The roots of radicalization in Poland

Written by Ginevra Reghitto and Tibor Ábel. Edited by Dita Hadaņonoka, Stella Bardi and Kim Jeršin.

In recent years, Poland has witnessed a troubling increase in far-right radicalization, affecting various segments of society. Research indicates that a significant portion of the population perceives the country as divided into major political groups, with an alarming number of individuals adopting extreme views. Reports from the National Police Headquarters revealed a rise in crimes associated with hatred, xenophobia and fascist ideologies. Throughout the years, nationalism and anti-Semitism ideas have helped and encouraged the rise of radicalization across the country. These ideas have been led by far-right political figures who have contributed to polarization in the country by dehumanizing ethnic minorities, homosexuals and religious minorities raising far-right violent actions.

Decoding Poland’s Political Shift: The Factors Behind PiS’s Rise

For over eight years, Poland’s political landscape has been dominated by Law and Justice (PiS), a right-wing populist political party. The newly elected PiS party successfully tapped into anti-corruption sentiments, promising a clean break from past governance, which was perceived as corrupt. They coupled this with a strong socially conservative platform, appealing to those who felt traditional values were being eroded. The party expertly exploited political discontent, positioning itself as an alternative to an establishment seen as ineffective using various tools to maintain consent. While they secured electoral victories and implemented social programs, aimed at supporting families, their tenure has been marked by actions and rhetoric that fueled a dangerous climate of polarization. This polarization, arguably, laid the groundwork for radicalization.

A strong leader, Jarosław Kaczyński, provided clear direction and a unifying message. Furthermore, corruption scandals that plagued previous governments created an opening for

PiS to capitalize on public anger. Lastly, an early local election victory in Warsaw provided crucial momentum and visibility.

The roots of the far-right movement

Many followers of this emerging trend, map their heritage back to the late Roman Dmowski, a politician who, in the interwar period, argued that only Catholics could make good Poles. He managed to create a very powerful tool that could reach the most of the population – Radio Maryja. It was a far-right Catholic media company founded in 1991 by Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, a Catholic priest who has rejected and attacked Vatican attempts to rein in his divisive and overly political rhetoric. In 2018 the company was attacked and accused by the U.S. Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report, exposing their instances of anti-Semitism.

‘Paulina’ the polish girl instrumentalized by the far-right movement to gain consent

The far-right National Radical Camp (ONR) in Poland, instrumentalized Paulina, a young politically active woman,  to soften their public image and gain consent by using her youthful and attractive appearance. The group saw Paulina as a way to appeal to a broader audience, particularly young people and women. They put her forward as a candidate in local elections, hoping her presence would make their ideology seem more mainstream and acceptable, rather than extremist and violent. However, behind this image-driven strategy, the movement continued to promote nationalist, xenophobic, and ultra-conservative views.

“Invasion” of Muslim Migrants (2015–2018)

During the European migrant crisis, which lasted from 2015 to 2018, Poland became a target of significant disinformation. Despite seeing relatively few refugees, far-right groups and some media outlets spread claims of an impending “invasion” of Muslim migrants. These narratives falsely asserted that the EU was forcing Poland to accept millions of refugees, that these migrants were committing crimes at high rates, and that Poland faced “Islamization.” Data shows only 889 Syrians registered for asylum by 2018. The effect was to stoke fear, bolster nationalist and anti-EU sentiments, and empower radical far-right movements. This episode highlights the ease with which disinformation can be weaponized, even when disconnected from reality, leaving lasting impacts on Poland’s social and political climate. It underscores the critical need for media literacy and factual reporting to combat such narratives.

“LGBT Ideology as a Threat to Poland” (2019–2020)

Between 2019 and 2020, the narrative of “LGBT ideology” as a threat to Polish traditions and children took hold in Poland, fake news and disinformation playing a key role, falsely claiming LGBTQ+ activists were “sexualizing” children. This claim was amplified by politicians, religious figures, and radical right-wing groups. This resulted in local municipalities declaring “LGBT-free zones,” symbolic yet impactful gestures, creating a chilling effect on LGBTQ+ residents and institutions. The European Parliament condemned these zones, threatening to withhold funds. Despite gradual gains in public acceptance, the campaign fostered increased hostility, particularly among older generations. A 2019 survey showed that a majority of Polish men under 40 believed the “LGBT movement and gender ideology” was the biggest threat to Poland. While many “LGBT-free zone” resolutions have since been withdrawn, the campaign’s legacy continues to impact LGBTQ+ individuals, demonstrating how anxieties around culture and identity can be weaponized with damaging consequences.

The period of PiS rule in Poland offers a stark lesson about the power of media and propaganda to shape public opinion and, ultimately, influence the course of a nation. While PiS tapped into legitimate societal concerns, the amplification of disinformation through media outlets and the normalization of divisive rhetoric created a fertile ground. The instrumentalization of figures like “Paulina” by far-right groups, coupled with the deliberate spread of fear-based narratives regarding migrants and the LGBTQ+ community, reveals a calculated strategy to manipulate public sentiment and consolidate power. It is the responsibility of media outlets to maintain ethical standards and provide unbiased information, fostering critical thinking among their audience. Governments must actively combat disinformation campaigns and protect vulnerable groups from hate speech. The rise in extremist views, evidenced by surveys showing increased polarization, underscores the urgent need for media literacy initiatives and a renewed commitment to fostering a culture of tolerance, understanding, and respectful dialogue in Poland. The path forward requires not only addressing the specific instances of disinformation but also tearing down the infrastructure that allowed them to flourish. Only then can Poland hope to heal the divisions of the past and build a more unified and resilient future.

Sources:

Koponen, H., M., Helsingin Sanomat Foundation Journalism. (01.28.2018.). Poland’s division hinders fight against ‘fake news’. Taken form: https://ipi.media/polands-division-hinders-fight-against-fake-news/ 

Szlachter, D., Kaczorowski, W., Muszynski, Z.,  Potejko, P., Chomentowski, P., Borzol, T. (2012.). Radicalization of Religious Minority Groups and the Terrorist Threat – Report From the Research on Religious Extremism Among Islam Believers Living in Poland. Taken form: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/radicalization-religious-minority-groups-and-terrorist-threat  

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