The rule of law is one of the guarantors of democracy. It has been gradually dismantled in Poland over the last eight years, which has not only resulted in penalties being imposed on the country by the European Union but has also affected the functioning of the state and the life of the average citizen, says lawyer Sylwia Gregorczyk-Abram.

Reproductive rights are a political issue in Poland. This is particularly visible in the election campaign, which makes it all the more surprising that many women do not want to vote.

Polish politics divides rather than unites. This is very clear from the ongoing election campaign. Polish society is deeply polarised. PiS voters are resistant to the scandals of the ruling party, or cynically choose the option that gives them the greatest benefit. Despite this, sociologist Dr Przemysław Sadura does not foresee the end of democracy in Poland.

On 15 October Poles will go to the parliamentary elections. As the stakes of this vote are particularly high, political parties, both opposition and those in power, employ various strategies to maximise their chance for success. Whereas there is a very clear dividing line in programmatic terms, there are some similarities when it comes to electoral strategies resulting from the electoral rules. Pre-election polls indicate the ruling party is in the lead, yet the results are still uncertain and the government formation will depend on the willingness of the parties to enter a coalition.

In her address, European Commission President von der Leyen missed the opportunity to develop bold proposals for the future. This contribution analyses her informal bid for a second term in office by looking at her thematic focuses.

The Dutch Greens and Labor Party are joining forces. Short-term to win the upcoming elections, form a left-wing, progressive coalition government, and reclaim the Prime Ministership. Long-term to offer a comprehensive, compelling vision for the future, in which a green well-being economy, security of existence, and social and climate justice are central. An exciting development with valuable insights for coalition-builders anywhere.