The Polish Law School at the Faculty of Law: Scientists from Poland and Lithuania have discussed Parliamentary elections in Poland
On November 10th was held an online discussion on topic “Parliamentary elections in Poland and their implications for the EU from the perspective of constitutional law and political science”, which was organised by the Polish Law School at the VU Law Faculty. This event was an opportunity to talk about current political situation in Poland and its possible changes after new elections.
Discussion was participated by experts of legal constitutional and political sciences: Prof. Dr hab. Monika Florczak-Wątor (Constitutional Law Department of Jagiellonian University in Kraków), Prof. Dr hab. Renata Mieńkowska-Norkienė (Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of University of Warsaw), Dr. Mariusz Antonowicz (Vilnius University, Institute of International Relations and Political Science). Discussion was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilona Michailovič (Coordinator of the Polish Law School at the VU Law Faculty).
Firstly, participants discussed what changes should be made in legal system and what problems should be solved? Prof. M. Florczak-Wątor emphasized: “We have problems with almost all institutions. It can be a huge problem for parliament to adopt the reforms together with president, who is a part of legislative process“. Prof. R. Mieńkowska-Norkienė noted that word Europe was mentioned only a few times in a recently finished the Coalitional agreement. However, she says there is still some hope for changes regarding relations with Europe Union: “It is not necessary has to be written in political agreement. A lot depends on how it is conducted.“
In turn, Dr. M. Antonowicz shared his thoughts on possible implications and perspectives on Lithuania. Currently Lithuania doesn‘t have an ambassador in Poland and this is a signal that a latter country is in a mess. “Law and Justice” party, which was used to be in a Parliament of Poland for 8 years, was tend to create connection with Lithuania.
Another important political issue in Poland is gender equality and women rights. Prof. R. Mieńkowska-Norkienė claimed that „Law and Justice“ party lost 10 percent of votes due to abortion law. Opposition promised liberalisation of abortion, unfortunately there is nothing written on this topic in the agreement of Coalition, it announces seeking to strengthen women rights and equate salaries.
At the end of discussion Dr. M. Antonowicz talked about possible development of „Law and Justice“ party and audience gave some questions to the experts.