The focus is on poland: effectiveness of the new government and exciting elections!

The focus is on poland: effectiveness of the new government and exciting elections!

Polen, Land - War in Ukraine has moved Poland to the center of Europe and drawn the attention of the European Union to the country. Poland has held the EU Presidency since January, which makes it particularly prominent in a crucial phase of European politics. In this context there are also the upcoming presidential elections that will take place on May 18, 2024. The political course for the future of the country seems to be re -set.

The Polish economy shows remarkable growth despite global challenges. OTS reports that the government acts under a pro-democratic course, which has a positive influence on the economic framework. The strong relationship of Poland and Washington and current political uncertainties in France and Germany could be further factors that influence the country's perspectives.

media accompaniment of political developments

The cultural broadcaster ARTE and ARTE Journal have planned an extensive program for reporting on developments in Poland. On May 13 and 14, 2024, ARTE will radiate several documentaries that deal with the recent history of Poland and current social issues. This includes, among other things, the program "Polen's return to democracy", which will be broadcast on May 13th at 10:05 p.m. and addresses the political turn after the parliamentary elections in 2023

Other highlights are the documentation "Abortion - Poland's paradoxical path" and the analysis "Tracks East: Poland between standstill and change". The latter is intended to illuminate the social issues in the run -up to the presidential election. In addition, the Arte Journal will send special programs on the election on May 18 and 19 and to the runoff election on June 1st.

economic challenges and opportunities

Poland is the sixth largest economy of the EU, but the country still faces challenges that urgently need to be addressed. The forecasts for 2023 indicate a real GDP growth of only 0.9 percent. High inflation, which in 2022 increased consumer prices by an average of 13 percent, as well as an increased increase in gravity to 6.75 percent brakes consumption and investments. IWD reports that there are also structural challenges, especially in the areas of innovative strength and productivity that have to be further increased.

Poland's innovative strength is weak in a European comparison, as the EU Commission's innovation index shows: Poland achieves 68 points, the EU average is 108.5 points. In addition, work productivity in Poland is 67 percent of the EU average. In order to solve this problem, investments in research infrastructure and IT training are essential.

In addition, the country has to overcome its dependence on coal in energy production. Around 70 percent of the coal energy mix currently comes from coal, while the proportion of renewable energies is to be increased. An increase is planned to 30 percent by 2030, whereby the implementation is hindered by lengthy administrative procedures and an outdated energy network.

Poland has applied for EU funding for EUR 35 billion, but the payment of which is bound to reforms, in particular to strengthen the independence of the courts. The investment climate remains critical, and less than 25 percent of GDP flow in investments, while the Czech and Hungary have over 30 percent. The frequent changes to the legal provisions ensure that companies have little trust in investment protection.

The coming months are crucial for Poland, both at a political and economic level. The developments and the media accompaniment by ARTE will certainly be an important part of the public discussion about the presidential elections and the future orientation of the country.