Polish President Karol Nawrocki is set to veto a suite of bills on Thursday, prompting media warnings that the legislation will fail a parliamentary vote.
Upcoming Veto Talks on Thursday
Law and Justice MPs will meet President Nawrocki’s office on Thursday to discuss several bills already passed by the majority; the president plans to veto them, according to Wirtualna Polska.
Targeted Tax Hikes on Alcohol and Sugar
The bills include increases in the excise tax on alcohol and a new sugar tax. Nawrocki reiterated, as he did in his campaign interview with Sławomir Mentzena, that he will not sign any law that raises these taxes.
Influence of the Konfederacja Group
According to the portal, leaders of the Konfederacja coalition and sympathetic PiS politicians, notably Janusz Kowalski, shaped the legislation and expressed concerns that the tax changes would hurt farmers. Kowalski has warned that the bills would be “a blow to farmers.”
Controversy Over Crypto and Family Foundation Laws
In a post on X, a spokesperson for Nawrocki criticised the new laws on cryptocurrency markets and family foundations, claiming they threaten taxpayers who fund public services such as the army, police, schools and key investments, and accusing the president of offering a “deal with Poles” that merely supports entrepreneurship, not the real issues to be addressed.
Evasion of the ‘Chain Law’ and Fur-Breeding Ban
Earlier this week, Nawrocki vetoed the so‑called chain law, stating that while the intention to protect animals was right, its provisions could worsen the situation. He simultaneously signed a bill banning fur animal breeding, which introduces compensation for breeders who stop operations early, support and severance for workers, and a seven‑year transition period.
Parliament’s Stance on the Veto
Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced that the Sejm will vote on rejecting the president’s veto. However, TVN24 reporter Anna Adamek noted that several Law and Justice MPs have expressed support for parts of the chain law, and spokesperson Ryszard Terlecki said the party would pause voting on the veto, effectively keeping it intact.