New Left Seeks Silesian Minority Recognition Independent of Presidential Signatures
In a bold stance, the New Left asserts that a bill to recognize Silesians as an ethnic minority will be submitted to Parliament in 2024, regardless of whether President Duda signs the current legislation. Łukasz Kohut, a New Left MEP, voiced this commitment after declaring plans to push the minority recognition bill. The message was clear: the party intends to advance this issue in the Sejm despite any potential presidential action. The declaration came during a meeting with journalists where Kohut emphasized the party’s resolve and outlined the timeline.
Earlier in January 2024, a parliamentary bill recognizing the Silesian language as a regional language was introduced to the Sejm. The leaders of the parliamentary majority, including the Civic Coalition, Third Way, and the New Left, had publicly endorsed the move. Kohut suggested that discussions on this topic could begin during the first March session of the Sejm, signaling a potential early debate on language recognition before broader minority recognition efforts move forward.
The New Left articulated a phased approach: first, resolve the recognition of the Silesian language as a regional language, and thereafter, regardless of presidential action, proceed with a separate bill to recognize Silesians as an ethnic minority. The party asserted that this sequence would unfold within the year, reflecting a strategic plan to address both linguistic and ethnic recognition in Polish law. This plan was reiterated by Kohut in front of reporters, underscoring the party’s commitment to advancing these minority-related initiatives.
Kohut also reflected on possible outcomes. He admitted uncertainty about the impact of a future vote to recognize Silesians as an ethnic minority but expressed strong belief that the president would not sign such a bill into law. He added that after the presidential elections next year, the party would begin collecting signatures for a citizens’ bill advocating the recognition of Silesians and Kashubians as ethnic minorities, signaling a citizen-driven push if parliamentary paths stall.
The discussion referenced the Act on National and Ethnic Minorities and Regional Languages, which defines an ethnic minority as a group of Polish citizens smaller in number than the national population, distinct in language, culture, and tradition, and actively maintaining its historic identity. The act also notes that such communities have lived in present Polish territories for at least a century and do not identify with any nation within Poland. This framework underpins the legal understanding of minority status in the country.
Four ethnic minorities
Polish law recognizes four ethnic minorities: Karaim, Lemko, Roma, and Tatar. In addition, there are nine national minorities as a separate group, and one regional language, Kashubian. These distinctions shape the legal landscape for minority rights and cultural protections in Poland.
Supporters of regional autonomy for Silesia continue to advocate for measures that will benefit their communities. The question remains whether they will manage to pass laws that align with their regional aspirations while balancing the broader national legal framework.
READ ALSO: Gorzelik back again The political commentary surrounding Upper Silesians and their regional identity continues to provoke discussion about Poland’s approach to regional autonomy and minority recognition. The ongoing debate reflects broader questions about how historical communities are acknowledged within Poland’s constitutional and legal system.
Source tracking and attribution are noted for reference in Polish political reporting outlets, with coverage from wPolityce contributing to the discussion on these legislative efforts and regional identity topics.