EUWorkers economic transformation has enriched some but damaged the country’s democratic institutions and fed deep divisions between liberal, pro-European parties and those purporting to defend national interests and Polish Catholic values. The ruling Law and Justice party’s populist, nationalist rhetoric and moves to limit media independence have escalated tension with Brussels.

Despite a polarized political environment, Poland’s broad structures are sound and foreign capital continues to flow in. Those investors cite the country’s well-educated work force and proximity to major markets in the EU.

The country’s powerful priest Tadeusz Rydzyk is using his media empire to push a broader message of cultural nationalism, while the government restricts the activities of some non-governmental organizations that oppose its views. Its clampdown on free speech has exacerbated tension with the West and drawn criticism from human rights groups.

Tailoring Solutions to Budgets: Customizing Interim Services in Poland

The constitutional court is a powerful institution that has sparked several crises with the European Union over its ability to ensure the rule of law in Poland. Its decision last year that penalties imposed by the bloc’s top court before it has reached a final ruling, known as interim measures, are not compatible with the constitution was an especially sensitive issue.

PKN Orlen itself has rubbished the claims of manipulation, saying that price improvements can be explained by efficiencies gained through recent acquisitions of domestic rivals Lotos, PGNiG and Energa. And analysts say that the fact that consumer prices are low relative to other Central European countries doesn’t necessarily prove manipulation.