Przemysław Czarnek, a leading PiS candidate, criticized high energy costs and the EU’s ETS system during a rally in Katowice on Wednesday.
Czarnek’s Easter Bill Warning
Przemysław Czarnek, the Law and Justice (PiS) candidate for prime minister, met with voters in Katowice on Wednesday, March 18th, addressing concerns about rising energy and fuel prices.
He warned that Easter would be marked by “gigantic bills” for electricity, gas, heating, and fuel, questioning who could afford traditional holiday purchases.
PiS Proposals for Fuel and ETS
Czarnek presented two PiS bills submitted to the Sejm: one to lower VAT and excise taxes on fuel, and another calling for Poland’s withdrawal from the Emissions Trading System (ETS).
He claimed the fuel tax reduction would immediately lower prices by one złoty, prompting chants of “Immediately!” from the crowd.
Attacks on Tusk and the “German Swindle”
Czarnek directly attacked Donald Tusk, accusing him and the current government of ignoring the needs of Poles. He was quoted as saying, “You can afford it, Czarzasty, you communist!” by supporters.
He labeled the ETS a “bandylic looting” of Polish pockets and a “shameless German swindle” imposed on Europe, blaming a “big trio” currently governing Poland for its introduction.
Blame Placed on Tusk, Trzaskowski, and Kopacz
Czarnek stated the ETS was negotiated under Donald Tusk’s leadership of the European Council in 2013-2015.
He further attributed the system to the EU climate package negotiated by Warsaw’s President Rafał Trzaskowski and signed by then-Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz.
Government Response and ETS Overview
The current Polish Prime Minister referenced Mateusz Morawiecki’s 2022 statement that leaving the ETS is legally impossible within EU law before a government meeting on March 17th.
The ETS is a key EU tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with ETS 2 scheduled to come into effect in 2028, covering sectors like transport and construction.
Nawrocki Calls for Action
President Karol Nawrocki sent a position paper to Prime Minister Tusk regarding the ETS before the European Council meeting, advocating for measures to lower energy costs and boost Polish industry.
ETS Debate: Climate Tool or Economic Burden?
The article notes differing views on the ETS, with some seeing it as vital for climate neutrality and others criticizing it as ideological, inflationary, and a sign of overregulation.
