On the Brink of Populism: Credible Leaders and Unreliable Politicians

Abstract

This article studies the relationship between the lack of ethical inhibitions among populist leaders and the decline in public trust in democratic systems. It analyzes the role of cynical leaders, who are inextricably linked to populism, on the one hand, and emphasizes the role of social movements and civic initiatives in revitalizing democracy, on the other. An illustration of this process is seen in Poland, where after eight years, in 2023, the far‐right bloc led by the populist party Law and Justice was removed from power. The text focuses on activists or social leaders, contrasting them with cynical populist leaders, who have emerged in various democratic systems around the world. Activists play a key role in organizing demonstrations and collective actions, which manifest themselves in various forms: civic initiatives, non‐governmental organizations, and social movements. Typically, social leaders refrain from engaging in so called dirty political games between parties and factions. Additionally, this article examines protest movements in Poland: STOP ACTA, the Committee for the Defense of Democracy, and 3xVeto. The process of social emancipation culminated in the Women's Strike of 2020. This mobilization proved to be a decisive factor in achieving high voter turnout in the 2023 parliamentary elections and the victory of the democratic bloc.