Do we really have to look at these faces ALREADY? – asks a resident of Bolesławiec

A reader wrote to the editorial office who does not feel like looking at party posters at a time when no election campaign is underway.

– On what basis and under what law are posters featuring Messrs Czarny and Mentzen hanging in various places throughout our region? The posters encourage people to join their party, but do we really have to look at these faces already if there is not yet any election campaign? – the reader asks.

No one prohibits political parties from conducting their statutory activities throughout the year. Statutory activity includes encouraging people to join their ranks, collecting membership fees, organizing events and also displaying images of leaders. This poster is not formally election material.

We are therefore dealing with a situation in which – speaking in lawyers’ terms – the letter of the law is on the side of those putting up the posters, but the spirit of the law, and especially the legislator’s intention, is being stretched like a slingshot band.

Because it is clear that the goal is not merely to enlarge the membership base, but to maintain a constant presence in public space, build recognition, and familiarize voters with faces and names. In other words: a permanent campaign, but without the obligations imposed by a formal campaign.

The reader has the right to feel tired of it. Public space belongs to everyone – both those who want to look at politicians and those who would rather take a break from them.

In a democracy, parties have the right to promote themselves, even outside the election season. But does that mean that everything legal is appropriate? And in a country where the level of trust in politicians is not among the highest, does such pushiness ultimately produce the opposite of the intended effect – irritation instead of sympathy? Especially when we are going to a pleasant gathering or a tasty meal at a restaurant with friends or family?

The reader’s question can be answered briefly: the law does not prohibit it, but that certainly does not mean common sense might not suggest otherwise.