In response to allegations of “growing authoritarianism” and politicization of security threats, Poland’s digital affairs minister, Janusz Cieszynski, has defended the upcoming elections in the country, assuring that they will be free and fair. Speaking to Euronews, Cieszynski argued that the government’s investment in the army is necessary to protect Poland from potential threats, particularly from Russian cyber attacks, claiming that they are under a similar level of threat as Ukraine.
In addressing concerns about growing authoritarianism, Cieszynski challenged his critics to provide examples, stating that there have never been serious accusations of rigged elections in Poland. He emphasized that while Polish democracy is relatively young, there is no evidence to suggest any subversion of the democratic process in the country.
One recent decision by the Polish government that has generated controversy is the deployment of 10,000 soldiers along the border with Belarus. While critics perceive this move as a politically calculated strategy ahead of the elections, Cieszynski dismissed these claims, stating that those who criticize the government lack credibility when it comes to security and defense. He argued that the government’s decision to bolster border security was necessary given claims of Russian private military company Wagner Group inching closer to Polish territory.
The Polish government has also faced criticism from the European Union (EU) over alleged rule-of-law violations, specifically concerning the independence of the judiciary. In July, the EU issued an annual review expressing “serious concerns” regarding the independence of the Polish judiciary. Moreover, earlier this year, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled against Warsaw in a rule-of-law case, imposing a fine of €360 million ($385 million). The EU has also withheld various payments owed to Poland until it implements necessary reforms.
Poland has rejected these criticisms, accusing the EU of politically motivated attacks on its sovereignty. The government argues that the criticisms from Brussels are misplaced and unjust, with Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro even referring to the top EU court as “corrupt”.
It is important to note that Poland’s relationship with the EU has been strained in recent years, with ongoing disputes over issues such as migration, the independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law. The Polish government has consistently maintained that it is acting in the best interests of its citizens and its democracy, rejecting any allegations of authoritarianism or political manipulation of security threats.
As the elections in October draw closer, Poland faces the challenge of ensuring that the democratic process remains intact and that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. The government’s stance on security threats and its controversial decisions regarding border security have sparked debate and criticism. It remains to be seen how these issues will impact the upcoming elections and Poland’s relationship with the EU moving forward.
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