HUNGARY/POLAND: Significant concessions unlikely in talks with EU
Poland and Hungary are unlikely to make significant concessions in the negotiations with the EU, at least in the near term. The rule-of-law talks could destabilize the wobbly United Right coalition government in Poland. Few domestic pressures make Budapest’s position more flexible but not necessarily softer. Yesterday, 30 December, the prime ministers of Hungary and […]
POLAND: PiS moves toward challenging but inevitable coal phase-out
The Polish government appears committed to finally start the transition away from coal in the power sector. This will require difficult compromises with the country’s influential mining unions, and may trigger new protests and lower support for the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party in its electoral strongholds. Nuclear power could become one of the […]
POLAND: Contentious vote pushes United Right coalition to the brink of collapse
A contentious vote on a bill regarding animal rights has triggered the deepest crisis of the United Right coalition government to date. However, since breaking the coalition agreement would leave the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) and its two junior coalition partners more vulnera… Become a member to read the rest of this article […]
POLAND: Duda’s victory paves the way for PiS rule until 2023
According to preliminary data from the National Electoral Commission (PKW), incumbent President Andrzej Duda – supported by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party – narrowly won the second round of the presidential election held yesterday, 12 July. With nearly all ballots counted… Become a member to read the rest of this article
POLAND: Parity ahead of crucial runoff on Sunday
Neither of the candidates holds a distinct advantage ahead the second round of the presidential election scheduled for Sunday, 12 July. Incumbent Andrzej Duda’s victory would mean policy continuity policy, including a further erosion of democratic institutions, keeping tensi… Become a member to read the rest of this article
POLAND: A tight second round ahead despite Duda’s strong performance
As expected, President Andrzej Duda (supported by the ruling Law and Justice, PiS) won the first round of the presidential election on 28 June but failed to secure an outright majority of votes. The incumbent will face the opposition Civic Platform’s (PO) candidate Rafal Trzaskow… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
POLAND: Duda remains favorite but Trzaskowski has momentum in presidential race
President Andrzej Duda will win the first round of the presidential election scheduled for 28 June. The incumbent, however, is unlikely to win an absolute majority of votes to a secure a first-round victory, which points to a highly competitive runoff on 12 July. Duda remains a f… Become a member to read the […]
POLAND: Awaiting a presidential election that will not happen
● The 10 May presidential election has not been canceled, but no voting will take place on the scheduled date. ● This should lead to a presidential poll entirely held by postal ballot in the coming few months, although the process and timeline are unclear. ● The ruling Law … Become a member to […]
EUROPE: The politics of exit strategies
This piece provides an updated overview of the lockdown exit strategies currently being implemented by selected European governments, and the surrounding politics. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. Italy L… Become a member to read the rest of this article
POLAND: 10 May poll likely to be put off as frictions in PiS-led coalition rise
The presidential election scheduled for next Sunday, 10 May, is unlikely to go ahead as planned due to continuing legislative uncertainty and significant logistical issues. This week’s votes in parliament on the bill to organize the election by postal ballot could exacerbate divi… Become a member to read the rest of this article