History UsefulNotes / StandardEuropeanPoliticalLandscape

** At the European level: ''European Free Alliance (EFA)''[[note]]Sides with the Greens in the EU Parliament[[/note]]

** At the European level: ''European People's Party (EPP)'' (again), ''European Christian Political Movement (ECPM)''[[note]]Compared to the former party, this one is more euroskeptical and usually much more conservative on social issues. Sides with the ECR in the EU Parliament[[/note]]

** '''Right-Wing Populists''': Right-wing populist parties usually dislike the same things as far-right parties in general do, but they put much effort into looking presentable and spend a lot of their time distancing themselves from neo-Nazis and neo-fascists. Most either come straight from the far right tradition, descend from splinter groups of classical liberal parties, or are the creations of a charismatic leader without much of an ideology other than discontentment with the status quo. Interestingly, parties who have managed to evolve from fringe nationalist groups tend to be pro-Israel and strongly condemn anti-Semitism.[[note]]This could be either a clever way to root out extremists, avoiding historical comparisons and/or embracing the increasingly nationalistic Israeli state as a positive role model for European nation states.[[/note]] Right-wing populist parties attract many voters who are in some way dissatisfied with the established/traditional political parties.[[note]]National Conservatives are often lumped in with these, but are not necessarily economically right-wing.[[/note]]

** In former Soviet Bloc countries, Social Democrat parties are often the direct descendants of ''the'' Party, the former communists having accepted their loss of supremacy and rebranding themselves as just another party among many. Thirty years down the line these are similar to their Western counterparts, but may differ by any or all of the following: a reputation for corruption stemming from their past, an inherited but slowly decaying solid voter base made of the nostalgics of the old regime, and/or a fraught relationship with other leftist parties which may be either hardliner split-offs or idealistic young leftists who lack the historical baggage and possibly see them as washed-out has-beens.

** In former Soviet Bloc countries, Social Democrat parties are often the direct descendants of ''the'' Party, the former communists having accepted their loss of supremacy and rebranding themselves as just another party among many. Thirty years down the line these are similar to their Western counterparts, but may differ by any or all of the following: a reputation for corruption stemming from their past, an inherited but slowly decaying solid voter base made of the nostalgics of the old regime, and/or a fraught relationship with Far Left parties which may be either hardliner split-offs or idealistic young leftists who lack the historical baggage and possibly see them as washed-out has-beens.

* Far Right: ''Konfederacja Wolność i Niepodległość'' (Confederation Liberty and Independence) -- an alliance of right-libertarians and right-wing nationalists. All about reducing the state to basic functions, minimal taxes and complete deregulation, as well as hardcore social conservatism and extreme Euroscepticism. Hardcore Catholic, but prefer the fringe traditionalists to the institutional Church. Its right-libertarian wing [[EternalSeptember used to be notable]] for its [[PeripheryDemographic extreme popularity on the Internet]], but not so anymore now that Internet access became commonplace, while its nationalist wing grew out of various neo-fascist and fringe right factions which chose to leave their thug days behind and make themselves somewhat presentable.

* Far Right: ''Konfederacja Wolność i Niepodległość'' (Confederation Liberty and Independence) -- an alliance of right-libertarians and right-wing nationalists. All about reducing the state to basic functions, minimal taxes and complete deregulation, as well as hardcore social conservatism and extreme Euroscepticism. Hardcore Catholic, but prefer the fringe traditionalists to the institutional Church. Its right-libertarian wing used to be notable for its [[PeripheryDemographic extreme popularity on the Internet]], but not so anymore now that Internet access became commonplace, while its nationalist wing grew out of various neo-fascist and fringe right factions which chose to leave their thug days behind and make themselves somewhat presentable.

** ''Solidarna Polska'' (United Poland) -- a copy of [=PiS=] started by a bunch of angry young wolves who were kicked out of [=PiS=] for questioning the leadership. After poor perfomance in 2014 European Parliament election it got re-absorbed into [=PiS=] in all but name. Differentiates itself by more aggression, more populism, and willingness to be overally being more extreme than [=PiS=].
* Christian Democrats: ''Polska 2050'' (Poland 2050) -- a newcomer faction founded by a liberal Catholic journalist Szymon Hołownia, who after a good run in 2020 presidential election decided to channel his support into the Sejm. Pro-free market and consciously Catholic but liberal about it, although as a newcomer on the scene it is yet to unfold.

