The coalition agreement is nearing completion, featuring several dozen points and an overall average level, according to Paulina Hennig-Kloska, deputy head of Poland 2050, in an interview on Radio Zet. She indicated that if the leading party assumes government responsibilities, the second party should take to the Sejm, specifically referencing the role of marshal.
The coalition agreement is close to being finalized; talks are tapering toward their conclusion, she noted, adding that leaders still must grant their approval.
There is always something to add or agree upon. These arrangements are expected to endure for the next four years, she remarked.
Coalition agreement
Asked about the contents of the coalition agreement, Hennig-Kloska described several dozen highly important points, stating they encompassed the core issues that defined the political groups heading into the elections. She highlighted main directions and topics including Poland’s international stance and defense policy.
The coalition agreement will not be composed of a set of laws to be adopted. Overall, it will reflect an average level. The aim is not to collect the most crucial legal acts but to demonstrate to the electorate that the first and most significant agreement has been reached and that a coalition agreement exists. Additionally, it will send a signal to President Duda about the coalition’s progress toward government formation.
She could not reveal detailed contractual elements, noting that the presentation date depended on the leaders’ decision.
She asserted that signing the agreement before November 13 was highly likely, arguing that such a move would clearly signal to President Duda that a majority in the Sejm, now in opposition, has selected its Marshal and committed to cooperation in forming a government.
There was also speculation that the coalition agreement might be unveiled as early as next week, she added.
Rotating speaker of the Sejm
When asked about the concept of a rotating chair for the Sejm, Hennig-Kloska stated she was not strongly in favor of such a solution. She believed Szymon Hołownia was the best candidate for the chairmanship.
In her view, if the first power prepares the government, the second power with the broadest social mandate should oversee the Sejm, as there is a need for cleansing as well.
If a rotation mechanism were introduced, it would have to be systemic and extend beyond just the Sejm chair, she added, citing roles such as deputy prime ministers and deputy marshals as examples.
Borrowing from the European model, she suggested, would imply a deeper adjustment spread across the term.
She emphasized that the marshal’s mission, beginning November 13, would be of extreme importance.
Go back on promises?
The vice president of Poland 2050 was asked on Radio Zet which opposition proposals for government formation would not be implemented. Beata Lubecka suggested that a 35-hour work week and a tax-free allowance up to PLN 60,000 might not be feasible. Hennig-Kloska said that next year’s budget would be tight and not all opposition proposals could be enacted.
There would be a need to identify some substantial expenses. They could, perhaps, replace the indexing of more than 500 items, but without such a decision, or if it is not taken, there would be no room in the budget to implement it currently, she noted.
The coming year, she added, would be an exciting one.
Setting aside the debate over rotation in the Sejm chair, the opposition views the proposal for interchangeability in other positions as potentially meaningless. If the second entity in the state could change every year or two to satisfy coalition demands, similar changes could be made across ministries. The Platform, however, does not support this.
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Mon/PAP/X