Polityka has a slightly intellectual, socially liberal profile,[1] setting it apart from the more conservative Wprost and the glossier approach of Newsweek Poland.

Established in 1957,[2][3] after Stalinism had subsided in Poland, Polityka slowly developed a reputation for moderately critical journalism, promoting an economical way of thinking,[4] although always remaining within the communist-imposed boundaries that still constrained the press.

Polityka supported the Round Table talks, which concluded with an agreement to hold the free elections that would result in a peaceful end to communist rule in Poland.

[6] It earned the ire of the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1983 after expressing a favorable view of political pluralism.

[3] After the fall of communism in 1989, Polityka continued to play an influential role as part of Poland's newly free press.