Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, leader of the Polish People’s Party (PSL), stated Paulina Hennig-Kloska is a good climate minister but questioned her performance, while demanding the resignation of Deputy Minister Mikołaj Dorożała.
PSL Leader Supports Minister, Criticizes Deputy Minister
Polish People’s Party (PSL) leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz assessed Paulina Hennig-Kloska as a good Minister of Climate, but noted his party has questions for her. He added that it is Deputy Minister Mikołaj Dorożała who should resign, stating he “has done many foolish things.”
Kosiniak-Kamysz, speaking on Radio Zet, affirmed Hennig-Kloska is a good Minister of Climate and Environment, while acknowledging his club has certain questions and concerns. He emphasized his personal concerns relate to forestry, foresters, and the current situation within the sector.
Call for Dorożała’s Resignation
Kosiniak-Kamysz believes Deputy Minister Mikołaj Dorożała deserves dismissal, arguing he “has done many foolish things” and should have resigned long ago.
PSL Discipline Regarding Hennig-Kloska
The PSL will not enforce party discipline regarding support for Minister Hennig-Kloska, according to Kosiniak-Kamysz. He stated his opinion is well-known within the party, and the PSL has expressed it for some time. He believes foresters, previously supported by Solidarna Polska, had hoped for greater support from the PSL.
Dorożała’s Understanding of Forestry
Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Deputy Minister Dorożała “does not understand foresters, does not understand forestry.”
Sawicki’s Criticism of Hennig-Kloska
Regarding PSL MP Marek Sawicki’s claim that Hennig-Kloska is the weakest link in the government, Kosiniak-Kamysz noted Sawicki has the freedom to express more “exaggerated” opinions due to not holding a government position, adding he values this freedom.
PSL’s Unified Vote and Priorities
Kosiniak-Kamysz does not anticipate Sawicki’s view being isolated or voting to remove the Minister of Climate. He stated the PSL will vote as a unified bloc, prioritizing improvements in water security, rational nature protection, and avoiding control by “eco-terrorists.”
He also assured that no party discipline will be imposed within the PSL club regarding this vote.
Dorożała Responds to Criticism
Dorożała responded to Kosiniak-Kamysz’s comments via platform X, stating he hears about “foolish” things in forestry. He praised the work of his team, emphasizing their competence and dedication to Polish forests and nature. He vowed to defend his team against the characterization of their efforts as “foolish.”
Dorożała Highlights Achievements
Dorożała presented a list of actions he and his team have already implemented, including the 2035 Strategy, the National Energy and Climate Plan, regulations eliminating the burning of high-quality wood in professional energy production, a meeting of forestry and nature protection directors from across the EU during the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the establishment of over 150 new nature reserves.
Defense of Actions and Commitment
Dorożała stated that if caring for transparency, balance between the wood industry and environmental protection, border security, and the protection of the most valuable forests are considered “foolishness,” then he intends to continue those “foolish” actions. He pledged to defend the hard work of those who care for Polish forests for future generations.
Vote of No Confidence Scheduled
A motion to dismiss Hennig-Kloska as Minister of Climate and Environment, signed by approximately 100 MPs from Konfederacja and PiS, was submitted to the Sejm in late March. The motion cites a lack of action to mitigate the negative effects of EU climate policy, chaos surrounding the “Clean Air” program, and neglect in preparing the energy and wood sectors for the 2025/26 heating season, as well as alleged “sabotage of the state” by attempting to base energy sovereignty on renewable energy sources.
The Sejm is scheduled to consider the motion between April 28-30. Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently emphasized that the vote of no confidence will be a test of coalition loyalty and solidarity.
Coalition Meetings and PSL Absence
Hennig-Kloska attempted to meet with all coalition clubs, but representatives from Polska 2050 and PSL did not attend, citing prior invitations from their clubs and deeming the ministry an inappropriate venue for political discussions. The PSL club has invited the minister to a meeting on April 28.
