Number: RS22509
Title: Poland: Background and Policy Trends of the Kaczynski Government
Authors: Carl Ek, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Poland held presidential and parliamentary elections in the fall of 2005. After several months, a ruling coalition consisting of three populist-nationalist parties was formed; the presidency and prime minister's post are held by Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski, identical twin brothers who have increasingly consolidated their power. Their government's nationalist policies have caused controversy domestically, in both the political and economic arenas, and in foreign relations as well. Relations with some neighboring states and the European Union have been strained at times, but ties with the United States have not undergone significant change. Some observers believe that a recent dispute within the coalition may spark early elections.
Pages: 6
Date: August 2, 2007