Poland postpones presidential election amid pressure over coronavirus

May 07, 2020

Poland’s governing parties reached an agreement on Wednesday to postpone the country’s presidential election, which was due to take place on Sunday.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, and coalition partner leader Jaroslaw Gowin announced the move in a joint statement.

The two called the decision “a solution that will guarantee Poles the opportunity to participate in democratic elections.”

A new date for the election has not been set yet, but will be announced “as soon as possible.”

“Having in mind Poles’ safety, due to the epidemic, the elections will be held by postal vote,” they said.

Read more: EU condemns attacks on press freedom during COVID-19 crisis

Ruling party under pressure

The decision came after the PiS faced backlash — including among its own ranks — over its push to hold the vote as scheduled despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Opinion polls suggested that PiS-allied President Andrzej Duda could currently secure 50% of the vote and snag a first-round victory.

In a bid to keep the May 10 date, the ruling party sought to make it a short-notice postal vote. The mail-in-ballot plans were heavily criticized amid concerns that the hastily thrown together election might not hold up to democratic standards.

Critics noted that due to the COVID-19 lockdown measures, there had been an absence of electoral campaigning and democratic debate. Unlike other candidates, President Duda was still able to continue campaigning while carrying out his official duties.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

Welcome Back!

Shops across Europe were forced to close their doors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including this fashion store on Makarios Avenue in downtown Nicosia, Cyprus. A stay-at-home order had been in place on the island since late March. On May 4 President Nicos Anastasiades allowed construction sites and small retail stores to open again. People should be able to move freely again on May 21.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

Beach days are back

People in Portugal are now able to enjoy strolling along the beach again. Under the country’s state of emergency, which was introduced on March 18, beaches were shut, along with non-essential businesses and restaurants. People were still able to go outdoors and exercise, but now have more freedom to go to shops and hairdressers. However, face masks are still required in closed spaces.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

Time for a trim

Hairdressers were also allowed to reopen in Greece on May 4, including this salon in Athens. Other businesses to open up after a six-week lockdown include florists, bookstores and other small stores. Restaurants and bars will have to wait until the end of the month. Greeks can also leave their homes without needing a form stating their reason, but face masks are mandatory in public transport.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

Face mask to ride

Rules requiring face masks on public transport are now commonplace throughout Europe. In Hungary’s capital Budapest, transport workers were offering travelers masks at Nyugati Square. Budapest remains under stricter restrictions than the rest of the country. Other cities can begin to open up some stores, museums and public spaces.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

Out and about

Public spaces in Spain had been deserted. For 48 days residents were not allowed to leave their homes except for food, medical reasons, or to walk the dog. Restrictions and social distancing rules are still strict, but people are finally able to go out for exercise. People in the capital Madrid pounced on the opportunity.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

Back to work

Italy was also under an extremely strict lockdown, with people only allowed to go out for very limited reasons. But on May 4 it slowly began to allow some people to return to work, under social distancing conditions. Workers at a shoe factory in Castelnuovo Vomano, in Teramo province, have to work wearing face masks and separated by plastic screens. Construction workers can also return to sites.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

Paying respects

The lifting of restrictions in Italy also allows up to 15 people to attend a funeral, albeit while wearing masks. During its lockdown, Italy banned funerals to stop the spread of COVID-19, which denied many people the chance to say goodbye to loved ones.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

School’s in

Austria is making sure 100,000 final-year students are able to return to school before their leavers’ exams. Teachers like Richard Fischer in Vienna handed out medical face masks to students before the start of lessons. The country is also allowing people to visit relatives in care homes again. Small shops and other businesses were already allowed to reopen on April 14.

Coronavirus: Europe slowly begins to wake up

Up and running

In Germany professional footballers have been in training, despite competitions currently being suspended. Like other clubs, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have been putting their players through their paces, albeit only in small groups. The Bundesliga is targeting May 15 to restart, the first major European league to do so. Fans won’t be allowed into stadiums, however.

Author: Alex Matthews