Poland's Election: A Defiant Stand for EU Values

The victory of the Polish opposition in the recent parliamentary election does not mean a return to the pre-populist era. Reversing the policies of the past eight years will be a long and challenging process, as the Law and Justice party has systematically deconstructed the liberal democratic state. Poland's focus on Russia as an existential security threat will continue, and its skepticism towards European foreign and energy policies, particularly Germany's, will persist. Poland will maintain a trans-Atlantic outlook and rely on the United States and NATO for security. Additionally, the fear of losing sovereignty and the trauma of foreign occupation will continue to fuel nationalist populism in Polish politics.