Polish election: What matters most to young voters?

Who is going to govern Poland for the next four years? The country's upcoming general elections are important not just for Poland – but also for the European Union. What are today’s challenges for the Polish society? What kind of fears or hopes are shared by young Poles? 

Euronews sent MoJo reporter Hans von der Brelie to find out more about the state of mind of Poland's first-time voters, against a backdrop of major political divisions in the country.

The main opposition force, the liberal-conservative Civic Platform (PO), teamed up with a few smaller parties that share similar pro-European values, including Modern, Greens, and Polish Initiative. 

By creating a common election platform, Civic Coalition (KO), PO opened to centre-left forces and is now considered a political catch-all movement.

The small town of Grójec in eastern Poland is located at the heart of the country's apple-growing region. It was there that we met Jan, a 20-year-old supporter of the Civic Coalition.

Jan became interested in politics when Poland's government introduced highly restrictive abortion laws, sparking huge demonstrations. He was 17 at the time. Three years later, Jan takes part in protests, hands out flyers and hopes for change.

“I don’t like the old generation running our country," he told Euronews.

Jan also argues that more should be done to tackle the climate crisis. The country should “move away from fossil fuels, switching to 100 per cent renewables." 

On the subject of Europe, Jan wants Poland to reconcile with Brussels.  “The European Union means progress," he stated.

The left-wing party, Lewica, gathers social-democratic and socialist ideas. It pushes for a strong social welfare state and equal opportunities for everyone. 

Ahead of the