“The constitutional order must be preserved. I will not agree to any circumvention or bending of the law,” said President Andrzej Duda during his address to the Sejm at the start of the 10th term. The opposition’s reaction was immediate and loud, revealing sharply divided views on the direction of the country’s governance.
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“The constitutional order must be preserved.”
The president’s remarks carried weight and surfaced as a point of contention with lawmakers who are pressing to reshape political power. His statement was framed as a pledge to uphold the rule of law and the constitutional powers entrusted to the presidency, a stance that drew both applause and resistance from different sides of the chamber.
He underscored a personal commitment to the constitutional framework, asserting that he would not back any move to bypass, weaken, or challenge the powers defined by the constitution. The values he highlighted—freedom and solidarity—were presented as the enduring foundations that generations have defended and that should guide the country’s political conduct.
Following those words, members of the Civic Coalition began to voice their disagreement, sometimes with laughter, while supporters of the ruling party provided a contrasting chorus of support. When the president stated that the constitutional order must be preserved, at least one opposition member called out, “Restored,” underscoring the tension in the room.
“I will not hesitate to use the presidential veto.”
If a proposal raises substantive or legal questions of great significance, the president indicated he would not hesitate to employ the veto or refer the bill to the Constitutional Court. This stance was framed as a safeguard for constitutional norms and as a reminder that the executive branch would act to defend the legal framework even amid political pressure.
He noted that his political camp has faced such dynamics before, including in the context of high-profile media legislation, highlighting a pattern of debates over signaling and readiness to check policy directions that could affect fundamental governance.
According to the president, a veto should not be interpreted as an excuse to evade election promises. He urged coalition partners and supporters to stay true to commitments made to the Polish people, stressing accountability and the imperative to deliver on promises while respecting constitutional processes.
In the parliamentary halls, the exchanges continued with alternating rounds of applause and interruption, reflecting a lively clash between camp loyalties. The chairs of the Civic Coalition and PiS benches offered divergent responses, mirroring the ongoing contest over the constitution, the presidency, and the path of the nation.
Observers noted that the president’s remarks and the subsequent reactions underscored the deep polarization surrounding constitutional safeguards and the checks and balances intended to guide Polish democracy. The debate touched on fundamental questions about how power should be exercised, how laws are evaluated for legality, and how political leaders should honor their commitments while upholding the rule of law.
Analysts and commentators have pointed to the tension as a signal of broader contests over governance, accountability, and the role of the presidency in shaping policy beyond electoral cycles. The dialogue highlighted the balance between democratic norms and political strategy, and it raised questions about how future legislation will be vetted to protect constitutional order.
In summary, the address presented a clear declaration of constitutional fidelity from the president and a concurrent challenge to opponents who advocate rapid reform. The exchange illustrated the vitality of Poland’s democratic institutions and the ongoing negotiation over how best to translate constitutional principles into concrete policy. This moment was widely observed as a test of endurance for the republic’s constitutional framework and a pledge to remain faithful to the sovereign will of the Polish people. (citation: wPolityce)