Last Friday, Bronisław Komorowski was officially sworn in as Poland’s next president. Even though the campaign is over, political mudslinging and party animosity continues, as demonstrated by recent clashes over a cross erected in front of the presidential palace to commemorate the plane crash that killed President Kaczyński, First Lady Maria Kaczyńska and 94 others.

Having benefited from Poland’s ability to withstand the worst of the global financial crisis, Civic Platform (PO) and President Komorowski campaigned on the promise of a modern, competent government and continued economic and structural reforms. One of the main arguments against voting for Jarosław Kaczyński and PiS was that critical legislative proposals would risk being vetoed, and therefore, stifle Poland’s economic recovery and social development.

Now that Mr Komorowski is president, all eyes will be on PO and their ability to successfully tackle Poland’s major challenges, including the rising deficit, unemployment, tax reform, social transfers and economic competitiveness. The government’s response to recent floods in southern Poland, and especially its ability to assist (and compensate) flood victims, will also determine the government’s capacity and credibility for crisis management. This summer’s floods have caused approximately €2.9 billion in damage and affected over a quarter of a million inhabitants. In addition, thousands of kilometers of regional and local roads (including bridges) have been destroyed, adding to Poland’s long-standing infrastructure woes. Let’s not forget the Euro 2012 soccer championship is just around the corner.

More importantly, the Komorowski victory will be a major test for PO before parliamentary elections take place in October 2011. On the one hand real tangible reforms cannot come without austerity measures and some social pain, as evidenced throughout Europe. On the other, the Polish electorates’ tolerance for additional public-spending cuts and growing financial burdens is waning.

In both cases, inaction risks tarnishing PO’s reform credentials. If President Komorowski fails voters’ expectations, this will only embolden PiS and draw new supporters. The August break will soon be over and it will be time to get to work. PO’s plate already looks full.

 

As Poland's presidential race reaches its climax this weekend, much has been said about the country's political divide. Many suggest that voters are deeply split over the direction Poland should take, with debates centered on whether Poland should be "modern" or traditional, eucentric or independent, secular or religious. Equally, both Polish and foreign media has played up the socio-economic differences between voters. In some cases the media has pitted urban against rural, free market beneficiaries against post-transition losers, young against old.

Interestingly, Poland's political divide is also felt across the Atlantic. The Polish diaspora in the US and Canada, numbering approximately 12 million, voted overwhelmingly for Jarosław Kaczyński in the first round. Many are conservative and fled Poland after 1945 due to their anti-communist beliefs and continue to feel resentment towards the embedded remnants of the former Party system. Most felt Kaczyński was the better candidate to represent Poland and preserve its national interests. This has angered some who question the validity and right of those living outside Poland (most on a permanent basis) to vote on its future political leadership.

These internal divisions create unnecessary noise, and mean participants miss the bigger picture. Poles have an enormous amount to gain and lose in this election. Amid the personal jabs and political squabbles there are difficult policy choices on the horizon, related to: public debt, national security, EU relations and euro adoption, energy policy, the economy, pensions, healthcare and education reform. They will affect each and every citizen across the political spectrum for years (perhaps generations) to come.

It is imperative that Polish voters show some sophistication and vote on the substantive issues, the candidates' platforms and ultimately for the candidate that will help lead Poland into a more secure and prosperous future. I am sure at least on this point we can all agree.