* '''Social Democrats''': Almost always the principal left-wing party, and the direct opponents of the Classical Liberals[[note]]Actually, there is some overlap with those ones (especially when they are less significant than other right-of-centre parties and/or have a ''de facto'' Progressive Liberal wing) as they're both relatively liberal on social issues, but otherwise, coalitions including them tend to be highly circumstantial and would need serious compromises on economic policy.[[/note]] and/or Conservatives. They will often have "Labour" or "Workers'" in their name, indicating their roots in the 19th-century working-class struggle for higher wages, decent working conditions, and a social safety net. (In former Soviet Bloc countries, instead, they often are direct descendants of the Party.) They are clearly on the left, but not radically so, on both economic and social issues. Many of them made a move to the economic right in TheNineties (the "Third Way"), but most have returned to their left-wing roots since.

* '''Social Democrats''': Almost always the principal left-wing party, and the direct opponents of the Classical Liberals[[note]]Actually, there is some overlap with those ones (especially when they are less significant than other right-of-centre parties and have a ''de facto'' Progressive Liberal wing) as they're both relatively liberal on social issues, but otherwise, coalitions including them tend to be circumstantial and need serious compromises on economic policy.[[/note]] and/or Conservatives. They will often have "Labour" or "Workers'" in their name, indicating their roots in the 19th-century working-class struggle for higher wages, decent working conditions, and a social safety net. (In former Soviet Bloc countries, instead, they often are direct descendants of the Party.) They are clearly on the left, but not radically so, on both economic and social issues. Many of them made a move to the economic right in TheNineties (the "Third Way"), but most have returned to their left-wing roots since.

* '''Social Democrats''': Almost always the principal left-wing party, and the direct opponents of the Classical Liberals and/or Conservatives. They will often have "Labour" or "Workers'" in their name, indicating their roots in the 19th-century working-class struggle for higher wages, decent working conditions, and a social safety net. (In former Soviet Bloc countries, instead, they often are direct descendants of the Party.) They are clearly on the left, but not radically so, on both economic and social issues. Many of them made a move to the economic right in TheNineties (the "Third Way"), but most have returned to their left-wing roots since.

* Social Democrats: ''Parti Socialiste (PS)'' (Socialist Party).

