Polish isolation in EU could cost PiS government dear

Significance

The Law and Justice (PiS) government has already enacted a bill changing the appointment system for the National Council of the Judiciary and another bill makes the justice minister solely responsible for selecting heads of district and appeal courts. After almost two years in power, the government is defying its critics and remains surprisingly strong and stable. It enjoys high popular support, presides over vigorous economic growth and has a stable working majority.

Impacts

• Relative political stability and favourable economic conditions will encourage investors in the short-to-medium term.
• Concerns over the rule of law, especially judicial independence, may undermine Poland's long-term position.
• Growing political isolation will make it hard for Poland's voice to be heard in debates about the EU's future after Brexit.