The Polish Sejm did not secure the three-fifths majority needed to reject President Andrzej Duda’s veto of amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure on March 26th.
Presidential Veto Sustained
The amendments, vetoed by the President on March 13th, included provisions banning the use of illegally obtained evidence, limiting pre-trial detention, and expanding the rights of the accused during early stages of proceedings. They also addressed the confidentiality of suspect-lawyer communications, appeal deadlines, and aspects of the European Arrest Warrant.
President Duda justified his veto citing concerns for citizen safety and the state’s effectiveness in combating serious crime. The government argued the reform aimed to streamline the criminal procedure following changes made during the previous PiS government and curb the overuse of temporary arrests.
Vote Outcome
To override the presidential veto, 264 votes were required. However, only 244 lawmakers voted to reject it, with 180 opposing. The lack of a three-fifths majority means the veto stands, and the amendments will not come into effect in their current form.
This represents a setback for the government in one of its key judicial reforms.
Government and Ministerial Reactions
Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously stated that the vote on the veto presented an opportunity for all parties to recognize the broad support the project had received. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek characterized the vote as a “simple test of honesty” for citizens.