Tensions rise within Poland’s governing coalition as a vote of no confidence looms for Climate Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska, prompting criticism from coalition partners.
Hołownia Criticizes Minister’s Stance
Szymon Hołownia, questioned by journalists in the Sejm, expressed irritation with Climate Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska’s response to coalition expectations. He stated that her suggestion for coalition members to simply come to the ministry if they had concerns was “impolite.”
Hołownia emphasized the clear relationship between the minister and the Sejm, asserting that the minister is accountable to the parliament and must provide explanations. He suggested that anyone believing their ministerial position places them above parliament should reconsider their role in the government.
“No Favors Are Being Done”
Hołownia further stated that Hennig-Kloska is not doing anyone a favor and should come to the Sejm to explain why she deserves to remain minister. While supporting the stability of the coalition, he admitted considering abstaining from the vote due to the minister’s attitude.
PSL Pledges Coalition Loyalty
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, leader of the Polish People’s Party (PSL), announced his club’s loyalty to the coalition regarding the vote of no confidence. He described it as standard coalition practice.
Kosiniak-Kamysz clarified that loyalty doesn’t equate to unconditional support, noting that the PSL has questions for the minister. Hennig-Kloska has been invited to a PSL parliamentary club meeting to discuss issues like the deposit system, forestry, and other matters related to her ministry.
Vote of No Confidence Scheduled
The motion of no confidence against Paulina Hennig-Kloska was submitted to the Sejm on March 27th, signed by approximately 100 MPs from PiS and Konfederacja. It must be addressed during a session scheduled for April 28-30.
The motion accuses the minister of failing to mitigate the negative impacts of EU climate policy on Poland, creating chaos around the “Clean Air” program, neglecting preparations for the 2025/26 heating season, and attempting to base the country’s energy independence on renewable energy sources.
Hennig-Kloska has invited representatives from coalition clubs to a meeting on April 16th at 5 PM to present information about her ministry’s activities. She initially represented Polska 2050 before forming the Centrum parliamentary club after losing internal elections.
Concerns regarding the vote of no confidence primarily involve PSL and Polska 2050, who initially ran together as the Third Way project before separating into distinct entities within the Sejm.
A related report from Wyborcza.pl reveals that the Ministry of Education has not published expert recommendations on homework assessments since February.
