After the parliamentary elections in Poland in 2023 Critical analysis of right-wing parties in the context of Catholic social teaching and applied theology. Discussion article

Abstract

The topic of this article is to examine the situation on the Polish political scene after the 2023 elections. Knowledge of Catholic social teaching with a focus on applied theology was used for the analyses. The main issue focused on a critical assessment of the right-wing parties with an indication of the reasons for their electoral defeat. The article was also concerned with emphasising the importance of active participation of Catholics in politics. They should be guided in their social involvement by the common good, which requires respect for the principle of justice. This is also in line with the right to religious freedom, which institutionally respects the autonomy of Church and State, while allowing Catholics to be guided by revealed truth and Church teachings in political activity. Since the 2023 elections have not resolved the problem of political leadership in Poland, neither party-way nor personally, it is likely that there will be early parliamentary elections in the short term.