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Reversing Democratic Backsliding: Experiences from Poland

24 October 2025

09:00 - 10:30 CEST

International IDEA Headquarters, Stockholm

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Constitution-Building and the Rule of Law Political Participation and Representation Democracy Assessment

Poland’s democracy has undergone severe challenges over the past decade. The erosion of checks and balances and the weakening of judicial independence became a source of political contestation at home and abroad. The 2023 election, however, brought in a new government committed to restoring Poland’s democratic standards and adherence to the rule of law.

While the Civic Coalition’s win was celebrated across Poland and Europe as a turning point for the country, the reality has been far more complex. The new government was confronted with the sobering task of unravelling years of democratic backsliding. What practical steps are required to rebuild democratic institutions? Who makes those decisions? And what is the role of citizens in shaping the future of democracy in their home country?

Join us for an event featuring a keynote speech by Poland’s Minister of Justice, Waldemar Żurek, followed by a panel discussion. At a time of global democratic decline, Poland’s experience offers important lessons on the choices and challenges involved in rebuilding democratic institutions.

Agenda

Welcome Remarks
• Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General, International IDEA
• Karolina Ostrzyniewska, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Sweden

Keynote Speech
• Honorable Waldemar Żurek, Minister of Justice, Republic of Poland

Discussion
• Ms. Charlotte Kugelberg, State Secretary to Minister for Justice, Kingdom of Sweden
• Mr. Dariusz Mazur, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Justice, Republic of Poland
• Moderated by Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General, International IDEA

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