President Nawrocki Submits Second Green Deal Referendum Request with a New Question

President Karol Nawrocki announced he has submitted a second referendum request regarding the European Union’s Green Deal, arguing that the decision should rest with citizens.

New Referendum Request and Climate Policy Question

President Karol Nawrocki informed that he submitted a second request for a nationwide referendum concerning the Green Deal, emphasizing that the decision should belong to the citizens.

Speaking to residents in Dębica on Thursday, Nawrocki stated that the question from the first attempt was unsuitable. He announced that the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland has prepared a completely different and simple question: “Are you in favor of Poland’s implementation of the European Union’s climate policy?”

Criticism of the Senate and Energy Prices

Nawrocki criticized the stance of the Senate and parliamentary authorities, stating that the upper chamber fears a referendum. He also addressed electricity prices, pointing to burdens from the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Green Deal.

According to data presented by the president, Polish entrepreneurs pay 252 euros per megawatt-hour for electricity, compared to 237 euros in Germany, 166 euros in France, and 158 euros in Spain. He also criticized the Ministry of Energy’s work on a regulation that he claims aims to conceal climate policy fees on bills.

Legislative Summary and 41 Presidential Vetos

Reviewing his legislative activity, Nawrocki stated he has signed 245 laws and exercised the right of veto against 41 projects. He rejected being labeled a “vetomat,” noting that he signed significantly more laws after deep analysis than he vetoed.

The president also criticized the withholding of his bills in the Sejm by Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzastego, specifically mentioning a bill lowering energy prices and the “0% PIT for families” initiative.

Controversy Over Proposed Law Changes

Nawrocki accused parliament of attempting to alter regulations regarding the status of close persons and healthcare amendments. He stated he strongly opposes changes that alter over 200 laws and undermine Article 18 of the Constitution regarding marriage.

The first referendum request submitted earlier this year was rejected by the Senate plenary following formal and legal objections raised by the Senate Committee on Human Rights, the Rule of Law, and Petitions regarding the precision and suggestive nature of the questions.