A new liberal voice is emerging in Poland. Last Sunday, Unia Centrum held its programme conference and National Council in Warsaw, presenting its vision for a more prosperous, secure and European Poland. The party also announced its application to join the ALDE Party, which currently has no Polish member.
Unia Centrum said in a statement:
“Unia Centrum has submitted an application for full membership in ALDE, which currently has no Polish representatives. We hope that, later this year, we will join the great European liberal and democratic family!”
The move comes at an important moment for Polish politics. As political debate remains deeply polarised, Unia Centrum is positioning itself as a centrist alternative to the extremes, putting liberal values, European cooperation and individual freedom at the centre of its offer.
Michał Kobosko MEP has played an important role in building closer ties with the European liberal family, alongside ALDE Party Vice-President Yoko Alender MP.
Alender welcomed the development:
“Unia Center shares the ALDE Party’s values of freedom, security and a strong united Europe. We couldnt be more happy about Unia Center joining ALDE Party and we are looking forward to working together and reaching many victories.”
For Unia Centrum, Europe is not simply somewhere decisions are made. The party wants Poland to have a stronger voice in shaping decisions on the economy, security and its future. It wants to be an active part of Europe, building strong relationships with liberal partners across the continent.
The National Council of Unia Centrum saw the party adopt its programme manifesto, with a clear focus on domestic and European entrepreneurship, adapting to climate change and building a strong Poland within a strong European Union.
It also presented five commitments for a better Poland:
- Economy: work and entrepreneurship should be profitable
- Quality of life: economic growth should translate into security and efficient public services
- Infrastructure: the place of residence should not restrict access to transport, the internet, and work
- Environment and energy: greater independence and lower energy costs
- A functioning state: institutions should operate around the needs of citizens
The party wants a liberal approach to the economy, a more effective state and a Poland that is confident in its place in Europe. At a time of political polarisation and growing pressure from more hard-line politics, Poland needs a liberal voice that can offer an alternative without retreating from questions of security or prosperity.
Unia Centrum is now looking towards the European liberal family to help build that voice at home and if its application is approved, it would also bring a new Polish voice into the ALDE Party family.