Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz questioned Climate Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska’s performance and demanded the resignation of her deputy, Mikołaj Dorożała, in Warsaw on Wednesday.
Ministerial Performance Under Scrutiny
Deputy Prime Minister and PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Paulina Hennig-Kloska is a good climate minister, but his party has questions for her. He specifically expressed concerns regarding forestry policy and the treatment of foresters.
Call for Dorożała’s Resignation
Kosiniak-Kamysz believes that Deputy Minister Mikołaj Dorożała should resign, claiming he has “done many foolish things” and should have left his post some time ago. Dorożała responded, stating he intends to continue those “foolish” actions.
PSL’s Position on Hennig-Kloska
Kosiniak-Kamysz clarified that Dorożała’s departure is not a condition for PSL’s support of Minister Hennig-Kloska. He emphasized that the party has long held this opinion and that foresters, previously let down by Solidarna Polska, had hoped for greater support from the current government.
Dorożała’s Defense of His Actions
According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, Dorożała “does not understand foresters or forestry.” Dorożała, responding via X (formerly Twitter), defended his work, stating he is working with competent people dedicated to Polish forests and will continue to pursue what others deem “foolish.”
Listing Accomplishments
Dorożała listed several accomplishments, including the 2035 Strategy, the National Energy and Climate Plan, regulations eliminating the burning of high-quality wood in professional energy production, and the establishment of over 150 new nature reserves. He asserted that prioritizing transparency, balance between industry and environmental protection, and the security of forests constitutes his “foolish” work.
Sawicki’s Criticism and PSL Unity
Kosiniak-Kamysz acknowledged that PSL MP Marek Sawicki considers Hennig-Kloska the weakest link in the government, but praised Sawicki’s freedom to express sometimes “exaggerated” opinions. He stated that the PSL will vote cohesively on any motion of no confidence and prioritize improvements in water security and nature protection, free from “eco-terrorists.”
Vote of No Confidence Scheduled
A motion to dismiss Hennig-Kloska, signed by approximately 100 MPs from Konfederacja and PiS, was submitted to the Sejm in late March. The motion cites concerns about the negative impacts of EU climate policy, chaos surrounding the “Clean Air” program, and shortcomings in energy and wood pellet sector preparation. The Sejm is scheduled to discuss the motion between April 28-30.
Coalition Dynamics and Upcoming Vote
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has stated that the vote on the motion of no confidence will be a test of coalition loyalty and solidarity. Hennig-Kloska attempted to meet with all coalition clubs, but representatives from Polska 2050 and PSL did not attend, citing prior invitations and concerns about the suitability of the ministry as a political venue. PSL has invited the minister to a club meeting on April 28.
