Advertisement

Image: Hubert Mathis/ZUMA/dpa/picture allianceImage: Hubert Mathis/ZUMA/dpa/picture alliance

Law and Justice (PiS)

Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwosc, PiS for short) is a Polish populist, conservative political party founded in 2001. Currently in opposition, it remains one of Poland's most popular parties.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

A man in waders pushes a woman in a wheelchair past a building destroyed by the floods in Ladek-Zdroj, southern Poland, September 16, 2024.

A man in waders pushes a woman in a wheelchair past a building destroyed by the floods in Ladek-Zdroj, southern Poland, September 16, 2024.

Poland's flood response puts PM Donald Tusk under pressure

As the floodwaters recede, Polish PM Donald Tusk faces a backlash over his response to the crisis.

Same-sex couple

Same-sex couple

Poland: Have things improved for the LGBTQ+ community?

Has life improved for the LGBTQ+ community under Donald Tusk's center-left government?

A book entitled 'Europa. Nasza historia 8', the final volume in the Polish-language version of the German-Polish history textbook series 'Europe – Our History' is seen on a bookshelf in front of a number of Polish books

A book entitled 'Europa. Nasza historia 8', the final volume in the Polish-language version of the German-Polish history textbook series 'Europe – Our History' is seen on a bookshelf in front of a number of Polish books

German-Polish history textbook finally approved in Poland

After being blocked by the former Polish government for years, this unique textbook can now be used in Polish schools.

Belgien Brüssel | EU Gipfeltreffen - Olaf Scholz und Donald Tusk

Belgien Brüssel | EU Gipfeltreffen - Olaf Scholz und Donald Tusk

Hopes for German-Polish Relations

Poland's new Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, rekindled hope for better ties with Germany.

Migrants are seen stretching their hands through the fence on Poland's border with Belarus in Bialowieza, Poland, on May 28, 2023. The migrants were part of a group of some 30 people seeking asylum in the EU country

Migrants are seen stretching their hands through the fence on Poland's border with Belarus in Bialowieza, Poland, on May 28, 2023. The migrants were part of a group of some 30 people seeking asylum in the EU country

What will be the human cost of Poland's new border defenses?

Poland is fortifying its border with Belarus. Critics are asking at what — or whose — cost the project will come.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk makes the sign of victory in front of a row of flags with red hearts, the symbol of his election campaign, at a rally in Warsaw, Poland, June 4, 2024

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk makes the sign of victory in front of a row of flags with red hearts, the symbol of his election campaign, at a rally in Warsaw, Poland, June 4, 2024

Poland: Tusk not assured victory in EU elections

Not everything is going according to plan for Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Can he mobilize supporters for the EU vote?

Crowd of protesters seen from above

Crowd of protesters seen from above

Poland: Farmers protest against EU climate policies

Polish farmers have held a protest against the EU's Green Deal, which aims to make the bloc climate-neutral by 2050.

People protesting against Poland's strict abortion law on June 14, 2023

People protesting against Poland's strict abortion law on June 14, 2023

Poland: Lawmakers send forward bill to ease abortion law

A long-awaited parliamentary discussion on Poland's restrictive abortion laws saw heated debate.

Donald Tusk

Donald Tusk

Poland votes in local elections test for Tusk

Poles have voted in local elections seen as being a test of the public mood under a new liberal government.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk holds a microphone in one hand and gesticulates with the other as he speaks at a campaign event in the run-up to Sunday's local elections, Krakow, Poland, April 3, 2024

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk holds a microphone in one hand and gesticulates with the other as he speaks at a campaign event in the run-up to Sunday's local elections, Krakow, Poland, April 3, 2024

Poland local elections: Voters judge Tusk's first 100 days

With many disappointed at the pace of reform, Donald Tusk faces a first electoral test just over 100 days into his term.

Dont drink the milk Teaser

Dont drink the milk Teaser

Travel Bite: Spicing up the British pub

This week, we reminisce about our beer-fuelled London adventure and get acquainted with desi pubs.

Donald Tusk is seen at the Sejm, smiling

Donald Tusk is seen at the Sejm, smiling

Poland: Tusk's visit to Berlin will be a tightrope walk

Prime Minister Donald Tusk is in Berlin on Monday hoping to rebuild ties, while underlining Poland's new standing.

