• New image of conservative Law and Justice
  • Audio3.51 MB
  • 02.02.2009

 

The congress of the main opposition party declared a departure from confrontation tactics in favor of an extended hand policy.  
    
Report by Slawek Szefs

The national congress, held in Krakow over the weekend, gathered 1500 delegates of Law and Justice (PiS) regional and local chapters adopting an action program for reforming public health care, education and the judiciary as well as returning a quick development rate to Poland's economy. The congress clearly attempted at projecting a new image of Law and Justice, starting from the manner in which various issues had been approached and presented right up to the more concilliatory tone of its chairman Jaroslaw Kaczynski, known for his uncompromising stand towards other political groupings. 

Analysts say the new, less radical image proposed at the congress shows Law and Justice appreciating the need to transform itself, if it considers reaching out to broader circles of society.

However, some remain sceptical whether the hitherto common practice of fiercely attacking, discrediting and manifesting contempt for political rivals can be easily changed.