On 8 November, Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek blasted PiS lawmakers for voting against a proposal that would impose harsher punishments for assaults on police, firefighters and emergency responders.
Minister Criticises PiS MPs Over Bill
On Saturday, 8 November, Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek posted on X accusing PiS lawmakers of opposing the legislature’s proposal to tighten penalties for attacks on public servants, including medical workers. “Why? Simply because it is a proposal from the current justice ministry. I am struck by the lack of words,” he wrote, questioning whether the party’s decision was correct.
Approved Penalties Increase Severity for Assaults on Public Officials
The Sejm passed rules that raise fines and imprisonment for assaults on police, firefighters, rescuers and other public workers. Misdemeanor attacks now carry 3‑month to 5‑year prison terms. Disrupting public order in places such as hospitals or offices while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will incur imprisonment, freedom restriction or fines of 1,000–5,000 PLN, up from the former 100–500 PLN range. The bill received 264 votes in favour, 168 against, with three abstentions.
Persistent Violence Against Medical Rescuers
Karolina Gałecka, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, reported that two emergency‑responder assaults occurred recently in Wrocław. The victims were attacked while performing their duties, and the perpetrators face up to three years in prison for violating the inviolability of medical rescuers. “Attacking medical rescuers is attacking those who save lives,” she said, highlighting that the state will not tolerate aggression towards public servants.
Assaults in Katowice Highlight Ongoing Threats
Following a recent attack on emergency workers in Katowice, the minister expressed gratitude that the new regulations had passed. He stressed that several PiS MPs, along with most Confederates, stood for independence, sound judgment and responsibility, supporting the project. He called on people to help and protect others, reminding that such behaviour must not be tolerated.