Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz affirmed that restoring the rule of law stands as a core pillar of the governing coalition and outlined forthcoming steps on this front. He also referenced President Andrzej Duda’s stance that the verification of judges appointed during his presidency will not be allowed to proceed.
He reiterated, in Wierzchosławice, that the restoration of the rule of law is a central commitment of the coalition, aligned with what voters expect and what was promised. He described the situation as a moment when the fuse had blown, underscoring the urgency of reform.
According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Constitutional Court has faced progressive dismantling, and changes to the law governing the Supreme Court and the National Council of the Judiciary have produced a system that often feels lengthy, costly, and imperfect. A comprehensive overhaul of the justice apparatus remains a significant undertaking, he argued, noting that the current procedures create friction and do not always deliver the timely justice the public seeks.
During the remarks to reporters, he highlighted that the task of rebuilding the system will fall largely to Minister Bodnar, and he pointed to initial moves such as separating the responsibilities of the Minister of Justice from those of the Attorney General.
The deputy prime minister stated that these proposals must reach Parliament promptly, promising that the legal framework will be restored and that appropriate laws will accompany the changes. He indicated that the president’s assent would be essential to advance the reforms.
In Vilnius on Sunday, during celebrations marking the 161st anniversary of the January Uprising, President Andrzej Duda signaled openness to discussing reforms to the legal framework, while acknowledging a boundary condition. He asserted that he would not permit verification of judges appointed over his eight and a half years in office, stressing that those individuals had undergone the standard procedures, swore an oath before the president, and were nominated in accordance with the rules. He pledged to protect these appointees from verification and prosecution.
When questioned about upcoming local elections, PSL representatives highlighted a proposed new law on financing local governments. The aim, as explained, is to correct injustices against communities that lost funding during the past eight years, compensating municipalities that faced revenue shortfalls while not tied to Law and Justice. Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed the necessity of transparency and competition, while arguing that accountability for past abuses should be addressed before implementing new funding rules. He also cited the effective use of resources from the KPO and the EU as a positive frame for reform.
Kosiniak-Kamysz: Independence Is a Core Value
Independence is a weighty concept and a fundamental value, not a slogan or a holiday. It should be a daily concern and a pursuit of unity, asserted Kosiniak-Kamysz in Wierzchosławice while reflecting on the nation’s direction.
The deputy prime minister attended the 150th anniversary events of Wincenty Witos, a key figure in the Polish popular movement, in Wierzchosławice. During the ceremony at the Polish Village Cultural Center, he recalled Witos’s line about the strong shaping the future and the weak waiting for opportunities. He argued that Poland must build a brighter future for the next generations, a mission he connected to Witos’s enduring legacy.
Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that the values of dignity, independence, and freedom underpinned Witos’s beliefs. He noted that dignity is the starting point for all civic action and questioned the state of freedom when the people are sidelined. He emphasized the ongoing effort to turn citizens into engaged hosts of the Republic of Poland, highlighting that education is a crucial path to wisdom and progress. He referenced Witos’s emphasis on continuous learning and the importance of交流 with capable minds to fuel Poland’s development.
Equality before the law and accountability for abuses were presented as essential elements of Witos’s vision. Kosiniak-Kamysz framed these ideas as a response to contemporary political rhetoric, contrasting them with claims that unity should come only under threat. He argued for genuine unity that serves the country’s long-term interests instead of partisan convenience.
The speaker also called for national unity in addressing strategic questions such as security, allied strength, a modernized armed forces, and a common stance in international forums. He recalled Poland’s 25-year membership in NATO and mentioned an upcoming summit in Washington, urging all political circles to present a united front there, starting with Poland and extending to allied partners.
He affirmed that a strong Poland relies on active citizen engagement and broad participation from local authorities, communities, and non-governmental organizations. He stressed that the Civil Protection and Civil Protection Act, planned for 2024, is essential for comprehensive national security, and he reminded that a soldier in the Polish Army serves the Republic, not a political faction.
During the same event, Marshal of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia sent a message praising Wincenty Witos as an inspiration for leaders and citizens. The message highlighted Witos’s roles in state-building and the democratic tradition he helped shape, with Hołownia noting that Witos’s legacy continues to influence Poland’s democratic identity.
Senator Waldemar Pawlak reflected on Witos’s belief that a strong future for the state cannot be built by a single genius but by a nation united in rights and duties. He underscored that the memory of Witos extends beyond family ties, reflecting the pride and duty shared by generations of farmers and citizens who have carried forward his ideas. As local elections approach, Pawlak warned against factionalism and urged building a national covenant that endures across administrations.
Looking ahead, leaders emphasized the importance of a collective effort to shape Poland’s trajectory for future generations, underscoring the need to safeguard national cohesion as a cornerstone of democracy. The aim is a resilient Republic built on shared responsibility and a clear, unified purpose across political lines.