One Polish mayor is taking a stand against his country’s Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) – the ruling right-wing party, which has been accused by critics in Warsaw and Brussels of passing reforms that threaten the rule of law. On September 4, Robert Biedron launched what he calls a “pro-democratic” political movement.
The move by Biedron, an openly gay and very popular mayor of the northern town of Slupsk, comes as Poland gears up for four elections.
“Our number one goal is for pro-democratic forces to win in Poland with our group, our political force in the forefront,” Biedron, 42, told reporters on in central Warsaw.
As reported by the Agence France-Presse (AFP), he launched a nationwide tour that he said will culminate in February with the launch of a “new political project” ahead of May elections to the European parliament.
“I’m calling on those who voted for Law and Justice and have become disillusioned with it… both my feet are in the pro-democratic camp,” Biedron said, describing his movement as “progressive”.
Biedron said his bid was inspired, among others, by the progressive “En Marche!” movement that propelled its head Emmanuel Macron to the French presidency last year.
“I’m ready to speak with everyone who respects the Polish constitution – for me, that’s the most important,” he added at a press conference called on the Polish capital’s Constitution Square.
