The political situation in Poland seem to have deteriorated after the latest events, especially the witch-hunt for for ex-communists. The government's practice of scanning the whole society after former collaborators to the communist regime is not beneficial in the long run, since the entire society in some way or another was dependent on the regime. It is a futile attempt to rid the country of "intolerable elements" which will do more harm and good to national unity and reconciliation with the Polish past. Moreover, the witch-hunt comes concurrent with something that looks like a crack-down on the courts auhority and the independence of the judiciary, along with an increasing corruption in the administration. According to some, it seems that Poland is in a way divided in two: in the left ringside is the ultraconservative ruling party, eagerly supported by far-right organizations and antisemites; on the right side is the tolerant, open and courageous Poland which seems to be losing ground in the battle.
A quick glance at Poland's history gives some explanations for the present situation - a battleground in WWI, crushed by the Germans in WWII, ockupied by the Russians subsequently and the rule of an oppressive communist regime lasting over 40 years. But that should not be allowed to spoil what the Poles has achieved: Democracy and human rights, freedom of speech and membership in the EU.
The EU must be tougher on the Polish goverment and consider political sanctions of some kind if the Poles continue on their path. It is not sufficient with verbal criticism, what is needed is action.
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