President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a wind‑farm bill that both liberalised construction rules and froze domestic electricity prices, igniting a fierce backlash from the government and its coalition partners.
Veto on the Wind‑Farm Bill
On Thursday, President Nawrocki vetoed an amendment to the so‑called “wind‑farm law” that, on one hand, liberalised the regulations for building new on‑shore wind farms, but on the other, set a price freeze for household electricity until December 31, 2025. The amendment would have allowed households to enjoy electricity at a net rate of 500 PLN per MWh until the end of 2025, a figure significantly lower than the current frozen prices that remain in force until September 30.
Government Reaction
The presidential veto triggered an outpouring of anger within the government. Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X: “The president’s bad intentions or sheer incompetence – either one could be the case. His veto will make electricity more expensive for all Poles, today and in the future.” Similar criticism erupted from Deputy Prime Ministers Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz and Krzysztof Gawkowski, and Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka, who described the decision as a political game.
Presidential Plan for Electricity Prices
In an interview with Gazeta.pl, Nawrocki indicated that the rejected electricity‑price provisions could be re‑introduced in the Sejm. Motyka confirmed that he does not intend to back the president’s plan, insisting that “the president should sign laws, not draft them on my behalf.”
Coalition’s Stance
Members of the Civic Coalition on October 15 emphasised their readiness to reject or freeze whatever the president proposes, arguing that this is not the presidential system and that they possess their own legislative initiatives. The coalition also pledged to further develop wind energy, with future regulations on the horizon.
Future Legislative Work
A new bill that echoes the president’s earlier proposals—particularly the 700‑meter minimum distance between new turbines and residential buildings—will soon be tabled in the Sejm. The Ministry of Climate and Environment, led by Minister Paulina Hennig‑Kloska, will continue to work on legislation to promote on‑shore wind energy, seeking consensus with the opposition.
Judiciary Concerns
Within the coalition, some politicians highlighted the need for dialogue with President Nawrocki over the status of “neosędziów” (judges with questionable standing). Over 3,000 judges face unresolved status issues, and the coalition urges the government to negotiate a compromise with the presidential palace.
Source: Gazeta,
