President Karol Nawrocki defended his veto of a crypto asset law, asserting the government failed to address problems with Zondacrypto and accusing them of withholding information.
President Nawrocki Stands by Crypto Veto
President Karol Nawrocki stated he does not regret vetoing the crypto asset legislation, emphasizing that 30,000 individuals affected by issues with Zondacrypto are victims of the current government’s failings. He added that he only received information regarding Zondacrypto from Polish intelligence agencies *after* issuing his initial veto.
Nawrocki believes the government’s proposed law would not have prevented the current problems with Zondacrypto, characterizing the legislation as “overregulation.”
Government Had Ample Time to Act
The President asserted the government was aware of Zondacrypto’s activities and had eleven months to implement European Union regulations. He stated that the National Revenue Administration, the prosecutor’s office, and other Polish government agencies could have resolved the issue during that period.
Nawrocki further claimed he was deliberately kept in the dark regarding the situation, receiving relevant documents only after his first veto. He emphasized that the timing reveals a pattern of behavior from the government.
President Proposes Alternative Solutions
Nawrocki criticized the government for attempting to eliminate the entire cryptocurrency market, including legitimate operators, rather than protecting Polish citizens. He defended his veto and stated that he, along with Donald Tusk’s coalition partners, identified necessary changes to the bill and proposed alternative solutions.
Political Motivations Alleged
The President suggested the government’s actions are driven by political motives rather than a genuine desire to regulate the cryptocurrency system and protect individuals. He believes the situation is being exploited to fuel political conflict.
No Ties to Zondacrypto, President Claims
Nawrocki denied any personal connection to Przemysław Kral, the president of Zondacrypto, stating he has never met him or any of his representatives. He also stated he has no information suggesting Zondacrypto supported his campaign. He acknowledged that isolated individuals with ties to the right-wing appeared in materials reviewed by his office, but not on a large scale.
Concerns Over Government Transparency
The President reiterated his concerns about the lack of communication between the government and the Presidential Palace, noting he received documents from intelligence agencies only after making his initial decision regarding the veto. He criticized the model of cooperation between the government and the President, stating this was not an isolated incident.
Nawrocki believes the Zondacrypto case highlights the state’s weakness in responding to threats promptly, rather than a flaw in his veto.