Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski stated the Left party will not join the new Constitution Council due to concerns about collaborating with current ruling parties.
Left Will Not Participate in Constitution Council
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski has ruled out the Left’s participation in the upcoming Constitution Council, which is to be established under the President’s office.
Gawkowski stated that working with PiS, Konfederacja, or Karol Nawrocki on constitutional changes is incompatible with Leftist and democratic values.
Council Formation Announced
According to a Friday announcement by Presidential Spokesman Rafał Leśkiewicz, the first members of the Constitution Council will be appointed on May 3rd.
The council will include representatives from parliamentary clubs and caucuses, experts, and individuals with diverse legal perspectives, and will have until the end of Karol Nawrocki’s presidency to draft a new constitution.
Accusations of Constitutional Violations
Gawkowski was asked about the Left’s readiness to join the announced Council during a briefing in Warsaw on Friday.
He reiterated that any collaboration with PiS, Konfederacja, or the President on constitutional changes is unacceptable, emphasizing that it contradicts both Leftist and democratic principles.
Criticism of the President’s Actions
Gawkowski accused the Law and Justice party of violating and undermining the constitution, as well as politicizing the Constitutional Tribunal.
He stated the Left will not engage in any work with the President on constitutional changes, and urged the President to respect and fulfill his constitutional obligations instead of abdicating them.
President Accused of Abdicating Duties
The Deputy Prime Minister argued that the President has abdicated some of his duties, including failing to accept officer nominations for intelligence services and refusing to administer oaths to Constitutional Tribunal judges.
Gawkowski believes this demonstrates a lack of respect for the constitution and a focus on political maneuvering.
Concerns Over Presidential Councils
Gawkowski criticized the President’s tendency to establish councils, noting the presence of hundreds of employees, advisors, and collaborators.
He expressed concern that the new council might include individuals who have previously violated the constitution, referencing a previous council allegedly filled with Russian trolls.
Controversy Surrounding the New Media Council
In April, the President appointed the New Media Council, which included Paweł Swinarski (alias Paweł Svinarski).
Swinarski’s appointment sparked controversy due to allegations of spreading Russian disinformation, including a claim that Russian drones entering Polish territory were a Ukrainian provocation.