Public Media Reform and the Defense of Academic Autonomy
The coalition agreement of the new opposition platform outlines a programmatic shift in several core areas. It highlights the need for reforms in public media, a clear separation between church and state, the restoration of university autonomy, a depoliticization of culture, and the strengthening of artists’ professional status. These points form a coherent agenda aimed at recalibrating the relationship between culture, science, and state institutions.
Central to the document is a call for changes in science and higher education. The text argues that depoliticization, autonomous universities, and improved funding are essential steps toward boosting Poland’s competitiveness. In this view, research institutions should operate with greater independence from political influence and with funding levels sufficient to attract and retain top talent, while maintaining rigorous accountability and transparency.
There is also a plan to revise the system by which scientific publications are scored. The coalition emphasizes that expanding research and development expenditures is crucial for economic growth and for establishing effective channels that facilitate the flow of knowledge between scholars and the business sector. The aim is not only to produce more discoveries but to ensure those discoveries translate into practical benefits for industry and society as a whole.
In addition, the coalition signals a particular focus on projects that explore historical and cultural heritage. Acknowledging culture as a vital pillar of national life, the document critiques past administrations for politicizing cultural evaluation and funding, sometimes effectively suppressing legitimate artistic expression. The goal stated is simple: art must be free to innovate and challenge norms without fear of covert censorship.
Beyond creative freedom, the coalition commits to a depoliticization of cultural institutions and to improving the social security framework for artists. This includes considerations for retirement benefits and access to healthcare, ensuring artists have stable, recognized professional status within the wider social safety net and public services ecosystem.
In the area of public media, the agreement calls for comprehensive reform with a focus on depoliticization. Proponents argue that current public media outlets have contributed to social divisions, spread misinformation, and fueled hostile campaigns. The stated objective is to halt such dynamics and hold accountable those who spread hatred through public channels. This reform is presented as essential to restoring public trust and ensuring media serves the informational needs of all citizens fairly.
Another key commitment is the reaffirmation of the separation of church and state. The parties emphasize mutual independence and impartiality of the state in matters of religion and ideology, stressing that governance should be guided by secular principles and evidence-based policy rather than partisan or religious influence.
The coalition agreement was formally initialed in the Sejm by leading figures from major political groups, signaling a shared readiness to pursue the outlined program. The signatories include representatives from Civic Platform, Poland 2050, the Polish People’s Party, and the New Left coalition. The document is presented as a blueprint for governance that centers on restoring institutional integrity, protecting freedom of expression, and strengthening democratic norms. The broader message is one of recalibrating the balance between state power and civil society, with particular attention to education, science, and culture as engines of progress. Source attribution: wPolityce
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Source attribution: wPolityce