Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter

Election posters adorn a railway bridge in central Warsaw

Poland's election: What is at stake?

Poles are voting tomorrow in a closely contested election between the ruling nationalist-populist Law and Justice party and the main centrist opposition, Civic Coalition. In a polarised campaign, voter turn out will be key to deciding who forms the country's next government.

Poland • 14 Oct 23

Slawomir Mentzen speaks on stage at the Koneser Center in Warsaw last weekend.

Poland's far-right politician builds support on TikTok

Poland's far-right Confederation party is polling at 9% ahead of this Sunday's general election. Its co-leader Slawomir Mentzen has amassed almost 800,000 followers on TikTok and increased the party's support among young male voters.

Europe • 12 Oct 23

People watch last night's debate outside public broadcaster TVP's studio in Warsaw

Largest parties fail to shine in Polish election debate

Leaders from Poland's six main parties went head-to-head last night in a final televised debate before next Sunday's parliamentary election. A rigid format requiring quick answers did not suit the leaders of the two main parties.

Poland • 10 Oct 23

Peter Pellegrini, leader of social democrats HLAS, is key to deciding the shape of Slovakia's next coalition government

Slovakia's kingmaker party holds key to coalition talks

Talks at forming a coalition government are under way in Slovakia after populist party SMER, led by former prime minister Robert Fico, won the largest number of seats in last weekend's election.

Slovakia • 07 Oct 23

Donald Tusk, leader of Poland's main centrist opposition, speaking at a campaign rally this week in Otwock, Poland

Can Donald Tusk's opposition win the Polish election?

Former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will lead an opposition march in Warsaw today. Two weeks ahead of national elections, organisers are hoping for a turnout of one million supporters in a bid to show strong support for the opposition and win over undecided voters.

Poland • 01 Oct 23

Supporters of the opposition Civic Coalition at a recent campaign rally in Gdansk

Campaigning intensifies in race to Poland's elections

Three weeks of campaigning remain ahead of Poland's elections on 15 October in what has become a bitterly contested race between the ruling right-wing party and the main centrist opposition.

Poland • 24 Sep 23

Polish minister for foreign affairs Zbigniew Rau said reports of the case had been exaggerated

Polish investigation into alleged cash for visas case

Poland's National Prosecutor's Office is investigating allegations of malpractice involving the issuance of visas by private companies working for the country's ministry of foreign affairs. The government has labelled opposition claims that the practice was widespread as exaggerated.

Europe • 18 Sep 23

A Polish farmer loads harvested wheat grain into a trailer in Torun, central Poland

Poland to extend ban on Ukrainian grain imports

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said his government will extend a ban on Ukrainian grain imports beyond 15 September, regardless of any decision taken by the European Commission.

Ukraine • 13 Sep 23

Zbigniew Ziobro's comments come during early campaigning for closely-contested parliamentary and senate elections (file image)

Polish justice minister in dispute over migrant film

Poland's justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro this week compared a new Polish film about migrants to Nazi-era propaganda. One month ahead of a parliamentary election, the country's right-wing government has placed its opposition to "illegal immigration" front and centre of its campaign.

Poland • 09 Sep 23

Ukraine is one of the largest producers of grain in the world (file image)

What is the Black Sea Grain Initiative?

A Turkish and UN-brokered initiative last year enabled Ukrainian grain exports to transit through the Black Sea and on to the rest of the world, helping to ensure food security for many developing countries. Efforts are continuing to revive the deal after Russia withdrew its participation in July.

World • 05 Sep 23