Note: The influence of the Catholic Church moves Poland's politics a few ticks to the right from the rest of the pack, hence the unusual alignment.
* Far Right: ''Koalicja Odnowy Rzeczypospolitej Wolność i Nadzieja'' (Coalition for the Renewal of the Republic - Liberty and Hope) -- classical liberal party. All about reducing the state to basic functions, minimal taxes and complete deregulation. They're also socially conservative and extremely Eurosceptic. The newest in a long string of parties led by Janusz Korwin-Mikke,[[note]]Hence the unwieldy name, it had to fit the acronym KORWIN.[[/note]] a politician and pundit very open about his hatred of democracy. Eternally outside of the Sejm, aside from being present in the first term of office, but [[PeripheryDemographic highly popular on the Internet]]. As of late 2014, their leader became a [=MEP=], and until 2015 they had a sole Sejm representative, who defected from [=PiS=].
* Right-wing Populists( National Conservatives): ''Prawo i Sprawiedliwość'' (Law and Justice) -- Combines social conservatism, populist leftist economics (higher taxes on the rich,[[note]]Poland being Poland, they actually lowered taxes when they were in power.[[/note]] overt Catholic Church influence, lowering the retirement age, occasionally talks about nationalising banks), mild Euroscepticism (keen on getting EU money, but not so keen on following EU directives), and a tough stance on law and order, particularly corruption. Spent the years 2007-2015 in opposition due to their tiresomely aggressive rhetorics, but making a comeback now that the economy is in trouble and Middle Eastern immigration became a closer (but still relatively unlikely) possibility. Infamous for accusing the government of conspiring with Russia to assassinate the [=PiS=]-aligned former president [[ItsPersonal (who was party leaders twin brother)]], who died in a plane crash (see: conspiracy theories).
** ''Solidarna Polska'' (United Poland): A copy of [=PiS=] started by [=MPs=] who were kicked out of [=PiS=] for questioning the leadership. Basically [=PiS=] with less conspiracy theorism and the odium of [[WeAreStrugglingTogether splitting the right]], and as such aren't terribly popular. Tried to eke out some votes by aligning with conservative elements in the Church. After poor perfomance in 2014 European Parliament election it got re-absorbed into [=PiS=] in all but name.
** Kukiz'2015: new force created by Paweł Kukiz, a well-known punk singer from the 90s, has emerged in the year of 2015. This political party does everything in their power to not fit into any category, by promising "a wide ideological front". That said they are mostly an amalgamation ‎of various free market libertarian and nationalist activists, including the ones from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Movement_(Poland) National Movement]], that gathered together under Kukiz to pass the 5% threshold. Entered the parliament following the 2015 parliamentary election. Generally willing to play ball with [=PiS=] on most issues, but opposed to their vastly increased social spending.
* Classical Liberals: ''Platforma Obywatelska'' (Civic Platform): PO is considered to be to the left of [=PiS=]. It traditionally supports free markets,[[note]]Poland being Poland, they actually raised taxes after taking power.[[/note]] and has a moderate social conservative stance, though it contains both Progressive Liberal and conservative wings. A few members of both factions have defected to the RP and PT (see below). PO and [=PiS=] have been the two major parties since about 2005.
** ''.Nowoczesna'' (''.Modern''): Centrist party with a stronger focus on supporting free markets and reducing the state than PO has. Aspires to replace PO as the major party opposing [=PiS=]. Founded in 2015 by economist Ryszard Petru; entered the parliament following the 2015 parliamentary election.
** ''Polska Razem'' (Poland Together): Libertarian-ish, social conservative party started by a few conservative [=MPs=] who were kicked out of PO. Absorbed into [=PiS=] in all but name following the party's poor perfomance in 2014 European Parliament election.
* Progressive Liberals: ''Twój Ruch'' (Your Movement), formerly known as ''Ruch Palikota'' ([[EgocentricTeamNaming Palikot's Movement]]): A socially-liberal party established by Janusz Palikot, TheGadfly of Polish politics, formerly a PO Member of the Sejm. Rode into parliament in 2011 on a wave of discontent with the Church. Left the parliament in 2015 after an internal split between socialist and liberal fractions, losing the majority of its voters and forming an electoral alliance with [=SLD=] (see below) and few smaller left-wing parties, as said alliance failed to reach 8% electoral threshold required for electoral alliances. Notably featured the first openly gay and transgender [=MPs=] (until the former got elected as the mayor of Słupsk and left Parliament, and the latter decided to join ''Greens'' instead).
** ''Greens'' or Zieloni (there are some other Green movements) have failed in every election they started in, but like [=KORWiN=] above they had a sole representative in the Parliament until 2015 - the aforementioned transgender woman Anna Grodzka.
* Social Democrats: ''Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej'' (Democratic Left Alliance): An amalgamation of several leftist parties, most of which traced their descent from the PZPR (Polish United Workers' Party), which was The Party in the Communist days. Mostly seen as a club of old communists trying to hold on to power at the cost of actual leftist ideology. Lost most of their influence in 2005 after a massive corruption scandal. After years of being too busy with in-fighting to convey a coherent stance on anything, seems to be moving to the right on economics; its leader is more of a classical liberal. Tries to avoid expressing any opinions on social issues, so as not to alienate older voters, which has been exploited by ''Twój Ruch''. Left the parliament in 2015 for the first time in Polish history after 1989 as a result of forming electoral alliance with ''Twój Ruch'' and few smaller left-wing parties and failing to reach electoral threshold required for the electoral alliances.
** ''Partia Razem'' (''Together Party'') - social democrats with strong focus on supporting social market economy and welfare state. The party was founded in 2015; in the 2015 parliamentary election it did not join the aforementioned electoral alliance of [=SLD=] and ''Twój Ruch'', registering its own lists of candidates in electoral districts instead. Although mostly unknown for most of the campaign, the strong performence of their leader in a televised electoral debate led them to a surge in support. The party failed to reach the electoral threshold of 5% of the votes required for the parties to have a representation in the parliament -- and probably [[WeAreStrugglingTogether took a few percent from SLD]] [[NiceJobBreakingItHero that prevented them from entering too]] -- but it did attract enough votes to be eligible for a subsidy from state budget.
* Agrarians: ''Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe'' (Polish People's Party) -- Approximately Social Democrat, but more socially conservative (are you noticing a pattern by now?) and with a specific focus on agriculture and support for small farmers. Has a reputation for {{nepotism}} and being willing to get into a coalition with just about anybody.[[note]]The party did indeed form coalition governments with [=SLD=] as well as with [=PO=] in the past. On the other hand, they decided against forming a coalition with [=PiS=] when approached in 2006.[[/note]] Also disproportionately strong in local governments and institutions (mostly due to aformentioned nepotism).

