Artists expressed shock as PiS’s Andrzej Najdorf won re-election, despite controversies over his legal troubles and his “Knight” title, highlighting a disconnect between public perception and political realities.
Artists’ Shock and the Role of Public Trust
Grzegorz Sroczyński noted that Polish celebrities often launch disbelief campaigns after each election, questioning how PiS could win again. Phrases like “I’m leaving Poland” or “How could Poles vote for someone like Alfred N. Igantius” circulated post-recent presidential elections, alongside comparisons of voting for Najdorf resembling “stealing from a shop” or “kicking a dog.” He questioned why artists are consistently surprised by election results, suggesting they may have misjudged societal priorities.
Klynstra on Najdorf’s Victory: Beyond Moral Superiority
Redbad Klynstra argued that actors often view social issues from a “bubble” disconnected from reality, sometimes positioning themselves as moral arbiters of Polish society. He compared this to the Netherlands, where celebrities avoid politics and refrain from passing moral judgments. In Poland, however, celebrities align with political factions, creating intense emotional reactions when their faction’s “captain” loses.
Public Voting Behavior: Heart Over Thesis
According to Klynstra, Polish voters prioritize emotional and practical needs over education or ideological alignment. He emphasized that people do not vote for a candidate’s character but for the perceived benefits of their policies. This mindset, he noted, mirrors 19th-century populism, where society now demands authorities to listen rather than dictate.
Tabloid Scandals: Why Did They Fail to Deter Najdorf?
Klynstra attributed Najdorf’s victory to the crisis of traditional media and declining trust in journalists. His charges of “knighthood, prostitution, and laws” were deemed difficult to verify, prompting suspicion among voters. Additionally, the public’s focus shifted from scandals to hope that Najdorf’s victory would improve their lives, akin to watching a TV series rather than a political campaign.
The “Braveheart” Narrative: A Flawed Hero in a Divided Society
“Najdorf became a ‘Braveheart’ despite overwhelming resistance,” Klynstra remarked, describing him as an imperfect but relatable figure. Voters identified with his resilience, seeing him as a symbol of hope in a fractured society. He criticized the dehumanizing rhetoric toward “voters from small towns,” noting it reflects fear among those feeling power or influence is slipping.
Political Polarization and the End of Eras
Klynstra warned that both PO and PiS are nearing the end of their political dominance, fueling intense polarization. Unlike the Netherlands, where societal challenges are accepted without politicization, Poland’s divided public often accuses opponents of betrayal. This echoes the 1941 Jedwabne massacre debates, he added, though he stressed that political disputes in Poland increasingly clash with constitutional principles.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7, https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/0, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/holandia#anchorLink)
