Patrimonialism in Poland during Populist Rule

Abstract

Purpose | This article examines whether the political and economic transformations in Poland after 2015 can be interpreted as a shift in the mode of governance towards patrimonialism. It focuses on personalisation of power, clientelistic control over public offices, erosion of the rule of law, and the political repurposing of state resources. Research method | The article employs a theory-driven qualitative analysis based on a structured critical literature review. Results | The results indicate that in Poland many patrimonial tendencies could be identified. Originality / value / implications / recommendations | The originality of this article lies in applying the concept of patrimonialism as an integrative framework to the post-2015 transformations in Poland, showing that democratic backsliding, state capture, and politicisation of public administration form a coherent shift in the mode of governance. The implications suggest that patrimonialism can emerge within formally democratic systems through the hollowing-out of institutions rather than their abolition.