** Kukiz'2015: new force created by Paweł Kukiz, a well-known punk singer from the 90s, has emerged in the year of 2015. This political party does everything in their power to not fit into any category, by promising "a wide ideological front". That said they are mostly an amalgamation ‎of various free market libertarian and nationalist activists, including the ones from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Movement_(Poland) National Movement]], that gathered together under Kukiz to pass the 5% threshold. Entered the parliament following the 2015 parliamentary election. Generally willing to play ball with PiS on most issues, but opposed to their vastly increased social spending.

** It is very important to note that a Conservative party will usually not thrive ''alongside'' any of these parties; in fact, ''a Conservative party can only flourish where Classical Liberal and Christian Democratic parties do not exist or are very small, and vice versa''. Thus a European country will either have a Christian Democratic party and a Classical Liberal one (Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden) or a Conservative party (Britain, France[[note]]Actually, France currently has both a Classical Liberal and a Conservative Party, but this is quite a recent development, with unclear stability over the long run[[/note]], Spain). Switzerland does have a Conservative party alongside Christian Democrats and Classical Liberals, but it's quite small.

** It is very important to note that a Conservative party will usually not thrive ''alongside'' any of these parties; in fact, ''a Conservative party can only flourish where Classical Liberal and Christian Democratic parties do not exist or are very small, and vice versa''. Thus a European country will either have a Christian Democratic party and a Classical Liberal one (Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden) or a Conservative party (Britain, France[[note]]Actually, France currently has both a Classical Liberal and a Conservative Party, but this is quite a recent development, with unclear stability over the long run.[[/note]], Spain). Switzerland does have a Conservative party alongside Christian Democrats and Classical Liberals, but it's quite small.

** It is very important to note that a Conservative party will usually not thrive ''alongside'' any of these parties; in fact, ''a Conservative party can only flourish where Classical Liberal and Christian Democratic parties do not exist or are very small, and vice versa''. Thus a European country will either have a Christian Democratic party and a Classical Liberal one (Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden) or a Conservative party (Britain, France, Spain). Switzerland does have a Conservative party alongside Christian Democrats and Classical Liberals, but it's quite small.

* Classical Liberals: ''Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie (VVD)'' (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy)

* Classical Liberals: ''Moderaterna'' (Moderate Party). The once conservative party, known as the "Party of the Right" prior to 1971; nowadays they are mainstream liberals, but still perceived to be the party of big business, entrepreneurs and the upper class establishment of old. For many years, their main issue was advocating lower taxes, weakening the influence of the trade unions and dismantling the welfare state created by the Social Democrats, in order to generate greater growth to the economy, or feathering the nests of the rich. This was not popular among the voters, so within the latest decade, they cleverly rebranded their declaratory message by adopting the rhetoric of the Social Democrats, while still in action pursuing the same goals as before at a lesser reform pace. Opponents have claimed that they have become more like a PR and advertising agency rather than a traditional political party.

* Classical Liberals: ''Centerpartiet (C)'' (Centre Party). Formerly the Agrarian Party, the party has within the last two decades gone from being the tired old useful idiots to the Social Democrats without any passion other than to maintain the status quo: to the (by rhetoric) most ideologically driven pro-business party led by a young woman (Annie Lööf) with Creator/AynRand as her favorite author and UsefulNotes/MargaretThatcher as her political inspiration. This shift of gear makes them an easy target of parody. They also compete with the Green Party for the environmentalist vote, even though the Centre’s proposals are clearly more the result of greenwash corporate lobbyists than any genuine concerns
* Christian Democrats: ''Kristdemokraterna (KD)'' (Christian Democrats). Hailing from the Pentecostal movement dissatisfied by the other too secular parties in the 1960's, they have gone from outsiders to insiders. Some would claim that they have lost their Christian identity in the process while becoming part of the secular Swedish establishment. Even though they often talk about the common people and common values in their rhetoric, opponents would say they are hypocritical careerists who only care about their own paycheck. Popular in and around the Swedish bible belt in the province of Småland.
* Progressive Liberals: ''Folkpartiet Liberalerna (FP)'' (Liberal People's Party). University educated city-dwelling elitist snobs with a smug sense of moral superiority who thinks that they always know what is best for everyone, or small town folks (typically teachers and small business owners) who look up to and want to be like the people in the first category. In any case, they are enthusiastic supporters of UsefulNotes/TheEuropeanUnion and desperately want Sweden to adopt the Euro (despite a refendum held in 2003 where a clear majority of Swedes voted Nay).
* Social Democrats: formally ''Sveriges Socialdemokratiska arbetarparti (SAP)'' (Swedish Social Democratic Workers' Party), more commonly known as ''Socialdemokraterna'' (Social Democrats). They were the dominant party in Sweden for much of the 20th Century, ruling consecutively between 1932-1976, 1982-1991 and 1994-2006. Their strength has been built upon an over a century long marriage with the influential Labor Trade Union Confederation, LO. Their successful efforts once they first came in office has led many gullible voters to believe that it was the Social Democrats alone who took the country from poverty to prosperity during the first and mid-half part of the 20th century. Nevertheless, their percentage in the number of voters has weakened, particularly in the last twenty years. They have also had difficulties in electing a viable party leader within the last decade and it is unclear where the party stands on many issues.

