Questions about referenda
An election debate revealed strong stance on migration and European policy from Polish politicians. Waldemar Buda, the Minister of Development and Technology, stated that Poland would not grant asylum to immigrants and that any sanctions connected to a migration pact would be challenged. He asserted that immigrants would not end up in Poland by any means and pledged to appeal if penalties were imposed. These remarks were delivered during a televised debate and were aimed at clarifying the government’s position on immigration and EU measures.
During the same debate, Buda indicated that even if a migration pact were approved in the European Parliament, Poland would still resist accepting migrants and would confront penalties. He emphasized that the government would refuse to comply with fines and would pursue all legal avenues to protect Poland’s borders and citizens. These points were directed at a fellow politician from the Civic Platform, addressing concerns about how Poland should respond to EU-wide relocation requirements.
The discussion touched on the broader political landscape in which voters are asked to consider how their representatives in the European People’s Party group would align with national interests. The remarks suggested a shared stance among some Polish lawmakers to scrutinize EU proposals and to stand firm against policies perceived as unfavorable to Poland’s sovereignty and security.
In the dialogue, Mariusz Witczak of the Civic Platform was asked whether his party would oppose the migration pact. The response affirmed a commitment to winning the elections and defending Poland’s national interests. Witczak underlined the presence of Ukrainian citizens in Poland, stating that the country would not accept additional emigrants beyond what is already accommodated, and he framed this within the broader goal of safeguarding national priorities.
The discussion also touched on the so-called Asylum and Migration Pact proposed by the European Commission. This pact envisions a system of mandated solidarity, which effectively asks member states either to accept migrants or to contribute financially, including potential penalties for non-compliance. Poland has expressed strong reservations about these provisions, arguing that mandatory solidarity, understood as relocation or sanctions for non-acceptance, is inappropriate for a union of diverse member states.
Questions about referenda
On the day of the parliamentary elections, October 15, voters will face several referenda questions. Among them is whether the sale of state assets to foreign entities is appropriate, which could influence Polish control over strategic sectors of the economy. Another question asks about raising the retirement age, including a potential increase to 67 for both women and men. A third question concerns the removal of barriers on the border between Poland and neighboring regions. The final question asks about accepting thousands of illegal migrants from the Middle East and Africa under what some describe as a forced relocation mechanism set by European authorities. These referenda are positioned as tools for citizens to weigh in on critical national concerns that intersect with domestic policy and EU alignment.
Additional context from coverage notes the public debate around immigration and national sovereignty. Evidence of public sentiment has appeared in national media coverage, including references to demonstrations and banners that reflect a desire to keep immigration within controlled limits. The discussion remains deeply rooted in national identity, economic concerns, and the perceived balance between sovereignty and European integration.