Poland's newly elected Donald Tusk (R) and members of his cabinet at the inauguration ceremony

Poland's newly elected Donald Tusk (R) and members of his cabinet at the inauguration ceremony

Poland's political tug-of-war heats up

PM Donald Tusk and conservative President Andrzej Duda clash over former conservative officials convicted of corruption.

A view of supporters of right-wing Law and Justice party protesting next to the parliament building in Warsaw

A view of supporters of right-wing Law and Justice party protesting next to the parliament building in Warsaw

Polish president Duda seeking to pardon jailed lawmakers

Mariusz Kaminski and Maciej Wasik were members of the Law and Justice party — the former party of Duda himself.

Supporters of right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party protest the moves by the new pro-European Union government which has taken control of state media, before

Supporters of right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party protest the moves by the new pro-European Union government which has taken control of state media, before

Poland: Duda wants to pardon PiS allies and top politicians

Poland's president says he will pardon two convicted politicians as protesters demand their release in Warsaw.

A protester holds a sign with effigies of detained former MPs Mariusz Kaminski and Maciej Wasik near the Grochow police station, Warsaw, Poland, January 9, 2024

A protester holds a sign with effigies of detained former MPs Mariusz Kaminski and Maciej Wasik near the Grochow police station, Warsaw, Poland, January 9, 2024

Poland: Former govt. ministers on hunger strike after arrest

The former interior minister and his deputy, who were arrested at the presidential palace, have gone on a hunger strike.

Protesters are seeen scuffling at the Grochow police station in Warsaw, Poland on January 9, 2024

Protesters are seeen scuffling at the Grochow police station in Warsaw, Poland on January 9, 2024

Poland: Jailed ex-minister says starting hunger strike

Poland's former Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski has said he's going on hunger strike, a day after a dramatic arrest.

Protesters and police face-off outside the Grochow police station in Warsaw

Protesters and police face-off outside the Grochow police station in Warsaw

Polish police arrest ex-ministers at presidential palace

Their arrest comes amid a dispute between the president and the new government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Police at the Warsaw headquarters of Poland's public broadcaster on December 20

Police at the Warsaw headquarters of Poland's public broadcaster on December 20

Polish media conflict pits government against far right

New Prime Minister Donald Tusk has relaunched Poland's public broadcaster, wresting control from the far right.

Police police seen from back in headquarters of Polish public TV (TVP) in Warsaw

Police police seen from back in headquarters of Polish public TV (TVP) in Warsaw

Poland: Populists protest new government's media reforms

Lawmakers from Poland's former government have protested moves by the new administration to make media more impartial.

Polish PM Donald Tusk forms a heart with his hands after being elected to his position

Polish PM Donald Tusk forms a heart with his hands after being elected to his position

Are Poland's populist bankers a problem for PM Donald Tusk?

With a new government in power in Poland, a strategy of financial nationalism might not leave with the PiS party.

DW Sendung To The Point | Totale

DW Sendung To The Point | Totale

Cutting down the democratic establishment?

How are new types of politicians like Javier Milei or Geert Wilders changing democracy?

Donald Tusk after his government won a vote of confidence

Donald Tusk after his government won a vote of confidence

Poland: Donald Tusk's government wins vote of confidence

Polish premier-designate Donald Tusk outlined his support for the European Union and Ukraine ahead of the vote.

Donald Tusk celebrates after Polish parliament appoints him prime minister

Donald Tusk celebrates after Polish parliament appoints him prime minister

Poland's new PM Tusk sets bold pro-EU agenda in parliament

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk isn’t wasting time. One day after his appointment, he set out his plans.

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki (left) poses with members of his new cabinet after their swearing-in ceremony, Presidential Palace, Warsaw, Poland, November 27, 2023

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki (left) poses with members of his new cabinet after their swearing-in ceremony, Presidential Palace, Warsaw, Poland, November 27, 2023

Poland: A new government with a very short shelf life

Poland's President Andrzej Duda has appointed a government that is highly unlikely to last beyond December 11.

