Poland’s president, Karol Nawrocki, sparked a controversy after his remarks in Prague, prompting government officials to rebuke him and call for him to ground his comments.
President Criticises EU Centralisation
During a visit to Prague, President Karol Nawrocki warned against the trend of EU centralisation that he said would weaken member states, especially the two biggest nations, and erode national sovereignty and democratic governance. He urged that Poland support the principle of unanimity where it currently applies and keep the “one country – one commissioner” rule, insisting every state, no matter how small, should nominate its own commissioner.
Calls for National Commissioners
President Nawrocki further argued that each member state should have a commissioner selected by that country rather than by the European Union as a whole, to ensure democratic representation and political backing.
Advocates Returning Presidential Chair to Politician
Nawrocki proposed reinstating the tradition that the president of the Presidium of a chair is a political figure—from the host country—politically empowered, rather than an EU official. He said this would allow the chair to propose concrete solutions for the country’s presidency.
Proposes Abolishing European Council Chair
The Polish president suggested dismantling the post of the European Council chair, insisting that the holder must be a head of government (president, prime minister, or chancellor) with a democratic mandate and political background, not a bureaucratic EU official dependent on major powers.
Government Rejects Presidential Proposals
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski responded that the Council of Ministers had not granted the president the authority to submit proposals for amending EU treaties. He reminded that the government directs Poland’s foreign policy and decisions with the EU.
Minister Kierwiński Urges Temperance
Interior and Administration Minister Marcin Kierwiński said that the president cannot present his controversial ideas as representing Poland, and warned that his remarks risked polarising public opinion. He urged the president to “come down to earth.”
