Poland’s incoming ruling party is expected to be a more difficult partner for European governments, particularly on the migrant crisis, after voters in parliamentary elections gave it a strong mandate to stand up to Brussels and Berlin. The opposition Law and Justice party swept to victory with nearly 38% of the vote and looked likely Monday to have enough legislators in the lower house of Parliament to govern on its own, after promising to spend more on welfare, focus on traditional Catholic values and take a more-assertive stance within the European Union. The election on Sunday ended the eight-year rule of the Civic Platform party and its junior ally, a period marked by uninterrupted economic growth and good relations with Germany, but marred by internal struggles and scandals.
Law and Justice, which governed Poland in a coalition with fringe nationalists and populists in 2005-07, rode a wave of popular discontent over low wages and benefits in Poland, promising to raise the minimum wage and increase welfare spending. The party also said it would have a louder voice within the European Union and oppose German dominance of the bloc.
In a letter of congratulations to Poland’s likely new prime minister, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who heads the EU’s executive arm, said he hopes “we can work closely together in building a stronger and more resilient European Union with Poland playing a central role in it.”
Full Article: Nationalist Party Wins Poland’s Election – WSJ.