The construction of the alternative universe of PiS, that I described few years back in my first article for Britske Listy (English version here), was an overwhelming success. This system of interlocking conspiracy theories and alternative version of history appeals to many Poles, who believe in it. And “believe” is the right word here, as similarities […]
Author: Tomasz Oryński
Cumbrae – the most easily accessible of Scottish islands
Visiting Scottish islands is an one of it’s kind experience. They offer an unique atmosphere – without leaving the country you can feel far away from everything. On one side you are still close to the civilisation, but on the other nature is just at arm’s lenght… But getting to Scottish islands is not always […]
Polish media under fire. A great transformation, or a standard changing of the guard?
The overall transformation from public to national media seems to be an indispensable part of PiS’ “conservative revolution”. But Europe looks with worry upon the new Polish government’s introducing new laws, purging the public media and attempting to smother criticism. Changes have never been conducted with such great momentum, on such a scale and with […]
20 miles to heaven
Mariusz “Pudzian” Pudzianowski, a former strongman champion and MMA fighter owns a transport company. Annoyed by the situation in which migrants in Calais try get past that last 20 miles that separate them from Great Britain by breaking into the lorries and by the fact that hauliers are left to face the consequences (including a hefty fines […]
Let’s go to the sea – Inverclyde and North Ayrshire
Most of resident of Scotland I know agree, that weather here is not as bad as it’s commonly thought. Many of them actually likes Scottish climate, but let’s be honest: everyone sometimes feels an urge to go to the sea, to lie on the beach, walk along the esplanade with insanely huge ice cream cone […]
Going south from Glasgow
The usual direction of sightseeing trips that start in Glasgow is North. No wonder, if we remember, that by less than one hour drive you can be in such beautiful places like Loch Lomond or Loch Katrine, see beautiful Aberfoyle, visit Rob Roy’s grave in Balquihidder or visit historic monuments of Stirling. But the opposite […]
The noise of PiS’ barrel organs
“Poles of worst sort”, as Jarosław Kaczyński branded those, who inform foreign media about the situation in the country, have suceeded in their attempts to bring Polish issues to the attention of the rest of Europe. EU institutions are now taking a closer look on Law and Justice (PiS) actions and disrespect to the constitution. […]
Waszczykowski’s method
Internets, in Poland and abroad, are having a good laugh at the expense of the Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski, who, in his recent interview with German tabloid Bild, stated, that new Polish government is willing to cure Poland from disease of veganism and cyclism. The Minister defends himself by claims, that he had to […]
PiS is crossing the Rubicon
It cannot be stressed enough how extremely significant PiS’ actions are: we are witnessing the most important events in Polish politics since 1989 that might mean a complete rejection of the democratic mechanisms introduced by governments of Tadeusz Mazowiecki and his successors. One has to remember, that the new statute of the parliament is already […]
The mutiny of the lemmings
In last month’s parliamentary elections in Poland, the right-wing Law and Justice Party won a clear majority. With the opposition abated, they are now setting their sights on rewriting the constitution and dramatically changing the Polish political system. But will they succeed? This article was written for Visegrad Revue When Visegrad Revue asked me to […]