Political Leaders on the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Sejm Discourse

Abstract

Utterances of political leaders participating in a parliamentary debate, especially in crisis situations, are of exceptional significance. The aim of the study is to analyse positions and declarations of political leaders towards the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland as regards politicians’ speeches made in the Sejm. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on 504 speeches made by chairpersons of parties and parliamentary clubs and circles. The analysis showed that the issue of COVID-19, although it was the most important problem for Poles for many months, did not receive as much attention from political leaders in the Sejm. The leaders of opposition groups criticised the government and called for action. In contrast, the leaders of ruling parties’ coalition did not actively participate in the Sejm discourse.