A coalition of Polish opposition parties presented a draft law recognising a legal status for people in informal cohabitation, a measure that even Donald Tusk admits will not amaze anyone.
Draft Law Targets Informal Cohabitation
The bill, introduced at a joint press conference by coalition partners Lewica, PSL, and Nowa Lewica, seeks to give legal recognition to couples living together without marriage.
Key Provisions of the Law
Couples would formalise their relationship through a notarised agreement outlining mutual rights and duties such as respect, care and loyalty. The law would cover property relations, choice of joint or separate ownership, housing rights, access to partner’s medical information, mutual maintenance, joint taxation under joint ownership, inheritance, funeral expenses, family pension and health insurance for both parties.
Political Positioning and Constraints
Party representatives emphasised that the bill does not create a new marital form, nor does it affect children, adoption or existing institutions. It excludes any value‑based provisions and is intended solely to simplify everyday affairs for informal partners.
Reaction from Donald Tusk
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the compromise would not astonish supporters or opponents of more progressive solutions but offers a glimmer of hope. He argued that the compromise was necessary to secure parliamentary majority and eventual presidential assent.
Negotiation Drama Behind the Bill
Coalition talks were tense, according to Włodzimierz Czarzasty, who noted that some proposals were left out due to lack of consensus. The final agreement represents the most they could achieve at this stage of parliamentary negotiations.
