The Law and Justice campaign opens with the announcement on the first referendum question from Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński. Additional questions will be released on August 12, 13 and 14, as reported by Polskie Radio 24. On social media earlier today, PiS unveiled the first question: “Do you support the sale of state-owned enterprises?”
Do you support the sale of state-owned enterprises?
A recording appeared today at 07:00 on the Law and Justice social channels in which Deputy Prime Minister and PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński presents the first referendum question.
The single initial question is: Do you support the sale of state-owned enterprises? The message suggests that the Germans want to install Tusk in Poland to privatize joint property, drawing a direct link to his background.
– Kaczyński states.
The spot also recalls an archival remark by economist Bogusław Grabowski from January of this year, in which, when asked on Radio Zet if the opposition, should it gain power, would continue the privatization trajectory regarding Orlen and break up the company, Grabowski replied:
absolutely yes. Fuel and energy firms, ports private? Airports? Yes.
In response to Grabowski’s statement, the PiS president emphasizes:
We cannot agree.
He also reminds Poles that it depends on them whether generations’ property remains in Polish hands.
READ ALSO:
– We met the first referendum question. The PiS chairman says Poles’ vote is decisive and foreign politicians’ voices do not matter
– PiS politicians’ responses to the first referendum question: “Privatization of everything that moves – it was Tusk’s plan”
More questions coming soon
Videos with further questions will be released on August 12, 13 and 14, per Polskie Radio 24.
In June, Deputy Prime Minister Kaczyński suggested that the relocation of migrants within the EU should be decided by referendum. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki confirmed the intention to hold the referendum alongside the autumn parliamentary elections.
A two-day Sejm session is scheduled for August 16 and 17; the plan is to discuss a motion to authorize a nationwide referendum.
The opinion of the Poles is the most important
Opposition figures describe the referendum as chutzpah or odd fantasies from PiS, depending on the critic. The party line, however, remains focused on public opinion.
What about PiS members of parliament? They emphasize that the voice of the Poles is central.
– MAP head Jacek Sasin writes that the Poles’ opinion always comes first.
Some commentators argue the plan would involve selling national assets with the consent of a political ally, but PiS leaders defend their stance as protecting Poland’s interests. They argue the national economy should not be sacrificed for short-term political maneuvers and that the state must remain in control of critical assets.
Suski notes that many companies were sold during the previous administration. He points out that asking the Poles for a clear answer is essential, and if they disagree, the state might accept the idea that previously lost property should be returned. He argues the opposition has proposed similar selling plans, and he warns of economic consequences if such moves were pursued under a future administration.
Rusecka argues that strategic Polish companies and Orlen must stay in national hands and not be sold. She stresses that crises have shown capital has a nationality, and strategic capital should remain in Poland. The recent debates are framed as a defense of Polish interests against what is perceived as external pressure.
READ ALSO:
– PiS politicians’ responses to the first referendum question: “Privatization of everything that moves – it was Tusk’s plan”
– Prime Minister Morawiecki: “The most important thing for us is the voice of the Poles! That is why we make a program by listening to you”
aja/Polish radio, TVP1, PAP
Source: wPolityce