Poland has told the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, of which it is a member, that it does not want monitors at its forthcoming general elections. One of the lamer arguments in favour of the general oppression (bugging, lustracja) in PiS-dominated Poland is that “if you are honest you have nothing to fear […]
Or should we sit chewing our crud in bovine placidity as the police and state prosecution service finally disappears into PiS’s back pocket, soles of their boots and loafers visible to all? Vaclav Havel suggested international observers be sent to monitor elections in Poland when PiS – err, the police – arrested people who were […]
The best thing by far on Polish TV right now – better even than the not-bad-for-Poland Szymon Majewski Show – is PiS’s childishly crude and hilariously inept party political broadcast. The theme is corruption, of course, the only tune PiS knows, and it contrasts two Polands – that of “not long ago” and the Poland […]
I mentioned before how the names change but the faces remain in Polish politics. Here is the concrete example of Jacek Kurski, sometimes known as the “Bull Terrier” though “Liar” would be both less complimentary and more truthful. Mr. Kurski, deeply principled politican that he is, in his infinite care for the people of Poland, […]
The ins and outs of Polish politics are a bit too sleazy and trivial for most so there follows a comparison of Polish politics and normal, Irish politics. My fellow monkey, Shane Barry, will doubtless bristle at the description of Irish politics as “normal” but there you are… Phone Tapping Yes, it happens in Ireland […]
One opinion poll puts the ruling regime ahead. Another, conducted a day ot two later puts rivals PO ahead by a good 8 points.
The atmosphere of oppression – for some, of course, it’s more tangible than any “atmosphere” – has given ruling regime PiS quite a boost in the opinion polls. PiS has gained 8 points and PO lost 6.
Supposing you, the prime minister of – oh, say, a central European country of around – for argument’s sake – 35 million people, wanted to smear someone – a former political ally, for example, who has started blabbing. And suppose this country is by now jaded with political scandals, what might you do? Also, you’ve […]
If there are more than the usual typos in today’s entry it’s because I am looking over my shoulder more than usual. Here’s waht I read in last week’s admirably well-informed Polityka (they correctly predicted that businessman Ryszard Krauze was in the sights of the authorities): In fact, a (probably) legal tap was put on […]
Yesterday I had a perfectly average day — the details of which I will not bother you with — nicely rounded off with a refreshing ten hours kip. Is this “dignity under pressure”? Am I keeping my head while others all around are losing theirs? I ask because the signs in Polish are particularly — […]
