Marta Kowalska is currently an intern on the EU Project. On the birthday of the Kaczynski twins, Poland's President and Prime Minister, she explains those factors determining the Polish position on the present constitutional debate.
It is difficult to observe the current political debate about the European constitution from an international perspective, as many of the decisions and arguments of member states seem irrational and hard to comprehend. It can be very frustrating that others are not able to see the ‘real’ importance of events. The discussion about the New European Treaty shows how ‘common European interest’ is defined differently at the national level and how much depends on the class of politicians and their political background.
The Polish attitude in EU negotiations is very often misjudged by other member states, due to a lack of understanding of the history of Poland and its political mentality. Fifty years of communist experiences are not simply eradicated by 17 years of democracy.
Politicians, like the Kaczynski twins, who were socialised in and shaped by the previous system have inherited a model of politics that can be confusing for western European countries. The Polish history, national myth of greatness and conspiracy theories are mixed together with the idea that, if the people give you power through democratic election, you can use this power in any way you wish. This kind of understanding has certainly little similarity to the democratic system so well-known in Western Europe. Additionally, and taking into consideration that the Kaczynskis were repressed by the system during communist times and feel it is finally and officially time for revenge, the Polish political environment seems uneasy.
In the area of international politics, the Kaczynskis want to be seen as warriors chosen to enlighten Europe by promoting moral – read catholic – values and sense of life. Their attitude leads a rational discourse about issues like the new European Treaty in a very dangerous direction, especially as a religious discussion with zealots is hardly possible.
On the other hand, the Kaczynskis have an urgent need to feel that they have the power to control the flow of events and that no decision affecting Poland will be made without possessing that power. The right to veto and the threat of using it exemplify this attitude. It is meant to support the Kaczynskis’ myth of greatness and power.
However, this does not mean that the threats of the Polish government to veto a European constitution are only a game. The Kaczynskis have proved they are not afraid of aggressive political decisions, especially as they have already managed to introduce arguments that a double majority voting system means that Poland would lose out most, and for the needs of simple demagogy, this is a good enough reason.
Yet all of this takes place in the country where 73% of the population are happy to be in the EU, and most of them do not think a new voting system is ‘worth dying for’. In conclusion, Poland is a young democracy and has learnt fast - unfortunately its politicians have not. Poland awaits a new political elite and we only hope it will be possible to correct what they can damage.