The ruling party has expressed outrage over the president’s veto of key legislative proposals, including amendments to the Ukrainian citizens’ support law. The dispute highlights growing tensions between the government and the president ahead of a critical Cabinet Council session.
The Ruling Party Furious with the President Over Veto
President’s Veto Sparks Controversy
Based on an announcement from the President’s Office, the upcoming Cabinet Council—the first convened by the new head of state—will primarily focus on economic issues, including the budget and public finances, the construction of the CPK and nuclear power plants, as well as agricultural matters, notably the EU-Mercosur agreement against which Poland has opposed. However, sources from the government and the coalition indicate that Prime Minister Donald Tusk will also address the president’s veto of several legislative acts, including the wind farm regulations (which relaxed rules for land-based wind farms and froze electricity prices), two deregulatory laws (one reducing tax evasion penalties, the other simplifying electricity bills and liberalizing certain renewable energy policies), and amendments to the special aid law for Ukrainian citizens.
The Veto to the Ukrainian Support Law Especially Provoked the Ruling Party
The president’s veto to the final version of the Ukrainian support law amendment particularly angered the ruling party. Nawrocki cited the 800 Plus allowance as a reason, recalling that according to Rafal Trzaskowski’s electoral campaign declaration, the program was meant to benefit only Ukrainian immigrants living and working in Poland. The law, he said, does not correct the public debate rationale for the amendment, adding that he remains unwavering in his stance, insisting that 800 Plus should apply solely to Ukrainians employed and paying taxes in Poland.
“800 Plus Is Money for Children, Not Parents”
“800 Plus is money for and by children. Children are not responsible for whether their mother has a job, lost it, or cares for a sick grandmother or a newborn. Employment must be valued. After losing a job, people should be encouraged and helped to find a new one. But it is wrong to punish—especially innocent children—because of unemployment. This is basic human decency. It’s shameful that the president lacked it,” commented Minister of Family, Work, and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on X.
Limited Time for Legislative Solutions
The ruling party shares the same challenge with the previous veto on energy price freezes: the deadline for any legislative changes is the end of September. Meanwhile, the Sejm reconvenes only on September 9, leaving minimal time for drafting and passing new proposals. Although the president has submitted his own legislative initiatives on both energy prices and Ukrainian aid, sources suggest the ruling party is unlikely to support them. “The president vetoes our laws, and we will not pass what he wants,” said a Coalition of the Right (KO) MP.
More Vetoes on the Horizon?
On Monday, President’s Chief of Staff Zbigniew Bogucki announced another expected veto—this time targeting a proposed 15% alcohol tax increase for next year. The government will also hold an informal meeting on Monday, with the draft budget for the coming year as a primary agenda item.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/polityka/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/rzad#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/granica#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/debata#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/parlament#anchorLink
