Possibilities for Transforming the Polish Party System

Poland’s party system has transitioned from the unstable multiparty system of the 1990s and early 2000s into a model dominated by two major parties, which has remained in place since 2005. For nearly two decades, political life in the country has centered on the confrontation between Law and Justice party and Civic Platform party. The electoral cycle that began with the parliamentary elections in autumn 2023 and concluded with the presidential elections in May-June 2025 demonstrated the continued existence of this system, though it now faces serious challenges. The most significant among them is the rising electoral outcomes of the Confederation Liberty and Independence, which threatens to erode Law and Justice monopoly amid polish right-wing parties. Nevertheless, the author concludes that the Confederation’s inherent weaknesses still prevent it from competing on equal terms with the two dominant forces. Other parties, including firmly entrenched ones such as the New Left and the Polish People’s Party, are even less likely to alter the balance. Consequently, the stability of the current model primarily depends on the internal cohesion of Law and Justice and Civic Platform parties. Although both face obstacles, these are not yet critical, and the parties remain well-positioned to preserve their status. The article concludes that while the existing model is likely to persist in the near term, current trends indicate a potential proliferation of leading parties in Polish politics over time.

Poland, party system, two dominant party model, Law and Justice party, Civic Platform, 2023 parliamentary elections, 2025 presidential elections