Can you fix a broken democracy without breaking it more?
Vox
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Poland’s recent political upheaval offers a cautionary tale about the challenges of restoring democracy after years of authoritarian rule. Following eight years of governance by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, which eroded democratic institutions, curtailed women’s rights, and silenced opposition, voters in 2023 overwhelmingly rejected PiS, ushering in a coalition of left and center-left parties. However, the victory is far from decisive. The new government faces a complex dilemma: how to undo the damage inflicted by PiS without resorting to similarly undemocratic tactics. This conundrum highlights the broader struggle for liberal democracies—undoing authoritarian harm is not only difficult but often requires compromising democratic principles.
Poland’s journey back to democracy began in 1989 when it emerged from Soviet rule and established a Western-style democracy with free elections, independent courts, and protections for minorities. However, this stability was disrupted by the tragic plane crash in 2010 that killed Poland’s president and other top leaders, fueling conspiracy theories exploited by PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński. The party rode a wave of populist anger to power in 2015, enacting policies that eroded judicial independence, silenced critics, and transformed state media into propaganda tools. These moves drew international condemnation but initially failed to provoke widespread political crisis.
The turning point came in 2020 when PiS pushed through a near-total abortion ban, sparking mass protests and galvanizing opposition. By 2023, voters had grown disillusioned with PiS’s authoritarianism, leading to a record-breaking 74% turnout and a decisive shift in power. Yet, the new government faces significant
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Originally published on Vox on 2/25/2026