In a public statement, the leader of the Law and Justice party, Jarosław Kaczyński, asserted that President Andrzej Duda spoke the truth about recent events in Poland during his parliamentary address. He framed the matter as a constitutional contest, arguing that Donald Tusk’s response in the Sejm represented another breach of the constitutional order. The remarks underscored the ongoing clash between the ruling camp and the opposition, with Duda’s account cited as support for the government’s stance and Tusk’s reply treated as a constitutional misstep.
Message from the President
During a Sejm session on Wednesday, the president delivered a speech addressing several issues. He criticized the government’s migration strategy and denounced what he described as the stigmatization of judges. After the president concluded, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stood to speak, turning the floor to the opposing side and intensifying the political exchange.
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In notes about Duda’s speech, references suggested the president was pleased that the Tusk government had finally joined those defending Poland’s borders, with the remark “Better late than never.”
The session was marked by disruption as PiS MPs briefly left the plenary hall during Tusk’s remarks, chanting “Liar” and signaling protest. Kaczyński later contended that such conduct had no place in parliamentary debate and that the prime minister had no right to provoke the scene.
The president stated that he was telling the truth, or at least a substantial part of it, about the state of affairs in Poland. This assessment was presented as evidence of a broader political struggle shaping the country’s constitutional and democratic discourse, according to the leader of the Law and Justice party.
Tusk has violated the constitution
After Tusk’s remarks, PiS deputies exited the plenary hall. Kaczyński told reporters, citing Article 140 of the Constitution, that the prime minister had no authority to interrupt proceedings, calling the move yet another violation of constitutional norms. The article states that the president may address a message to the Sejm, the Senate or the National Assembly, and that such a message is not to be debated.
It was said that Tusk understood that portions of the president’s statements reflected truth, and that he felt the need to respond to reassure some parts of his electorate, but that acknowledgment did not authorize a constitutional breach, according to Kaczyński.
Kaczyński added that the prime minister should have left the room and organized another conference.
It takes a certain culture.
Kaczyński described the Civic Platform as a party pursuing aims beyond Poland, arguing that it is culturally immature for democracy because it requires a specific culture. He noted that in understandable cases, such as the situation around Donald Tusk, he could understand reasons behind actions, but stressed that birthplace or background does not excuse conduct in public life.
The PiS leader was later asked about possible coalition options, including whether the head of the National Security Bureau, Jacek Siwiera, could be a joint candidate for PiS and PSL; he replied briefly: “Please don’t joke.” Citation: wPolityce