Czarnek Calls for a Lawful and Quota-Compliant Committee
When opposition MPs began to challenge the former MEiN head after his Sejm remarks, Czarnek requested a correction. The session chair, Dorota Niedziela, from the KO ranks, temporarily handed the microphone to a PiS MP. An unlikely ally emerged for the ex-minister as Confederation deputy Grzegorz Braun urged that the PiS member be given the right to correct the record, while Braun criticized Jarosław Kaczyński’s party, accusing it of assembling a united, misleading front.
Czarnek: Build the Committee Only Within Legal and Parity Boundaries
At the outset of Thursday’s Sejm session, members pressed on with KO’s draft resolution to establish an investigative committee to examine the so-called envelope elections. Czarnek, representing the PiS club, stressed his unwavering support for appointing such a committee and for investigating the envelope elections by formal means. He asserted that the PiS faction would always vote in favor of creating this body.
During his remarks, Czarnek mocked the opposition by recalling PiS critiques of PO politicians over national symbols and the proper use of the flag during demonstrations. He argued that in a democracy tax revenue should fund the state budget, not lobbying efforts or VAT mafias. He urged the assembly to appoint the committee, but to do so in strict accordance with the law and the parliamentary rules governing such investigations, noting that the party would welcome an honest debate about democracy.
He reflected on the election timeline, reminding listeners that presidential elections were mandated by the constitution and ordered in February 2020. A month later, the first COVID-19 case appeared in Poland, leading to an epidemic and an obligation to adapt procedures under extraordinary conditions. The government, he said, faced the duty to ensure elections were held under safe conditions, ultimately deciding that the May 10 date should be conducted by means of correspondence. He claimed that no postal voting occurred in reality and emphasized the government’s effort to guarantee safety while preserving democratic duties. He added that the current parliamentary action should reveal who bore responsibility for any failure to meet those obligations and prevent the functioning of the state, accusing the opposition of a totalitarian approach to democracy.
Tomczyk of KO Stresses Future Legal Consequences
Following Czarnek, KO deputy Cezary Tomczyk addressed the chamber, portraying Czarnek as a controversial figure known for alleged favors and questionable actions. Tomczyk suggested that the prosecutor’s office would take up matters concerning the minister, presenting a sharp critique of the minister’s record while signaling potential future accountability under the law.
KO Deputy Marshal Denies Czarnek the Floor
After that speech, Czarnek requested a 30-second opportunity to respond to personal attacks. Deputy Marshal Dorota Niedziela refused the floor, citing Article 184 of the Sejm Rules of Procedure as the basis for her decision. Czarnek remained on stage, seeking further engagement with deputy Tomczyk and calling for a correction of what he described as personal attacks. His microphone was subsequently turned off as the dispute continued from opposing benches. A chorus of calls from KO and PiS lawmakers filled the hall, with Sławomir Nitras urging the minister to return to the floor and comply with the rules. PiS members pressed for the chance to present a correction given the personal nature of the remarks, while Niedziela tried to manage the flow of the debate. Eventually, Czarnek left the podium as the session moved forward.
Braun Advocates for the Right to Rectification
In a subsequent address, Confederation deputy Grzegorz Braun called for a formal motion to guarantee the minister the right to rectify the record. He criticized the political climate and the behavior of the united opposition, arguing that the public deserved a clear chance for correction from the minister. Braun reflected that the atmosphere in parliament had grown heated and political clashes intensified, yet he maintained that rectification should be allowed. He noted that the minister’s name had already been invoked many times during the discussion and urged adherence to parliamentary norms so the minister could respond at the session’s end if needed. Niedziela responded by noting that she had invited Czarnek to approach her, but he had left the stage before a resolution could be reached. Following Braun’s request, Czarnek later approached Braun and they exchanged a handshake as the proceedings continued.
Confederation Proposes Expanding the Committee’s Mandate
Witold Tumanowicz, presenting the Confederation position, argued for a broad review of all post‑election aspects in light of what he called an unprecedented event. He proposed amendments to broaden the scope of the investigative committee to include the consequences of not holding elections within the constitutional period and the circumstances surrounding changes to election dates and candidate submissions in 2020. Tumanowicz urged that Confederation representation remain part of the committee, warning against sidelining voters from their rightful representation. He contended that the Confederation should participate in the inquiry rather than face a political stalemate that would only fuel further parliamentary conflicts. The deputy stressed that the goal was a thorough, transparent examination of the process and decisions that shaped the presidential elections in 2020.
The proposal included explicit points to scrutinize the legality of setting a new election date after May 10, 2020 and to assess the preparations for the election on June 28, 2020, including the creation of new electoral commissions and the submission of new presidential candidates. The discussion also touched on broader tensions within the parliament and the potential impact on voters. The Confederation asserted that this approach would provide a more complete account of the election period and help build trust in democratic procedures. The conversation continued with references to related legislative proposals and prior coverage, emphasizing the ongoing complexity of establishing a robust and fair investigative framework. The exchange drew attention to ongoing debates about the balance of power, parity, and the rights of each party to participate in the inquiry. A marked emphasis remained on ensuring that the inquiry would adequately represent the voices of the 1.5 million voters affiliated with the Confederation and other constituents who could be affected by the committee’s findings. The session underscored the broad interest in a legitimate, well‑defined investigation that could withstand scrutiny from multiple angles.
Notes and cross‑references to related topics include discussions on Pegasus, visa issues, envelope elections, and the broader legislative committee landscape. These points were referenced in connection with the ongoing debate about the scope and purpose of the inquiry.
Source: wPolityce