Shaping Trust: The Drivers of Political System and Institutional Credibility in Poland

This paper explores the drivers of trust in Poland’s political system and institutional credibility through qualitative research, including three focus groups with citizens and 30 semi-structured interviews—15 with civil society organization (CSO) leaders and 15 with politicians. The study examines the processes of building, maintaining, and eroding trust in contemporary Poland, offering insights into the perspectives of different stakeholder groups. The research emphasizes the importance of participatory governance, institutional transparency, and inclusive mechanisms for civic engagement to foster trust and strengthen the relationship between institutions and citizens.