A man passes the entrance to the Sejm (the lower house of the Polish parliament) before the first session of the newly elected Polish parliament in Warsaw, Poland, November 13, 2023

A man passes the entrance to the Sejm (the lower house of the Polish parliament) before the first session of the newly elected Polish parliament in Warsaw, Poland, November 13, 2023

Poland: Opposition politician elected speaker of parliament

At the first session of Poland's new parliament, it was abundantly clear that change is in the air.

Polish President Andrzej Duda (l) and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki (r)

Polish President Andrzej Duda (l) and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki (r)

Poland: PiS government steps down as parliament meets

Prime Minister Morawiecki formally resigned, but now has two weeks to try and form a new government.

Polish President Andrzej Duda (L) meets with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki from Poland's ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party

Polish President Andrzej Duda (L) meets with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki from Poland's ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party

Poland: Will Donald Tusk miss out on forming a government?

Despite a lack of a majority, PiS election loser Mateusz Morawiecki has been tapped to form a government. Why?

Polish President Andrzej Duda (right in picture) and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a NATO press conference. Archive image from October 2023.

Polish President Andrzej Duda (right in picture) and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a NATO press conference. Archive image from October 2023.

Poland: President gives PiS first shot at forming government

This comes despite the ruling PiS party failing to hold its parliamentary majority in last month's vote.

Women wear bright orange wigs at a Civic Coalition rally

Women wear bright orange wigs at a Civic Coalition rally

Were women key to voting out Poland's ruling conservatives?

Poland's restrictive abortion law and a bid to strengthen women's rights likely swayed many voters.

Donald Tusk

Donald Tusk

Poland election: Tusk's opposition alliance secures majority

Official final results in Poland show three opposition parties that campaigned against the ruling party have a majority.

A beaming Donald Tusk surrounded by happy supporters after the announcement of the first exit poll, Warsaw, Poland, October 15, 2023

A beaming Donald Tusk surrounded by happy supporters after the announcement of the first exit poll, Warsaw, Poland, October 15, 2023

Poland: Tusk sets sights on power after close election

Exit polls suggest that Poland's ruling PiS party came first in the election but lost its parliamentary majority.

Polish voters cast their ballot

Polish voters cast their ballot

'Democracy at stake' in Polish elections, opposition says

Poland's opposition is telling voters their country's democracy is at stake in Sunday's parliamentary elections.

Sebastian Wareluk and Wojciech Ostrowski, sporting rainbow colored bags in Warsaw, Poland workshop

Sebastian Wareluk and Wojciech Ostrowski, sporting rainbow colored bags in Warsaw, Poland workshop

Poland's LGBTQ-friendly businesses roll on despite politics

Regardless who wins the upcoming Polish elections, businesses keep embracing the country's growing "pink economy."

People hand out flyers and brochures to churchgoers leaving the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Berlin, October 8, 2023

People hand out flyers and brochures to churchgoers leaving the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Berlin, October 8, 2023

Poles in Germany: Record number to vote in Polish election

About two million Poles live in Germany. Many of them intend to vote in the Polish election on Sunday.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski (right) and Donald Tusk stand smiling side by side a few minutes before a live television debate ahead of the 2007 parliamentary election, Warsaw, Poland, October 12, 2007

Jaroslaw Kaczynski (right) and Donald Tusk stand smiling side by side a few minutes before a live television debate ahead of the 2007 parliamentary election, Warsaw, Poland, October 12, 2007

Poland: Rivals Tusk and Kaczynski go head-to-head once again

For 20 years, politics in Poland has been dominated by two men: Donald Tusk and Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

Two photos of Donald Tusk (left) and Jaroslaw Kaczynski, both looking serious

Two photos of Donald Tusk (left) and Jaroslaw Kaczynski, both looking serious

Poland: Will anti-German rhetoric help PiS stay in power?

The anti-German stance of Poland's ruling party is nothing new, but PiS has stepped up the rhetoric in recent months.

Five candidates for Third Way smile as they hold election flyers

Five candidates for Third Way smile as they hold election flyers

Poland election: Small parties could tip balance of power

Poland's main political rivals — Jaroslaw Kaczynski's PiS and Donald Tusk's PO — will need to form a coalition to win.

external

Poland: How the PiS changed the town where 90% vote for them

Almost 90% of votes in Godziszow, eastern Poland, were for the conservative PiS. How do locals feel about the party now?

