The Silesian Autonomy Movement

Silesian Autonomy Movement (Ruch Autonomy Śląska) was established in 1990 with the aim to restore the former autonomy of Silesian Voivodeship (1920–1945), but since 2010 the organization rather strives to create a regionalized unitary state in Poland. In 1991 RAŚ obtained two mandates in Sejm RP, but after the introduction of five-percent threshold, the organization lost its parliamentary presence. Ever since RAŚ tries to reach the certification of Silesians in order to establish a minority party, without success so far. However, at regional level the organization strengthened, as in 2010 won three seats in regional body, governed the region in coalition with PO and PSL (2010–2013). In 2014 regional elections with lower support than in 2010, RAŚ won four mandates in Sejmik Śląski. In 2015 RAŚ unsuccessfully ran for mandates of Sejm RP together with the German minority in the Silesian Voivodeship. The organization is a full member of EFA since 2003.