Third Way (Poland)
The Third Way (Trzecia Droga) is a Polish political coalition formed in 2023 consisting of the Polish People's Party (Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe, PSL) and Poland 2050 (Polska 2050). The coalition was established with the aim of contesting the 2023 parliamentary election and providing an alternative to both the ruling Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS) party and the main opposition coalition led by Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska, PO).
The Polish People's Party is a centre-right agrarian party with a long history in Polish politics, traditionally representing the interests of rural communities and farmers. Poland 2050 is a centrist and progressive political party founded by Szymon Hołownia, a former television personality and independent presidential candidate in 2020.
The Third Way's platform generally focuses on issues such as:
- Decentralization of Power: Advocating for greater autonomy for local governments and communities.
- Environmental Protection: Promoting policies related to renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate change mitigation.
- Economic Development: Supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and a balanced approach to economic growth that considers both social and environmental factors.
- Healthcare Reform: Improving access to healthcare services and addressing the challenges facing the Polish healthcare system.
- European Integration: Expressing support for Poland's membership in the European Union and advocating for closer cooperation with other EU member states.
- Social Issues: Generally presenting a more moderate and centrist approach compared to the more socially conservative Law and Justice party.
The coalition was formed in response to a perceived polarization of Polish politics and a desire to offer voters a more moderate and pragmatic alternative. The name "Third Way" reflects the coalition's intention to position itself between the two main political blocs in Poland. Their performance in the 2023 parliamentary election was a key factor in the outcome, contributing to the end of Law and Justice's eight-year rule and facilitating the formation of a new government coalition.