On September 26, Poland’s Sejm passed the controversial “Chain Law” protecting animals, but on Thursday President Karol Nawrocki vetoed it, prompting PiS MPs to change their earlier support.
President Vetoes the “Chain Law” After Parliamentary Approval
On Thursday, President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the law passed by 280 MPs on September 26. The ruling coalition, including 49 PiS members, had supported the amendment.
Parliament Must Mount a 3/5 Majority to Overturn the Veto
Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced that overturning the veto requires three‑fifths of votes in the presence of at least half of the 460 members, amounting to 276 votes.
Opposition Members Expected to Vote Against the Veto
With a coalition of 179 MPs, the opposition would need to provide the remaining votes to defeat the veto. Some PiS MPs who formerly endorsed the law now support the veto’s rejection.
Kaczyński Stays Reluctant to Reject the Veto
Jarosław Kaczyński said he would not reject the president’s veto, citing certain provisions of the law that are difficult to implement. He noted that earlier voting in favor of the law was partly due to some favorable aspects.
PiS MPs Offer Mixed Reactions
PiS MPs Mariusz Błaszczak praised the veto as “justified” and urged acceptance of the president’s version to safeguard dogs. Others, like Szymon Szynkowski and Marek Ast, maintained that they supported the amendment but questioned its feasibility, showing varying positions.