* Far Left: ''Feministiskt initiativ'' (F!) (Feminist Initiative). A Far Left party, founded by the former leader of the Left Party, Gudrun Schyman, with intersectional feminism as their cornerstone. Wants to re-educate the entire male population.

** Also, ''Debout La France (DLF)'' (Rise Up, France!).[[note]]In theory, they were more moderate than the RN, but now they're their allies for the second time in a row for a presidential election.[[/note]] In general, single issue anti-European Parties, anti-vaxxers[[note]]especially after the COVID-19 crisis[[/note]] and conspiracy theorists also tend to gravite towards Right-wing Populists.

** At the European level: ''Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)'' (again), ''European Democratic Party (EDP)''[[note]]Sides with the ALDE in the EU Parliament, but actually fits somewhere between Christian Democrat and Progressive Liberal in terms of ideology[[/note]], ''Volt Europa''[[note]]Minor party, sides with the Greens in the EU Parliament[[/note]]

** The ''Parti Communiste Français (PCF)'' (Communist Party) was once in a reluctant alliance with LFI, but they ran a separate candidate in 2022. They would be more accurately described as a blend of old-school Euro-Communist[[note]]In theory, they're the closest thing to "old-school Communist" among mainstream French parties, but for several decades, their position towards Russia and China has been traditionally more ambiguous than just plain apologetic. Interestingly, they were quicker than both the Far-Left and Left-wing Populists to condemn Putin's war in Ukraine.[[/note]], Social Democrat and Populist (though not in the same way than LFI).

* '''Progressive Liberals''': Somewhat rarer (and usually smaller) than any other type of (non-fringe) party on this list, but they still show up often enough to be worth mentioning here. They have a very progressive stance on social issues and often a slightly-right-of-centre economic programme. They are also known for their fondness for electoral reform; many Progressive Liberal parties have 'Democratic' in their name for this reason, and indeed they are, in many ways, comparable to the Democratic Party in the US. Their image of sophistication, nuance, and pragmatism attracts big swaths of the intellectual elite to them. A Progressive Liberal party will often work together with almost anyone except the Far Right and the Far Left, but they're often especially cosy with the Greens, with whom they share their progressive social agenda.

* '''Classical Liberals''': The primary defenders of capitalism and the free market. Usually popular among businesspeople and the upper class for this reason. This right-wing economic agenda is often coupled with a progressive stance on social issues like abortion, gay marriage, immigration and euthanasia, although in recent years, many Classical Liberal parties have moved to a more conservative position, especially when it comes to law and order.

* '''Conservatives''': The catch-all right-wing party. Best described as a fusion of the Christian Democrats (see below) and the Classical Liberals; they tend to have the economic agenda of the latter and the social agenda of the former. These parties were born from monarchist parties that represented aristocratic interest during the 19th century. During that century, they leaned towards restoring some autocratic powers to the monarch, centralizing the state and economy, and enforcing traditional religious values. Many of these parties created some of the earliest welfare states, albeit to prevent the spread of socialism rather than out of any concern for the working class (see UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany under UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck). Over the course of the 20th century as monarchies were abolished, they gradually embraced elements of economic liberalism. However they retain their monarchist roots in being more statist than classical liberal parties, preferring law and order and economic protectionism over neo-liberal orthodoxy, make no mistake they are always very pro-capitalist.

