Poland’s ruling conservatives take most seats in regional councils

Poland’s ruling party, Law and Justice, has won 254 seats in regional councils in local elections last weekend, with 194 going to the key opposition coalition, electoral commission said on Thursday. The official results indicate that Law and Justice, which won national elections in 2015, remains the most popular party despite conflicts with the European Union and accusations of eroding the democratic system of checks and balances. The results were boosted by generous welfare spending and a booming economy, AP said. The pro-EU opposition coalition, a block led by Civic Platform that also includes the smaller Modern party, won much greater support in the cities. It won mayoral posts in Warsaw and some other cities in Sunday’s first round of voting and is leading in November 4 runoffs.