Law and Justice

Law and Justice (PiS) is a Polish political party founded in 2001 by brothers Lech and Jarosław Kaczyński. The ideology of PiS, defined as right-wing, combines social conservatism, nationalism, and solidarism, while also supporting Poland’s membership in the European Union, despite eurosceptic tendencies in some of its actions. The party gained popularity amid dissatisfaction with previous coalition governments, particularly the SLD, and spent years in opposition until it came to power in 2015, marking the beginning of its dominance in Polish politics. During its rule, PiS implemented significant reforms, such as the "Family 500+" program, changes to the pension system, and an education reform that eliminated middle schools (gimnazja). Often criticized for its changes to the judiciary and public media, the party also pursued a historical policy promoting specific narratives about Poland and Poles. Beyond legislative actions, PiS emphasized the importance of historical memory, engaging in celebrations of the "cursed soldiers" and erecting monuments commemorating the victims of the Smolensk tragedy. An interesting aspect is PiS’s connection with various circles, including the national-Catholic Radio Maryja. During its time in government, the party faced internal conflicts, particularly after electoral losses and accusations of corruption and nepotism. Following the 2023 elections, PiS lost its majority, forcing it into the role of the largest opposition party. Architecturally, PiS promotes the idea of the "Fourth Republic," advocating for the strengthening of state institutions and constitutional changes, though some of these proposed reforms remain unimplemented. In a cultural context, PiS introduced programs supporting the Polish family and combating poverty, in line with its conservative and national approach.