* '''Conservatives''': The catch-all right-wing party. Best described as a fusion of the Christian Democrats (see below) and the Classical Liberals; they tend to have the economic agenda of the latter and the social agenda of the former. These parties were born from monarchist parties that represented aristocratic interest during the 19th century. During that century they leaned towards restoring some autocratic powers to the monarch, centralizing the state and economy, and enforcing traditional religious values. Many of these parties created some of the earliest welfare states, albeit to prevent the spread of socialism rather than out of any concern for the working class (see Germany under Bismarck). Over the course of the 20th century as monarchies were abolished, they gradually embraced elements of economic liberalism. However they retain their monarchist roots in being more statist than classical liberal parties, preferring law and order and economic protectionism over neo-liberal orthodoxy, make no mistake they are always very pro-capitalist.

** '''Right-Wing Populists''': Right-wing populist parties usually dislike the same things as far-right parties in general do, but they put much effort into looking presentable and spend a lot of their time distancing themselves from neo-Nazis and neo-fascists. Most either come straight from the far right tradition, descending from splinter groups of classical liberal parties, or is the creation of a charismatic leader without much of an ideology other than discontentment with the status quo. Interestingly, parties who have managed to evolve from fringe nationalist groups tend to be pro-Israel and strongly condemn anti-Semitism.[[note]]This could be either a clever way to root out extremists, avoiding historical comparisons and/or embracing the increasingly nationalistic Israeli state as a positive role model for European nation states.[[/note]] Right-wing populist parties attract many voters who are in some way dissatisfied with the established/traditional political parties.[[note]]National Conservatives are often lumped in with these, but are not necessarily economically right-wing.[[/note]]

** '''Neo-Nazis''': Extremists who scornfully reject the democratic system as it is and advocate radical change. It boils down to: UsefulNotes/AdolfHitler was right. Prone to violence and often associated with organized crime. Anti-Semitism and a hatred of Israel, Zionism and all things perceived to be Jewish is a sure sign. So far, less than a handful of European countries have parties of this type of any noticeable size.

** '''Neo-Nazis''': Extremists who scornfully reject the democratic system as it is and advocate radical change. It boils down to: Hitler was right. Prone to violence and often associated with organized crime. Anti-Semitism and a hatred of Israel, Zionism and all things perceived to be Jewish is a sure sign. So far, less than a handful of European countries have parties of this type of any noticeable size.

** '''Neo-Nazis''': Extremists who scornfully reject the democratic system as it is and advocates radical change. It boils down to: Hitler was right. Prone to violence and often associated with organized crime. Anti-Semitism and a hatred of Israel, Zionism and all things perceived to be Jewish is a sure sign. So far, less than a handful of European countries have parties of this type of any noticeable size.

* '''Far Right''': A quite recent arrival in many countries. Far Right parties are a mixed bag, ranging from outright neo-Nazis who [[PuttingOnTheReich Put on the Reich]] to much more moderate groups. They are fond of simple, radical positions and strong language. They intensely dislike immigration, Islam, UsefulNotes/TheEuropeanUnion, 'political correctness', and the 'left-wing elite'. They are usually in favour of a tough approach to crime, and use nationalist and populist rhetoric. Interestingly, their economic programme is usually centrist or "third positionist" as they would like to describe it rather than right-wing free market, promoting private enterprise, but extensive welfare policies as well.

** At the European level: ''Party of the European Left (PEL)'' and its allies in the EU Parliament: ''Nordic Green Left Alliance (NGLA)''[[note]]a blend of Greens and Left-wing Populists[[/note]], ''European Anti-Capitalist Left (EACL)''[[note]]Far Left[[/note]], ''Now The People! (NTP)''[[note]]Left-Wing Populists)[[/note]], also ''Initiative of Communist and Workers' Parties (INITIATIVE)''[[note]]Hammer-and-sickle Communists; pariahs of EU politics[[/note]]

* Right-wing Populists( National Conservatives): ''Prawo i Sprawiedliwość'' (Law and Justice) -- Combines social conservatism, populist leftist economics (higher taxes on the rich,[[note]]Poland being Poland, they actually lowered taxes when they were in power.[[/note]] overt Catholic Church influence, lowering the retirement age, occasionally talks about nationalising banks), mild Euroscepticism (keen on getting EU money, but not so keen on following EU directives), and a tough stance on law and order, particularly corruption. Spent the years 2007-2015 in opposition due to their tiresomely aggressive rhetorics, but making a comeback now that the economy is in trouble and Middle Eastern immigration became a closer (but still relatively unlikely) possibility. Infamous for accusing the government of conspiring with Russia to assassinate the [=PiS=]-aligned former president [[ItsPersonal (who was party leaders twin brother)]], who died in a plane crash (see: UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheories).