Poland’s Senate to decide on Russian Influence Committee in Internal Security
In the coming days, the Senate is expected to decide on the amendment related to the Committee on Russian Influence within the Internal Security of the Republic of Poland. The Sejm is anticipated to take up the matter at the end of July, while President Andrzej Duda has stated he will sign the bill immediately to enable the committee to begin its work in early August. This sequence was outlined by a PiS deputy chief in a briefing with PAP, Antoni Macierewicz.
Questions about the Committee on Russian Influence—covering the years 2007 to 2022—were raised with PAP. The president’s amendment is on the Senate’s agenda for the session that starts on Wednesday. On the following day, Senate committees voted to reject the amendment, prompting further discussion about the committee’s establishment and scope.
Senate decision
The key question remains: when will the Senate reach a decision? Representatives stressed that the timing depends on the Senate’s procedural deadline, with the decision expected within the forthcoming days as the body approaches its self-imposed cutoff.
There was also mention that the Sejm would likely make its determination by late July, setting the stage for the next steps in the process.
President Duda announced his readiness to sign the legislation immediately. If enacted, the commission could be established in early August and begin operations promptly, reflecting the government’s emphasis on reinforcing Poland’s internal security.
Macierewicz noted that discussions are ongoing regarding the final lineup for the committee. He indicated that talks are underway about which individuals will serve on the board.
Until a formal law is in place, officials warned that public debates on the topic should be cautious and restrained.
Macierewicz also underscored the importance of clear legal procedures around the commission, including the appointment process and the overall governance framework.
Presidential signature
On May 29, President Duda signed the law establishing a commission to investigate Russian influence on Poland’s internal security from 2007 to 2022. He announced that he would refer the measure to the Constitutional Tribunal for follow-up scrutiny. The law was published in the Journal of Laws on May 30 and took effect May 31. The deadline for submitting candidates to the committee was set at 14 days after the law’s entry into force, which fell on June 14, but no candidates had been announced at that time.
On June 2, President Duda introduced a draft amendment to the law governing the commission. The amendment covers, among other things, changes to the election rules for the chairperson and other members, the avenues for challenging the commission’s decisions, and the independence and transparency of the process. The explanatory memorandum stated that the changes are aimed at refining remedies and shifting some appeals from administrative to ordinary courts, while also limiting candidacies from deputies or senators and strengthening the protection of professional secrets within the legal system.
Source references: wPolityce; updates from PAP coverage.