Please introduce yourself and tell us a few words about yourself.

Alicja Janiec – married, mother of two. I am an economist by education and a trained mass-catering technician. Since 2010, I have been president of the “Active Women” association. My original idea was the creation of the “Village of Flavours” thematic village in Lipiany. Thanks to my involvement, four villages in Bolesławiec Municipality were included in the Lower Silesian Village Renewal programme. In Bolesławiec County, I chair the Forum for Equal Opportunities and Women’s Rights. In 2014, I was nominated for the Crystal Clover – “Lower Silesian Leader 2014” competition. In 2015, I was appointed to the County Council for Public Benefit Activity. I am also the organiser of the Balkan Pita Festival, which has become a permanent fixture in the calendar of Lower Silesian and municipal events. I write applications and obtain European funds for local initiatives. One such project was entitled “Pita – the Delicious Tradition of Our Grandparents”. It consisted of culinary workshops on baking pita, which proved hugely popular.

Why did you decide to run, and why with this political grouping?

I decided to run for the Sejm of the Republic of Poland because I want to change Poland and our region. I believe that our common good must be based on the values that shaped Poland and Europe: values such as respect for another person, as well as historical truth and national identity. When we feel that politicians do not represent our interests and that the only thing left for us is to vote for the lesser evil, we cannot sit back with our arms folded. Today, citizens’ participation in governing the country is limited to elections. Civic democracy and participation do not exist in practice. Enormous income inequalities are destroying society and undermining the basic sense of justice. Widespread unemployment, poverty and social exclusion persist. Poorly functioning or unenforced laws cause disappointment and frustration among citizens. It is our civic duty to stand in elections and show that another Poland is possible.

And why the United Left? I am not an SLD member, only a supporter, but I believe that what matters is not which parties we run with, but what we represent and whether our diligence is sufficient for us to meet the new challenge. And whether our region will have its own representative in the Sejm.

What would you mainly like to work on in the Sejm?

I would like to work on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee because all my social work has been connected with the countryside. My husband and I run an 18-hectare farm, and I know the problems farmers face. Membership in the European Union has opened unprecedented opportunities for Polish agriculture. Unfortunately, they are not being fully used. At the same time, the Russian embargo has clipped the wings of many domestic producers. The state must pursue a wise policy that will make full use of the opportunities associated with EU membership. On the other hand, in its eastern policy, the state must take the interests of Polish agricultural producers into account.

I would also like to work on the European Union Affairs Committee. I believe that whenever something does not work out for our government, it blames the European Union. I develop EU projects, and that also connects me with this committee. I do not want to make declarations about everything I will do, because that would be hypocritical, but by listening to voters, I know what their most important problems are, such as raising the retirement age. This is an example of a change introduced against society’s wishes and contrary to the electoral promises of the governing party. This reform must be corrected in a way accepted by Poles. Workers should have the right to decide – after reaching an appropriate length of service – when they retire.

What is the biggest problem facing Bolesławiec and the region? What proposals do you have for the city and what proposals do you have for the region?

The biggest problem facing Bolesławiec and the region is young people’s difficulty finding their first job—and finding one that is not based on a contract of mandate. In my view, this is one of the greatest challenges facing our country. That is why I would like to push through regulations in the Sejm enabling students and pupils at vocational and technical schools to gain professional experience and basic technical skills. The solution is to introduce paid internships. It is also necessary to reduce the fiscal burdens associated with employing young people. I would also draw attention to the unrepaired section of the A18 motorway from Olszyna towards Wrocław. The road’s tragic condition means that drivers prefer to avoid it rather than damage their cars.

What is the greatest advantage of our city and region?

The greatest advantage of our city is our ceramics, known throughout the world. Our landmarks—the viaduct and the renovated Old Theatre—are our gems. Our region has beautiful natural surroundings: the Lower Silesian Forests. Thanks to EU subsidies, our city and region have changed considerably and become more beautiful. We should be proud to live here and love our small homelands and their inhabitants. We should also do everything possible to make life even better for all of us.

Why is it worth voting for you?

Because “Not promises—but hard work” is my motto. I will not let you down, and thank you for your vote.

Thank you for the interview.

Thank you.

Material financed from the funds of the KKW United Left SLD+TR+PPS+UP+Greens