You got your democracy back. Now what?
Vox
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Poland’s recent election marked a turning point in its political landscape, as voters overwhelmingly rejected the ultra-conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) after eight years of democratic backsliding. The incoming ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, faces a daunting challenge: undoing the damage caused by PiS while navigating what political scientist Ben Stanley calls the “illiberal trilemma.” This concept highlights the difficulty of achieving quick, legal, and effective reforms simultaneously—challenges that extend far beyond Poland’s borders.
The Law and Justice party, which rode to power in 2015 on a wave of anti-establishment sentiment, implemented authoritarian-style policies. These included stacking constitutional courts with loyalists, controlling public media, and creating mechanisms to block opposition members from government roles. While voters rejected PiS in 2023, the new coalition quickly discovered that reversing these changes is no easy feat. Many reforms require lengthy legal processes or face political roadblocks, such as presidential vetoes. This has left the government struggling to balance its desire for swift and meaningful change with the need to operate within existing legal frameworks.
Stanley’s research reveals that once democratic norms are eroded, restoring them is a slow and arduous process. Poland’s experience underscores the broader lesson: countries like the United States, grappling with their own challenges to democratic norms, must recognize that reversing authoritarian-style policies requires careful navigation of legal, political, and societal barriers. The temptation to bend or break rules in pursuit of quick fixes often leads to further erosion of democratic principles.
Poland’s current dilemma highlights the importance of understanding how illiberal governments leave lasting legacies that even subsequent administrations struggle to address. As Poland works to rebuild its democratic institutions, it serves as a cautionary tale for other nations: restoring democracy is not just about winning elections but about preserving and strengthening the rule of law, independent judiciary systems, and free media.
Ultimately, Poland’s experience teaches us that reversing democratic backsliding is no simple task. It requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to upholding foundational democratic principles—even when doing so means progress is slow or reforms are met with resistance. For countries facing similar challenges, the lessons from Poland offer valuable insights into navigating the complexities of political change and preserving democratic values in the face of illiberalism.
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Originally published on Vox on 2/24/2026