Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the proposed animal‑chain regulation, sparking nationwide outrage among politicians and the public.
Prime Minister’s Rebuttal
Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a terse remark on X: “What did the dogs do to you?” He later posted on Facebook, attaching a photo with his dogs and saying the veto “doesn’t fit in my mind.” He described it as “plain nonsense” and “not politics.”
Left-wing Politicians Strike Back
Vice‑Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski called the veto “foul play” and accused the president of betraying the defenseless. Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty expressed sorrow, claiming the president had given “courage to evil people.” Katarzyna Kotula described it as a “political chain,” and Tomasz Trela slammed the president as “lacking empathy.”
Civic Coalition Voices Dissatisfaction
Members of the Civic Coalition, including Borys Budka, Krzysztof Brejza, and Dariusz Joński, condemned the veto as “pathetic nonsense.” Roman Giertych added that the “confederates” were “kept on chains.”
Journalists Explain Veto
President Nawrocki said he vetoed the law because it was “out of touch with reality,” citing provisions for enclosures the size of city apartments, which he called an absurdity. Journalist Patryk Michalski warned that the law predicted smaller cages than the legal minimum of 25 m². Jacek Nizinkiewicz described the political logic of the veto but noted its social consequences.
Confederation Backing of Veto
Konfederacja members such as Marek Szewczyk endorsed the veto, viewing it as a “good move.” They criticized the president’s signing of a fur‑raising ban, while post‑Polityka’s Krzysztof Bosak echoed the critique.
Parliament Could Overturn Veto
Lewica spokesperson Łukasz Michnik said the Sejm now needs a three‑quarters majority to reject the veto. He noted that 280 MPs, including Jarosław Kaczyński, had previously voted to adopt the law.
