirmed. The MP argued that such acts represent a breach of democratic norms, including unlawful entry into a public institution, interference with the broadcasting signal, and a forceful change of editorial control. Her assessment reflected a continuity with prior political rhetoric that frames these actions as attempts to undermine legitimate governance. Supporters of this view contend that the December 13 Coalition has yet to acknowledge the implications of these legal findings and continues to push an interpretation of the law that suits their strategic aims.

Looking ahead, Borowiak expressed a desire for the restoration of genuine public media and for the rightful leadership to be able to perform its duties. She emphasized the need for journalists who have lost their positions to be reinstated and for a broader public conversation about media freedom to unfold. The public mood, she suggested, includes a wave of protests across the country, including a notable demonstration of Free Poles in Warsaw. She argued that public media has suffered a decline in ratings, financial losses, eroded viewer trust, and the disappearance of beloved programs, and she called for a return to sustainable and legitimate management as the basis for recovery.

In the same frame of reference, Borowiak raised questions about the role of the ruling faction and their allies in restructuring national institutions. She asked whether the efforts to shape the National Public Prosecutor’s Office and other core bodies would continue, and she warned of a perceived influence from foreign media that encourages jurisdictional overreach. The prospect, in her view, is that illegal forms of pressure could expand beyond TVP unless public awareness and civic engagement become a counterweight. This part of the discussion highlights a broader concern about how citizens can safeguard the rule of law and constitutional norms when political power asserts itself in unconventional ways.

Ultimately, Borowiak framed the current moment as a test of public resolve. She argued that the country will not tolerate a drift away from the rule of law or a collapse of institutional legitimacy. In her view, there is a growing awakening among citizens as diverse as PSL members and voters who supported other political forces. She described a landscape where the electorate is increasingly aware of what is at stake, with a sense of fatigue accompanying ongoing political maneuvering. The message she conveyed is that the December 13 Coalition, if it remains unchecked, risks driving Poland toward a governance model where the law is applied selectively and where public confidence in institutions is eroded. A recommitment to legal norms and constitutional checks, she suggested, could be a decisive correction.

Borowiak appeared as a participant in the symposium titled “Faces of the Media,” hosted on a weekend by the Academy of Media and Social Culture in Toruń, an event she described as having provided meaningful insight into the media landscape and its intersections with politics. The experience was presented as part of a broader conversation about how media institutions should function within a healthy democracy, and how journalists can operate with independence, accountability, and respect for the law. The narrative position taken is that responsible media practice is a cornerstone of a functioning republic, especially during periods of political contention. The discussion leaves readers with a call to monitor the evolution of media governance and to consider the implications for democratic norms and citizen empowerment.

This analysis reflects Borowiak’s stance as a voice within a broader political discourse. The emphasis remains on the protection of constitutional order, the integrity of public institutions, and the urgent need for transparent and lawful processes to guide institutional reforms. The dialogue continues to unfold in an environment where legal processes and public accountability are central to the health of the nation’s democracy. The implications for voters, journalists, and policymakers alike are substantial, inviting ongoing scrutiny and civic participation to ensure governance that upholds the rule of law and respects the rights of all citizens. [attribution: wPolityce]

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Zelensky Finances and Ukraine’s Public Disclosure Trends

Next Article

Updates on Fires in Public Buildings Across Russian Cities