Direct democracy in Poland - opportunity or utopia?

Obraz autorstwa natanaelginting na Freepik

The Academy of Direct Democracy has been operating for several weeks now.

Let us consider for a moment whether the activities of this institution make any sense at all?

Or let us ask a completely different question here: does direct democracy, with its basic element, the referendum and instruments initiating universal suffrage, have any chance in Poland?

Of course, we are talking about grassroots governance of the state, i.e. a political system in which not the so-called authorities, but the citizens/sovereign have the decisive say in matters important to Poland.

There is a general opinion that the Polish nation is not mature enough for this form of government – citizens are unwise, passive and unable to make binding decisions.

They have no clue about politics and only consume goods won for them by the "powers that be," which are politicians, whether right-wing or left-wing. The most important thing is that they are "systemic." They have the appropriate qualifications, experience, bear responsibility for the country, and, above all, were elected to "exercise power."

And what about the average citizen making state and local decisions? This has nothing to do with the current reality in Poland. Therefore, it's pure utopia... But is it really? And where did this vision of grassroots governance, seen by a growing number of citizens as a chance for Poland's future, suddenly come from?

Well, it came from... and still comes from the general dissatisfaction of society with the current semi-democratic system.

If we tell someone on the street in Poland that a change in government policy is necessary, they won't be surprised and will agree. Another possible response is: I know, but how and when?

Critical comments about the current Polish semi-democracy, or rather, partial democracy, are commonplace in the country, and this is entirely justified. However, a model that departs from elitist, top-down governance and embraces society as a sovereign in the process of co-governance—both at the national and local levels—is currently lacking.

Over the last 30 years, a system of government by so-called political elites has emerged in Poland, meaning – let me emphasize it again – a semi-democratic system that has nothing in common with democratic pluralism. It is a parallel system: on the one hand, the "authorities" and on the other, society, i.e., the division according to the principle of "us and you."

Slogans like free elections, free media, and separation of powers are merely media veneer and propaganda for financial manipulation, the selling of national assets, and chasing scraps from the Brussels table. These slogans are necessary to reassure Poles and the international community. The fact is, however, that democratic principles in Poland have been blatantly violated in recent years.

Firstly, the balance of power (legislature, executive, judiciary) has not functioned in our country for a long time.

Secondly, free elections are only a fiction – so-called representatives are elected who have already been elected by political parties on the basis of party lists.

Thirdly, there are no free media, but rather a media hodgepodge colloquially referred to as "first" and "second" circulation. Polish political commentators clearly see the problems associated with the leading parties, the dependence of members of parliament, and the sterility of the Polish Sejm. So why do they remain silent? Because silence is a prerequisite for their functioning in a media world dominated by leading parties.

Indeed, in Poland, signs of direct democracy occasionally appear in the form of various civic groups and movements. However, their programs are incomplete and lack a genuine desire to implement this type of governance. However, the leaders of these movements strive for so-called "leadership," meaning they often have specific plans to maximize their personal profits.

The goal of the Academy of Direct Democracy is educational and informative – we will continue to provide you with up-to-date content on grassroots forms of government, both in Poland and globally. We hope that this source of knowledge and information will help ordinary citizens understand the advantages (and disadvantages) of direct democracy, and will enable potential and existing political groups to better formulate their political agendas.

Let us always remember that co-government of the state by citizens for citizens is not a handout from those in power to those governed, but a democratic right of the sovereign, i.e. the citizens, and therefore our right.