Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Parliament Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty are moving to override President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, sparking criticism from football fans and a political showdown.
President Vetoes Criminal Procedure Code Amendments
In mid-March, President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code, a comprehensive reform addressing issues like the prohibition of illegally obtained evidence and limitations on temporary arrests. The veto drew criticism, particularly from football fans who saw the new regulations as beneficial.
“Lex Kibic” and Government Response
On Thursday, the Prime Minister, when questioned about plans to override the presidential veto, reminded reporters that Parliament Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty had previously announced the possibility of procedural action during Friday’s voting block. Tusk emphasized that if the Sejm fails to reject the veto, “these changes will not happen, and the president will continue to read strange banners at matches.”
Tusk Criticizes Veto and Calls for Reason
Tusk stated that the vote on the president’s veto presents an opportunity for all parties to recognize the broad importance of the project, regardless of political affiliation. He described it as a necessary improvement to regulations and practices under the “dramatically bad” governance of former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro. He questioned whether those who supported the veto, particularly PiS, would “come to their senses” during the vote.
Tusk Downplays Personal Involvement in “Fan Law” Dispute
Tusk assessed the “lex kibic” issue as “surprising for everyone,” even himself. He characterized the situation as an “eerie” duel between fans and the president, stating it was “frankly, not my business.”
Fan Protests Against Nawrocki’s Veto
Over the past weekend, passionate fan groups protested the president’s veto at stadiums. Banners displayed messages such as “K. Nawrocki – you quietly veto the law, accepting years of imprisonment without evidence” (Motor Lublin fans) and “President – you forgot who’s votes got you elected. Like Judas, you sold our ideals to the boss” (Cracovia fans). Even fans of Lechia Gdańsk, a team supported by Nawrocki, joined the protests.
Key Provisions of the Amended Criminal Procedure Code
The Ministry of Justice indicated that the amendment introduced a new approach to the application of temporary arrest due to the severity of the potential punishment, raising the threshold from 8 to 10 years. The maximum period of pre-trial detention would be limited to 12 months.
Reverting to Pre-PiS Regulations and Evidence Rules
The law also proposes a return to regulations predating the PiS government, stipulating that temporary arrest cannot be applied for offenses punishable by less than 2 years imprisonment, and changes to the use of illegally obtained evidence in criminal proceedings.
Sejm to Vote on Veto Override
The Sejm may override the president’s veto by passing the law again with a three-fifths majority, requiring at least 276 votes assuming full attendance.
Tusk and Czarzasty Unite Against Nawrocki
Tusk, alongside Czarzasty, is again opposing Nawrocki, joined by the fans who were angered by the president’s refusal to sign the changes to the Criminal Procedure Code. Protesters at football stadiums chanted, “You are not one of us.”
