In fresh months we have seen crucial changes in the political attitudes of Polish youth. According to analyses of the German ZDF channel, conducted by writer Jenifer Girke, young Poles – especially in the 18–29 age group – advocate utmost right-wing and populist slogans that were seen as marginal even recently.
Populism That Hits the Heart
Girke notes that these attitudes are recognised, among others, by simple solutions to the social and economical problems he proposes, among others. Sławomir Mentzen, 1 of the leading Confederate ideologists. As the writer says: "Mentzen supposedly has simple solutions to the problems of Polish society: lower taxes, throw out foreigners, quit climate protection, ban abortion. Sounds like inexpensive right-wing populism, but seemingly this maneuver works.”
Such positions are not accepted mainly by young voters – this is simply a consequence of frustration, disappointment and a sense of deficiency of real representation among the centre parties.
Election shift: from Tusk to populists
Interesting figures are presented in the context of the 2024 presidential election. First circular of voting Confederate candidate finished first among the youngest voters aged 18–29. This is simply a immense contrast to the parliamentary elections erstwhile the same young people were massively supporting Donald Tusk.
“What happened in a year and a half?” – asked rhetorically Jenifer Girke. The answer may lie in the failure of assurance in average leaders and the deficiency of a new, close generation of faces that could offer authenticity and innovation without giving a sense of elite.
“Frustration is simply a binder”
By Joanna Carpenter, Head of the Boella Foundation in Poland, "frustration is an crucial reason for specified and not different electoral behaviour of young people". He adds that young people are disappointed that their demands from the parliamentary elections have not been met. They do not see real actions that would affect quality of life, education or working conditions.
It is this emotional vacuum that becomes the surface for utmost narratives that offer answers that are easy to understand, although frequently untested and not based on facts.
Is Mentzen the fresh Tusk?
It is amazing that younger voters can identify more easy with the individual of Sławomir Mentzen than with Donald Tuski. "They can easy accept 38-year-old Mentzen, a successful businessman in a well-made suit and a man who owes his career to himself than Donald Tusk, who is heading for retirement" He's judging Girke.
Although Mentzen has no political tradition or a wide scope of supporters in state institutions, his presence in public space and the way of communication goes to the young urban mediate class – frequently disappointed by the strategy and seeking an alternative.
Can power regain confidence?
Girke warns that if the current government does not regain the assurance of young voters, in the next elections "the fresh Polish government will form a Confederate and PiS along with another right-wing extremist groups".
This is not only an issue of interior policy, but besides an impact on global relations, especially in the context of Poland's membership of the European Union and NATO.
Summary
Polish youth is not a homogeneous group – it is simply a generation of diverse views, values and frustrations. However, in fresh times, there is simply a trend towards simplified narratives and populist slogans that offer fast solutions and opposition to compromises.
It is crucial that average parties – both left and centre – reflect on their language, communication styles and real actions that can aid to build assurance again.
Continued here:
German media: The utmost right in Poland wins the hearts of young people
