Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz criticized President Andrzej Duda for using the liberum veto—a historical tool that once weakened Poland—to challenge Ukraine’s sovereignty and Poland’s security interests.
President’s Actions Resemble the Liberum Veto
Kosiniak-Kamysz likened President Duda’s recent vetoes to the 18th-century liberum veto, which allowed a single legislator to block parliamentary decisions, ultimately destabilizing the Polish state. “This is contrary to Poland’s security interests,” he said, emphasizing that supporting Ukraine safeguards Poland and NATO. He criticized Duda’s administration for shifting focus from Ukrainian aid to aligning with Russian narratives, which he claims undermines territorial defense.
Denial of Support for Ukraine Contradicts National Security
Kosiniak-Kamysz argued that refusing to support Ukraine’s freedom and democratic institutions directly harms Poland’s security. He highlighted the critical role of Ukrainian combatants in halting Russian aggression and noted the importance of military systems like Starlink in the conflict. “Every day Russia spends on the Ukrainian front is a day gained for Poland and NATO’s safety,” he added.
‘800 Plus’ is a Very Small Slice of the Issue
The official dismissed claims that the dispute centers on the “800 Plus” social grant program, stating it is a minor part of the broader Ukrainian support law. He accused the president’s advisors of narrowing the debate to this issue, while the real concern lies in Russia’s influence. “This infiltration of the Russian narrative is dangerous,” Kosiniak-Kamysz warned, stressing the need for clarity on Poland’s strategic priorities.
Karlo Nawrocki’s Veto
President Duda vetoed three laws, including a proposed extension of legal residency and access to labor markets for Ukrainian citizens in Poland until March 2025. Nawrocki argued the law does not address the public debate over “800 Plus” eligibility for Ukrainian workers. Data from Demagog.org.pl revealed that in December 2024, Poland issued the grant to 292,200 Ukrainian children, representing 4.3% of the program’s total recipients (6.84 million).
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7, https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/debata#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/polska#anchorLink, https://www.edziecko.pl/edziecko/0
