Poland is at a crossroads.
It is a kind of laboratory,
where different practices of protest
are being tested against populism.
The beginning of modern Poland was 1989.
We joined Council of Europe. We joined NATO.
We joined the European Union in 2004,
and we are still experiencing strong economic growth.
But there were some people who were left behind.
There was no clear vision for the future of Poland,
and as this void was created,
it was easy for The Law and Justice Party to say,
"We know better what is good for you."
The Government is investing a lot into so called "traditional values”.
Investing into a more egalitarian society,
fighting abusive labour practices
and spending more money on support for families.
These are good ideas, but have
been coupled with institutional reforms.
Independent courts are crucial to 
the functioning of any democracy.
If political pressure makes judges afraid, 
then we do not have an independent judiciary.
With any cases of a political nature,
judges would know that giving a verdict 
that is detrimental to the ruling party,
may cause problems with their career, 
their professional promotion,
or even removal from the court 
or disciplinary sanctions.
As a result, it is more difficult to fight for women's rights,
to fight for LGBT rights,
or for rights that do not represent the 
Government's idea of traditional values.
The Prosecutor's Office is subject 
to political control by the Government.
The public media are serving the 
interests of the Government,
and do not provide a pluralistic view of the world.
Due to massive protests an idea by the Government 
to introduce a total ban on abortion was abandoned.
We saw the emergence of new feminist movements,
and especially the involvement of a 
younger generation into political life.
This brings hope that in the future,
protection of women's rights will be guaranteed.
The constitution has become the unifying force for citizens.
It also became a symbol because 
of a poster designed by Luka Rayski.
He underlines two words, "ty" and "ja",
which means, "you" and "I".
The constitution is for you and it is for me.
Independent courts are crucial to the 
functioning of any democracy.
Without courts you cannot expect 
the proper operation of modern society,
you have no guarantee of the rule of law.
In 2019, we'll have national parliamentary elections,
Those elections will decide if the pendulum 
will swing towards the non-democratic model,
or if the pendulum will swing 
into the European direction.
Becoming once again a strong 
member of the European Union,
and a strong believer in European values 
and liberal democracy.
