PiS at a Glance

Flag of Poland

Prawo i Sprawiedliwość

Law and Justice

Political Compass
Conservative
Social
Market-oriented
Progressive
Stance on the EU
Anti-EU
Pro-EU
PiS (Law and Justice) is a national-conservative, right-wing populist party in Poland. It combines traditional values deeply rooted in Catholicism with a strong emphasis on national sovereignty and a protectionist welfare state.

Values and Worldview

The foundation of PiS is rooted in the vision of a Christian-influenced Poland, where the nation, as a community of shared destiny, takes precedence over the individual. Its worldview is shaped by moral conservatism, which regards the traditional family as the bedrock of society. In this framework, the state acts not merely as a guardian of order but as an active shaper and protector of national identity against external influences, whether from the EU or cultural liberalization. A deep-seated distrust of post-communist structures fuels its actions.

Policy Priorities

The party champions a generous social welfare policy, aiming to secure the loyalty of rural populations and low-income demographics, often through direct transfer payments. Economically, it pursues a path of economic nationalism, advocating for strategic sectors to remain under state control. In social policy, it staunchly opposes liberal reforms such as same-sex marriage. Its rhetoric targets the 'common people,' whom it defends against an urban liberal elite portrayed as out-of-touch and corrupt.

Role in the Political System

Strategically, PiS aims for a profound restructuring of the state to align its institutions more efficiently with its mandate. This frequently leads to tensions with rule of law principles, particularly concerning the independence of the judiciary and media platforms. It often views the rule of law through the lens of democratic majority: whoever wins an election has the right to fundamentally reshape the state. Internationally, it maintains skepticism towards further EU integration, advocating instead for a Europe of sovereign nation-states.

Key Policy Areas & Ideological Alignment

This chart illustrates the key issues for the party. Points further from the center indicate higher significance.

Core Positions & Policy Platforms

Stance 2024
Stance 2019

Economy & State

Wealth Redistribution
Pro-Redistribution
Market-Driven
Fiscal Policy
Public Investment
Austerity & Tax Cuts
Trade Policy
Free Trade
Protectionism

Society & Values

Civil Liberties vs. Security
Civil Liberties
Law & Order
Gender Equality Measures
Pro-Promotion
Against Promotion
LGBTQ+ Equality
Pro-Equality
Traditional Values
Same-Sex Marriage
Pro-Marriage
Against
Religion in Politics
Secularism
Religious Influence
Urban vs. Rural Priority
Focus on Urban Areas
Focus on Rural Areas

Environment & Climate

Environment vs. Economy: What's More Important?
Environmental Protection Over Economic Growth
Economic Growth Over Environmental Protection
Climate Action vs. Economic Growth
Climate Protection First
Economic Growth First

Migration & Integration

Immigration Policy
Open
Restrictive
Integration & Culture
Multiculturalism
Assimilation
Rights for Ethnic Minorities
Expand Rights
Equal Treatment Only
National Sovereignty
Cosmopolitan
Nationalist

Democracy & Institutions

Executive Power Distribution
Decentralized
Strong Executive
Judicial Independence
Independent
Executive Oversight
State Organization
Federalism
Centralism

Historical Election Results

PiS: Election Result Trends in Poland

History of Government Participation since 1945

Power Dynamics: Historical Government Roles
Leading Government
In Government
6

Total Cabinet Participations

Total Duration: 10 years • 11 months • 3 weeks • 6 days

6

Cabinets Led

Total Duration: 10 years • 11 months • 3 weeks • 6 days

0

Coalition Participations

Total Duration: -

28%

Time in Government

The party participated in government for 28% of the legislative period.

Morawiecki II
2019
PiS
Morawiecki I
2017
PiS
Szydlo
2015
PiS
Kaczynski
2006
PiS
SRP
LPR
Marcinkiewicz II
2006
PiS
SRP
LPR
Marcinkiewicz I
2005
PiS

Data Sources and Methodology

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ParlGov – Parliamentary Democracy Data

A comprehensive research database from the University of Bremen, documenting parties, elections, and governments for comparative analysis.

Additional Sources

Döring, Holger and Philip Manow. 2024. Parliaments and governments database (ParlGov).

CHES – Chapel Hill Expert Survey

The leading expert survey on party positions in Europe. Over 400 political scientists document party stances based on rigorous scientific criteria.

Additional Sources

Rovny, Jan, et al. “25 Years of Political Party Positions in Europe: The Chapel Hill Expert Survey, 1999-2024.”