Warsaw Deputy Mayor Jacek Wiśnicki resigns after a heated debate on night-time alcohol sales restrictions in the city.
Background of the Debate
The controversy began when Warsaw councilors met to vote on two projects concerning night-time limitations on alcohol sales in Warsaw, authored by Rafał Trzaskowski and the Left and “Miasto Jest Nasze” (The City Is Ours) movement.
Councilors rejected both proposals; however, shortly before 11:00 AM, Trzaskowski announced a compromise solution that would gain a majority in the council.
The Compromise Solution
The compromise involved a ban on alcohol sales only in the Śródmieście (City Center) and Praga-Północ districts.
Warsaw President Rafał Trzaskowski stated that he respected the opinions of Warsaw residents expressed during social consultations and that this was a pilot project.
Deputy Mayor’s Resignation
Shortly after, Deputy Mayor Jacek Wiśnicki announced his resignation, stating he did not sign up for such scenarios and could no longer be the face of such policy.
Wiśnicki expressed his disappointment with the current state of social policy in Warsaw, stating it was often driven by the self-interest of councilors rather than the needs of the people.
Reaction and Context
The proposal was met with criticism from some residents, who protested with chants of “shame, shame.”
Earlier, there was reported to be a “political split” within the Civic Coalition (KO), with some members, like Wiśnicki, supporting the president’s stance on the alcohol ban.
