A plan to address the Church Fund is set to unfold by mid-year, with a first inter-ministerial meeting on the topic to be convened in the near future, announced the head of the Ministry of National Defense and President of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, during a briefing in Lublin. He also addressed the military’s operational readiness, the envelope elections inquiry, and the proposal to separate the roles of the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General.
The Case of the Church Fund
During a press conference, Kosiniak-Kamysz was asked when the first inter-ministerial gathering on the Church Fund would take place and what its agenda would include. He stated that the initial meeting would be held in the coming days.
He asserted that he would give himself until mid-year to develop practical solutions for the Church Fund, aiming to deliver changes that respect all churches and religious associations, honor their faithful, and align with political responsibilities.
– the Deputy Prime Minister remarked.
He indicated that the central focus would likely be the framework for deducting a portion of tax for churches and religious associations, noting that the team would draw on experiences from more than a decade prior.
In the 2024 draft state budget, the Church Fund is allocated PLN 257 million.
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Local Government Elections
Kosiniak-Kamysz noted readiness for the local elections scheduled for April 7.
We are prepared. Lists will be published soon at the voivodeship, county, and municipal levels. The goal is to secure a strong outcome in the Lublin Voivodeship
– Kosiniak-Kamysz stated.
He added that one decision will be to raise the local government subsidy by about PLN 3 billion and to draft and present a fresh law on local government financing.
There will be no self-government without financial security and stability, he emphasized, urging citizens to decide how to allocate the funds.
Minister of Development and Technology Krzysztof Hetman, another PSL representative, described the Lublin New Year meeting as an excellent forum to discuss local elections, noting that the party approaches the races as the Third Way, in cooperation with Poland 2050.
In practical terms, candidates are already identified for council seats, municipal councils, district assemblies, and mayoral posts.
Hetman added that substantial work remains in preparation for the local elections and that he and Kosiniak-Kamysz would urge all PSL members in the Lublin Voivodeship to participate.
Two Blocs
Kosiniak-Kamysz explained that Trzecia Droga does not intend to run in the local elections alongside its coalition partners KO and New Left. He identified two potential winning blocs: the Third Way, comprising PSL and Polska 2050, and a second bloc made up of Civic Platform with New Left.
New Left leaders have granted permission to discuss a joint start with PO. The president of PSL argued that having two blocs would be far more effective than one list, as it would improve the chances of winning in more voivodeships.
He observed that many voters who hesitate to support PiS gravitate toward the Third Way.
Values, tradition, history, and culture—rooted in Christian heritage—are central to the party’s message, he stressed. He added that the Third Way would help Poland become a favorable place for religious communities and for churches, while maintaining a clear separation between state and church.
Functions of the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General
The head of the Ministry of National Defense was asked about the draft amendment to the Public Prosecution Service Act proposed by the Ministry of Justice. The plan envisions separating the functions of the minister and the Attorney General, who would be appointed by the Sejm for a six-year term with Senate approval.
Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that the proposal would undergo standard consultations and inter-ministerial arrangements.
He argued that merging the ministerial role with the office of the Attorney General should not occur, calling for a clear separation of these functions.
The deputy prime minister further stated that, in the future, the election of the Attorney General should be decided by voters, a change he described as systemic and far-reaching.
For today, however, the immediate priority is to formalize the separation of the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice, with competent governance and operational capacity for the Attorney General. The PSL will push for even greater independence and effectiveness of the public prosecutor’s office.
Postal Elections Commission of Inquiry
Kosiniak-Kamysz commented on Artur Soboń’s hearing by the Investigative Committee into envelope elections. He criticized Soboń’s strategy as incorrect and stressed that questions must be answered. He noted that the commission had imposed a PLN 3,000 disciplinary penalty on Soboń at the Warsaw District Court, and argued that the investigations should continue to uncover the truth.
If the PiS leadership maintains this approach, Kosiniak-Kamysz warned, the strategy will falter. He asserted that fear of the inquiry would not stop the pursuit of the truth and urged openness, dialogue, and accountability.
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Army Size and Capabilities
The head of the Ministry of National Defense pledged to strengthen the Polish army by increasing its size and boosting operational capabilities. He stressed that numeric growth is not enough; the focus must include training and the quality of equipment for troops.
While supporting continuation of existing defense contracts, he signaled a review of those agreements. He also endorsed expanding planned military units and argued that some formations had not yet materialized beyond aspirational plans.
He pointed to the need for development in areas facing higher risk and called for preparedness for all contingencies. He cited the ongoing situation in Ukraine and warned against unpredictable actions from Russia. A civil protection law was described as a necessary initiative that would be prepared promptly.
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wkt/PAP
Source: wPolityce