Polish government’s record after three years is mixed, expert says

Three years after Poland’s 2023 parliamentary election, political scientist Andrzej Podraza says the government’s record is mixed, with economic growth and active foreign policy among its strengths, but limited public-sector pay rises and Poland’s absence from discussions on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine among its weaknesses. 

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Prof. Andrzej Podraza of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) gave the assessment in an interview with the Polish Press Agency (PAP). 

Poland’s economy grew by 3.8% in real terms in 2025 compared with 2024, according to Statistics Poland (GUS). Podraza identified economic stability as one of the government’s successes but noted that growth does not always translate into better circumstances for individual social groups and citizens. 

He also pointed to the slowdown in public-sector pay rises. The draft 2027 budget provides for a 3% increase in pay for public-sector employees and teachers, below the 15% increase demanded by the Polish Teachers’ Union (ZNP). 

Podraza said there had been positive developments in family benefits and support for families, as well as pay rises in the public sector. However, he said this policy had limitations and was not being continued sufficiently to strengthen the middle class. 

In foreign policy, he identified the government’s activity in NATO and the European Union, as well as its support for Ukraine, as its main strengths. 

However, he said Poland was being left out of preliminary discussions about possible future negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He cited a recent meeting between US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and representatives of Ukraine, Britain, Germany and France, which Poland did not attend, adding that there were other examples of Poland being sidelined by major powers. 

Podraza also highlighted discussions about establishing a US base in Poland. At the same time, he said US President Donald Trump was moving closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin and was not taking sufficient account of Poland’s sensitivity to Russia. 

He criticised what he called an “unnecessary dispute” between the president and the government over appointments to ambassadorial posts at Polish diplomatic missions. He said neither side appeared willing to reach the necessary compromise and that the conflict was affecting Poland’s international relations. 

Thursday, 15 October, marks three years since the 2023 parliamentary election, in which Law and Justice (PiS) lost power after two terms. The governing coalition was formed by Civic Coalition (KO), the Left, Poland 2050 and the Polish People’s Party (PSL). 

(sp) 

Source: PAP

Radio Poland