Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced on Monday that he would exercise a “marshal’s veto” against harmful legislation, describing the move as a protest against populism.
No Formal Veto Institution Exists
Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty said he knows the constitution, the Sejm rules, and the marshal’s powers, but there is no formal institution called a “marshal’s veto.” He added that his stance is a protest.
Example: 110 Billion Złoty VAT Cut Bill
During “Gościu Wydarzeń” on Polsat News, Czarzasty cited a proposed VAT‑cut bill that would cost the state 110 billion złoty. He warned that such a bill could redirect funds from healthcare, social benefits, and weapons purchases, and he urged the president to judge its feasibility.
Marshal to Block ‘Harmful’ Projects
He announced plans to use the marshal’s veto against legislation he views as harmful, serving populism and disrupting state functions. He said he would scrutinise whether bills have genuine funding sources and not merely political motives.
He pledged to cooperate with all members of parliament.
Critics Accuse Marshal of Undermining MPs’ Constitutional Rights
The marshal’s remarks sparked outrage, with New Left critics and former leaders like Leszek Miller calling it an arbitrary takeover of MPs’ right to decide the fate of bills through normal procedures. They argue bills should be voted on or rejected, not halted merely because the marshal deems them “too expensive.”