Polish Semi-Democracy

Is Poland truly a democratic state or just an appearance of it?

In his book "Polish Semi-Democracy," Mirosław Matyja poses uncomfortable yet necessary questions about the state of the Polish political system. The author exposes the illusion of democracy in the Third Polish Republic, pointing out that citizens' influence on decision-making processes is limited to the symbolic act of voting every few years. Is this truly enough to call it democracy?

This book is an analysis of so-called semi-democracy—a system in which the voice of citizens is theoretically important but in practice marginalized. Matyja demonstrates how outdated mechanisms of power, a constitution that is out of step with contemporary realities, and an elitist form of governance effectively isolate citizens from real participation in decision-making about the state.

Within the pages of this publication you will find:

• A review of democratic models around the world – with particular emphasis on Swiss direct democracy,

• A critical assessment of the Polish political realities and practice,

• Specific proposals for changes based on proven solutions,

• The author's journalistic texts and interviews from the so-called "second media circulation", published in the year of the centenary of Poland's independence (2018),

• Answers to the most frequently asked questions about grassroots democracy.
  

Matyja argues that instead of passively accepting political fiction, Poles can – and should – demand true democracy, in which society plays the role not only of voters but also of actual co-owners of the state.

"Polish Semi-Democracy" is not only a diagnosis of the current state of affairs but also a call for profound reflection on the political system. It is essential reading for anyone concerned about the fate of Polish democracy.