One year has passed since Karol Nawrocki took office as President of Poland. Instead of cooperation aimed at strengthening security, development and an efficient state, Poles have witnessed a series of decisions blocking important reforms. A number of presidential vetoes and referrals of legislation to the Constitutional Tribunal have meant that many solutions expected by citizens have not entered into force.
Each of these decisions has real consequences – delaying investments, making the functioning of the state more difficult, and depriving Polish citizens of solutions intended to improve their security and quality of life.
Over the past year, the President has vetoed or blocked a number of laws of key importance for the country.
One of the most significant decisions was the veto of the law concerning the SAFE programme, which was intended to allow Poland to make fuller use of European funds for security investments and the modernisation of its defence capabilities. The issue concerned access to financing of up to €43.7 billion. Although the government found an alternative solution, the President’s decision resulted in unnecessary delays.
The President also vetoed the law on the status of a closest person, which was intended to provide citizens with greater protection and clearer rights in situations such as hospital stays, contacts with public authorities, and other everyday matters requiring formal recognition of a relationship with a loved one.
Another veto concerned amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, aimed at streamlining proceedings, strengthening the rights of victims and improving the effectiveness of the justice system.
The law on crypto-assets was also vetoed three times. The legislation was designed to align Polish regulations with European Union rules. The new provisions were intended to increase investor protection and create more transparent conditions for the development of a modern financial market.
Meanwhile, the law concerning extraordinary profits was not signed by the President but instead referred to the Constitutional Tribunal, which also halted the implementation of the proposed solutions.
Each of these vetoes means further months of waiting for necessary changes. In practice, this translates into delayed reforms, a less efficient state, slower investment processes and reduced support for citizens.
Today, Poland needs cooperation between the country’s most important institutions – especially in the face of challenges related to security, economic development and strengthening public services. The role of the President should be to build consensus and seek solutions, rather than deepen political conflicts.
The first year of Karol Nawrocki’s presidency will be remembered primarily as a period of missed opportunities. Instead of effective cooperation for the benefit of the state, the dominant feature has been decisions blocking the work of Parliament and the government.
Poland deserves a President who acts above all in the interest of citizens, supporting solutions that improve security, strengthen the state and make everyday life easier for Polish people. The office of the President should unite, seek compromise and help solve problems, rather than become an instrument of party politics.
