Poland Holds Pivotal Election
On Sunday, October 15 Poles headed to the polls in what amounted to the most consequential election in Poland in more than a generation. Not since 1989 when the Polish people rejected communism and transitioned to a democracy has so much been on the line for the central European country. Results indicate that even though the election was neither free nor fair – due to an erosion of checks and balances spearheaded by the ruling Law and Justice party – opposition parties were, nonetheless, able to win enough seats in parliament to form what is expected to be a coalition government.
What happened in Poland?
Instructors: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Download: CQP_Lecture_Spark_PPT_Poland Holds Pivotal Election
Videos
News Articles
Poland election: Tusk’s opposition eyes power after pivotal vote
BBC NEWS
October 17, 2023
Poland election: Tusk’s opposition eyes power after pivotal vote – BBC News
Poland’s opposition leader Donald Tusk declares election victory
SKY NEWS
October 16, 2023
Poland’s opposition leader Donald Tusk declares election victory | World News | Sky News
Poland’s pro-European opposition seems set to oust populists, but tense days lie ahead
CNN
October 17, 2023
High-stakes election looms in Poland with nation’s democracy and foreign ties on the line
PBS NEWS HOUR
October 14, 2023
Analysis: EUphoria! Poland election surprise spurs investor hope
REUTERS
October 17, 2023
Analysis: EUphoria! Poland election surprise spurs investor hope | Reuters
Poland’s ‘most important’ election since 1989 could shape ties with EU, Ukraine
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
October 15, 2023
Poland exit polls: Donald Tusk claims victory based on coalition hopes
THE GUARDIAN
October 15, 2023
Poland exit polls: Donald Tusk claims victory based on coalition hopes | Poland | The Guardian
Hard-right forces eye top EU jobs as Poland heads to the polls
POLITICO
October 15, 2023
Hard-right forces eye top EU jobs as Poland heads to the polls – POLITICO
Assessment
Writing: What is the significance of the election results in Poland?
Debate: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Poland providing aid to Ukraine?
Poll: Should the European Union have frozen money that was intended for Poland because it was backsliding on democratic reforms?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications of a country becoming authoritarian?
News Quiz
True/False
Over 72% of Poles cast ballots in the recent election. (T/F)
The financial market in Poland responded poorly to the news of victory for Poland’s opposition parties. (T/F)
The Law and Justice party of Poland is a staunch supporter of democracy. (T/F)
Multiple Choice
Which of the following Polish political parties received a plurality of the vote?
- Law and Justice
- Civic Coalition
- The Left
- Third Way
The ruling party organized a referendum on the same day as the election, to galvanize support among its members with leading questions on which two topics?
- Abortion and minimum wage.
- Same-sex marriage and tax rates.
- Migrants and the economy.
- Alcohol and inflation.
All the following is true concerning recent actions taken by the ruling government in Poland EXCEPT.
- Using public airwaves for propaganda.
- Arresting Catholic priests.
- Vilifying the LGBTQ population.
- Restricting abortion rights.
