Poland’s government is fast-tracking legislation aimed at mitigating rising fuel prices, with a parliamentary vote expected Friday before the holidays.
Government Announces Legislative Express for Fuel Prices
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced preparations for changes to curb fuel price increases on Thursday. The Polish government will convene an extraordinary session today at 6:00 PM to implement a package of measures designed to minimize the impact of global events, particularly in Iran and the Middle East, on domestic fuel prices.
Government Plans Include VAT and Excise Duty Cuts
The government’s plans include reducing the VAT rate on fuel from 23% to 8%, lowering excise duty to the minimum permitted by EU regulations, and enabling the Minister of Energy to set daily maximum retail fuel prices. Draft solutions are expected to be finalized after 6:00 PM Thursday and submitted to the Sejm that evening.
Parliament Launches “Legislative Express”
The Sejm has initiated a “legislative express” to approve the proposed changes by Friday afternoon, according to Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty. The plan involves two bills: one for the VAT reduction and another concerning excise duties. The bills will be debated from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM today.
Sejm and Senate Schedule Rapid Review
Following the initial reading, the Sejm Finance Committee will review the bills Thursday night or Friday morning. A second reading is scheduled for Friday at 9:30 AM, followed by a block vote starting at 11:30 AM. Simultaneously, contact has been made with Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska to convene the Senate for tomorrow.
President’s Trip to the US May Delay Implementation
The Senate session has been scheduled for Friday at 2:00 PM. President Karol Nawrocki is traveling to the US on Friday for a working visit, including attendance at the CPAC conference and meetings with the Polish diaspora. He is scheduled to remain in the US until Sunday, meaning he may not be able to review the legislation until next week.