Poland’s prime minister convened representatives of parliamentary clubs and circles for a discussion on the proposed relocation of migrants, with invitations extended to PiS, Konfederacja and PSL factions. The left and Poland 2050 indicated they would not participate, while Civic Coalition had not yet decided.
Morawiecki’s invitation
The prime minister underscored the idea that Poland is strongest when its people speak with a common voice in Europe. He framed the forced relocation mechanism as a threat to national security and noted that Commissioner Ylva Johansson had spoken of potential financial sanctions tied to such policy moves.
The announcement was made via social media on the prior day.
He highlighted that PiS had taken actions he believes shielded Poland from the upheavals associated with the Paris events in Warsaw.
All political camps were urged to take a clear stance. The prime minister stated that the nation’s unity and future are worth defending.
EU proposal and referendum
A meeting with the representatives of the clubs was planned for the following morning.
Officials expressed a wish for all parties to oppose the package that contemplates forcibly relocating irregular migrants arriving in the European Union.
Government spokesmen explained that the goal was to reach consensus on this critical issue for Poland. They also argued that the referendum could lend greater political legitimacy to EU institutions in this area.
At the time, the discussion centered on an EU proposal that links relocation to penalties exceeding PLN 20,000 per person not admitted by a member state. The government argued this might exceed competencies of the EU and called for a common position among political forces.
There was hope that major parties beyond the governing coalition, particularly the Civic Platform, would align against the mechanism.
The head of the PiS club and deputy marshal of the Sejm, Ryszard Terlecki, announced his attendance.
Who wants and who doesn’t?
It remained unclear whether representatives from the main opposition would participate in the meeting with the prime minister. When asked by PAP, KO club head Borys Budka indicated that a decision would be made on Thursday about participation.
Earlier, PO Secretary General Marcin Kierwiński criticized the invitation, suggesting that the meeting was an attempt to divert attention from what he described as misinformation about the regulation.
There was note of a controversy centered on a draft regulation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs related to visa applications processed directly through the Polish ministry in some countries.
PSL representatives confirmed they would be present and indicated they would present migration-related proposals at the meeting.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, leader of the People’s Party, affirmed attendance and stated an intention to contribute ideas on migration policy during the event.
Krzysztof Bosak, head of the Confederation, was also expected to attend and expressed a desire to oppose the relocation mechanism while proposing a broader referendum that could include four questions about the government’s migration policy.
Representatives from the left voiced a decision not to attend, with Krzysztof Gawkowski indicating that migration issues in Europe were seen as a secondary topic and promising to present recommendations at a later press conference.
Poland 2050 leaders also opted out of the gathering. Szymon Hołownia criticized the invitation as campaign theater and said his party would submit its position in writing rather than attend the event at the prime minister’s site.
Paulina Hennig-Kloska, head of the Poland 2050 parliamentary group, commented on the invitation and reiterated a focus on education, the future of children, and broader public concerns rather than political theater. She noted she would participate in the Sejm budget debate scheduled for the next day.
Following the EU summit, the prime minister indicated Poland’s readiness to pursue legal action at the Court of Justice of the European Union if the relocation mechanism were pursued in a way deemed unlawful. He asserted that the 2018 European Council conclusions represented the applicable framework, emphasizing voluntary relocation and resettlement concepts for migrants in member states.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, visiting Lampedusa amid ongoing migrant arrivals from North Africa, stated that countries resisting migrant movement could face penalties not only from front-line states but also from third countries. Her remarks followed previous comments suggesting that the migration pact is not mandatory.
In mid-June, a parliamentary resolution opposed the EU relocation mechanism, and PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński indicated that migration issues should be the subject of a referendum. The dialogue and positions around relocation remain a focal point in Polish politics and EU relations.
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce