After the Senate blocked his proposal for a referendum on EU climate policy, President Marcin Przydacz insists the administration has alternative strategies ready to ensure citizens can still weigh in on the matter.
Senate Rejection of Referendum Proposal
On Wednesday, May 20, the Senate voted down President Karol Nawrocki’s motion to hold a national referendum regarding EU climate policy. The proposal was rejected by 62 senators, with 32 in favor and one abstention.
Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau, stated that the Polish public is the most disappointed by this outcome, as citizens expected a chance to voice their stance on climate regulations.
Alternative Plans in Development
Addressing inquiries about a potential “Plan B,” Przydacz confirmed that the presidential administration had anticipated the Senate’s refusal. He emphasized that the government has further plans in place and that ministers Szefernaker and Bogucki will coordinate future efforts.
Meanwhile, during a “Together for Poland and Poles” protest in Warsaw, Solidarność leader Piotr Duda expressed support for the president’s original initiative.
Debate Over Economic Impact
Presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz argued that current climate policies harm the European market and impose significant financial burdens on Polish households. He noted that since EU greenhouse gas emissions account for only 6 percent of the global total, many corporations are moving production to Asia to avoid strict regulations.
Controversial Referendum Question
The proposed referendum question asked whether citizens support climate policies that have led to increased costs for living, energy, and business operations. Climate and Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska dismissed the proposal as “political chutzpah” and a “festival of populism,” claiming the biased question insults citizens and fails to build true economic resilience.