In the latest entry on the X platform (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Donald Tusk made an interesting reflection that could inspire reflection not only on abroad policy experts, but besides on citizens who feel the effects of decisions made by state authorities all day.
Quoting the analysis of Alec Stapp from the think tank IFP, Tusk wrote:
"Poland has moved from Iran's economical improvement to Japan within 1 generation."
This conviction contains a immense dose of history, comparison and political philosophy. The Prime Minister stressed that the key origin in the diversification of the improvement of Poland and Iran was the systemic elections made by these countries after systemic transformations in the 1990s.
Two countries, 2 planet views – that is, how freedom builds the future
Poland and Iran started their way at a very akin point of origin – with low per capita income, limited export opportunities and interior social conflicts. However, the roads that these countries have chosen have proved to be radically different.
"Iran has set up authoritarianism, a spiritual state and an anti-Western course. Poland for Democracy, the Free Economy and Europe." – wrote the head of government.
This message may sound like a slogan, but it contains crucial historical and geopolitical facts. In the 1990s, Iran developed as a theocratic state, based on the fundamentalist view of Shiite Islam, while isolated from the Western world. On the another hand, Poland has made revolutionary changes – it has opened up to the European Union, introduced the marketplace economy and put democratic values in place.
As a result, Poland has become 1 of the largest beneficiaries of European integration and its GDP has increased more than 3 times in 30 years. According to Eurostat data from 2024, Poland achieved an average gross per capita income of around 78% of the EU average, which is simply a immense step forward.
Iran has set for authority, a spiritual state and an anti-Western course. Poland for democracy, free economy and Europe. We moved from a akin ceiling, we without gas and oil, they without freedom. All supporters of a extremist change of course for consideration. https://t.co/FH9vqvMzsa
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) June 15, 2025
Iran, despite its rich natural resources, specified as oil and gas, has a increasing economical stagnation. According to the planet Bank study of 2025, inflation in this country exceeds 40%, and young people emigrate massively in search of better surviving conditions.
"All supporters of a extremist change of course under consideration" – Tusk appeal
This sentence, ending the Prime Minister's entry, can be read as a informing to those who present request deep changes of the Polish model of functioning of the state. Tusk not only compares 2 ways of development, but besides draws attention to the real effects of ideological choices.
His words can be taken as a mention to interior debate in Poland, where any public and political circles request a crucial simplification in Western Europe's influence, the introduction of greater state control over media or education. Tusk clearly says, “Look where another road leads.”
Against the background of global tensions: Israel-Iran attacks and their effects
At the same time as Tusk published his entry, the situation in the mediate East escalated. According to media coverage of June 2025, Israel launched a precise attack on Iran's nuclear-related facilities. As a consequence of the strikes, respective high-ranking generals and scientists liable for the improvement of the military usage of atomic energy were killed.
In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles towards Tel Aviv, hitting the Israeli Defence Force complex. At least 10 people were killed and more than 200 injured. The attacks besides occurred at night from Saturday to Sunday, touching both military and civilian objects – including Tamra.
Israel corresponded to a series of raids on Tehran, covering atomic programme targets, defence ministry and fuel storage. According to Tasnim, only any buildings were damaged, but the fact that the Israeli side hit the center of the capital is simply a serious informing to the government in Tehran.
How does geopolitics affect the economy and safety of citizens?
While observing the simultaneous occurrence of these 2 narratives – comparing the improvement of Poland and Iran and the escalation of tensions in the mediate East – it is worth considering how the country's political strategy affects its stableness and development.
According to the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU and the analysis of the global Criminal Court, authoritarian countries are more likely to violate human rights, restrict civilian liberties and make an environment conducive to corruption and deficiency of transparency. This in turn negatively affects abroad investment, private sector improvement and the general standard of surviving of citizens.
On the another hand, democratic countries, despite their own problems, offer greater opportunities for social development, greater organization stableness and stronger human rights protection mechanisms. Poland, as an EU associate since 2004, has been able to usage EU funds, the common marketplace and strategical security.
Summary: Why is it crucial to choose a system?
The comparison between Poland and Iran, although symbolic, is justified in substance. It shows how crucial the first decades after systemic transformation are. Poland has chosen freedom, democracy and cooperation with Western Europe – and present enjoys the results of this choice. Iran, despite natural wealth, chose isolation, authoritarianism and confrontation with the remainder of the planet – and pays the price in the form of economical stagnation and deepening social frustration.
Donald Tusk, quoting an expert's analysis, reminds us that past is not random. all political decision has its consequences – not only for the elite, but besides for average citizens.
Continued here:
Tusk about Poland and Iran: Comparison of 2 Ways of Development. Is democracy a warrant of success?
