Polish President Nawrocki vetoes two bills; Tusk criticizes vetoes as politically motivated, citing ongoing disputes.
Donald Tusk: “More vetoes are coming”
Donald Tusk stated on X, “More vetoes are coming. Blindly, just to harm. This is not a president of Polish affairs.” He referenced four bills on the president’s desk: the Judicial Council Act, the National Cybersecurity System Act, the “Active Farmer” program, and the aid bill for Ukrainian citizens.
On February 19, Karol Nawrocki announced his decision to veto two of these bills.
Karol Nawrocki Decided
Nawrocki vetoed the Judicial Council Act and the “Active Farmer” program, stating, “I cannot sign a bill that, under the guise of ‘restoring the rule of law,’ actually introduces a new stage of chaos and opens the door to political influence over judges.”
He argued the Judicial Council Act creates “segregation of judges” and hands the judiciary “over to a political interest group,” dividing them into “ours” and “theirs.” He deemed the bill “obviously unconstitutional” and a tool to remove judges the current government fears.
President Proposes Own Bill
Nawrocki proposed his own bill “on restoring the rule of law and handling cases without undue delay,” designed to “genuinely shorten court proceedings.” It is based on three principles: court impartiality, unchallengeable rulings, and confirmation of the status of properly nominated judges.
He warned that if “dialogue proposals are rejected,” he will appeal to the nation for a “referendum to restore normal functioning of the courts,” emphasizing, “Let citizens decide. Their voice is always the most important.”
“Active Farmer” Rejected
The “Active Farmer” bill was rejected because, under its “deceptive name,” it hides “the ugly truth of the proposed changes,” Nawrocki explained. He claimed the provisions favor large entities while burdening small farmers with complex bureaucracy to prove their “activity.”
“This is not a reform. It is a threat to hundreds of thousands of Polish farming families and the country’s food security,” he stated.
Green Light for Two Bills
Nawrocki signed the National Cybersecurity System Act and the aid bill for Ukrainian citizens, noting, “Digital security is now an element of state security. This bill strengthens defense mechanisms, improves institutional cooperation, and allows elimination of high-risk suppliers.”
He acknowledged concerns from businesses that legal obligations are “excessive and disproportionate,” announcing a request for follow-up constitutional review.
On the Ukrainian aid bill, Nawrocki said, “Consistency in action makes sense. My pressure, including earlier vetoes, forced the government to improve this project with changes expected by many Poles and proposed by me.” He reaffirmed Poland’s solidarity with Ukraine against imperial Russia but promised to end “unconditional privileges” for citizens.
Bills Raise Doubts
Journalist reports were confirmed: “Super Express” earlier stated Nawrocki would veto the Judicial Council Act due to fears of legal chaos. The “Active Farmer” bill also lacked support from the President’s Agricultural Council and former Agriculture Minister Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski.
Regarding the cybersecurity bill implementing EU NIS2 directive, a decision on its amendment was pending, with the presidential office analyzing potential violations of property rights and the right to a court. Journalists confirmed Nawrocki had no doubts about the bill ending the Ukrainian aid special act.