Overview of crowds and Warsaw city skyline during the "March of a Million Hearts" (Marsz Miliona Serc) opposition rally.

Overview of crowds and Warsaw city skyline during the "March of a Million Hearts" (Marsz Miliona Serc) opposition rally.

Opposition march in Poland ahead of parliamentary vote

Poland's opposition staged a massive rally ahead of a vote that could determine its future in the European Union.

A hand makes the peace sign in front of a Polish flag during a protest to express support for and solidarity with judge Igor Tuleya, Krakow, Poland, June 6, 2020

A hand makes the peace sign in front of a Polish flag during a protest to express support for and solidarity with judge Igor Tuleya, Krakow, Poland, June 6, 2020

Poland: Taking stock after eight years of PiS government

Polish voters will elect a new parliament in mid-October. After eight years of PiS rule, the country is polarized.

People cross a bridge over the Oder River between Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany

People cross a bridge over the Oder River between Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany

Poland accuses Germany of meddling over visa allegations

Germany's Olaf Scholz had said Warsaw should clarify opposition claims that its consulates sold visas to migrants.

The Polish-Ukrainian border with a line of cars

The Polish-Ukrainian border with a line of cars

Poland's visa scandal: EU wants answers from PiS on bribes

Poland says officials didn't take bribes for visas. But the EU isn't satisfied with the explanations coming from Warsaw.

Soldiers ride a Ukrainian tank near Bakhmut, an eastern city in Ukraine where fierce battles against Russian forces have been ongoing since the full-scale war began in February 2022

Soldiers ride a Ukrainian tank near Bakhmut, an eastern city in Ukraine where fierce battles against Russian forces have been ongoing since the full-scale war began in February 2022

Why is Poland no longer sending arms to Ukraine?

Poland says it will not be sending arms to Ukraine to aid its war with Russia. The spat comes amid a row over exports.

Two people get off a bus; in the background is an opposition election campaign poster featuring an image of Jaroslaw Kaczynski and the words 'I am a threat,' Gliwice, Poland, September 7, 2023

Two people get off a bus; in the background is an opposition election campaign poster featuring an image of Jaroslaw Kaczynski and the words 'I am a threat,' Gliwice, Poland, September 7, 2023

Poland: Will cash-for-visas scandal cost PiS the election?

Polish consulates allegedly issued visas in exchange for bribes. The scale of the corruption has yet to be determined.

A Polish border guard walks down a long dirt road next to a metal wall topped with barbed wire

A Polish border guard walks down a long dirt road next to a metal wall topped with barbed wire

Poland: Political candidates incite xenophobia

In Poland, the ruling PiS party is inciting hatred against migrants to maintain its grip on power.

Donald Tusk, leader of the Civic Platform (PO) party, speaks on a white, heart-shaped stage in front of a massive screen during the Civic Coalition (KO) convention, Tarnow, Poland, September 9, 2023

Donald Tusk, leader of the Civic Platform (PO) party, speaks on a white, heart-shaped stage in front of a massive screen during the Civic Coalition (KO) convention, Tarnow, Poland, September 9, 2023

Poland: Pledges and patriotic slogans as campaign heats up

With just over a month to go until Poland votes, the two front-running parties held conventions at the weekend.

Election pro-turnout posters prepared by Action Democracies and placed in Nowy Kleparz

Election pro-turnout posters prepared by Action Democracies and placed in Nowy Kleparz

Poland's ruling party PiS posts anti-German election ad

Poland's ruling nationalists unveiled an election ad that shows Germany pressuring Warsaw to raise the retirement age.

Polish President Andrzej Duda arrives for the military parade on Armed Forces Day, Warsaw, Poland, August 15, 2023

Polish President Andrzej Duda arrives for the military parade on Armed Forces Day, Warsaw, Poland, August 15, 2023

Poland seeks to deter Russia with huge military parade

Poland is investing hugely in its armed forces. Tuesday's military parade was a message to Russia — and Polish voters.

A poster shows a child with his hand in front of his mouth and includes the slogans 'Give our children back their language!' and 'one is not equal to three'

A poster shows a child with his hand in front of his mouth and includes the slogans 'Give our children back their language!' and 'one is not equal to three'

German classes used as a weapon in Polish election campaign

Poland's German minority is angered by the government's decision to slash German language classes for its community.