People in Kraków, Poland. Editorial credit: brunocoelho / Shutterstock.com

Poland

Since taking power in 2015, a coalition led by the populist, socially conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party has exerted significant political influence over Poland's state institutions and damaged the country's democratic progress. Recent years have seen an increase in nationalist and discriminatory rhetoric.

Volunteers clean up the rubbles from a destroyed residential building in Borodyanka. Following the recapture of Borodyanka by the Ukrainian forces, the city was heavily devastated and turned into ruins under intense fighting and shelling.

Nations in Transit — Poland Country Report

Poland is categorized as a Semi-Consolidated Democracy in the Nations in Transit 2023, Freedom House's annual study on the state of democracy in the region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia.

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — Poland Country Report

Poland is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.