As PSL, the party communicates readiness for elections, with current focus on upcoming local government elections. In Brussels, the head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, was asked about scenarios for shortening the Sejm’s term. He noted that public opinion polls show growing confidence in the Third Way, a coalition that includes PSL and Poland 2050, and he stressed that the party remains vigilant and prepared for future electoral moments.
PSL reiterates its constant readiness for elections, while highlighting a recent shift in governance that could lead to the first local elections under a new government. Kosiniak-Kamysz explained that journalists inquired about the possibility of shortening the Sejm’s term and calling fresh polls, and he answered that the party is closely watching constitutional provisions and political dynamics.
Polls place the Third Way — PSL in alliance with Poland 2050 — in a strong position, with broad cross-coalition appeal. The party’s leadership asserted that not only the Third Way but the entire coalition, including PO and the Left, are gaining traction in public surveys.
Questions have arisen about Donald Tusk’s party and why it has recently shifted toward the left and formed agreements with other groups. There is speculation about whether PO should expect additional support in upcoming dynamics.
Constitutional rules allow the Sejm to shorten its term by a two-thirds majority of the legally elected deputies, which equates to 307 votes. Shortening the Sejm’s term would also shorten the Senate’s term. A draft resolution to shorten the term may be submitted by the Sejm Presidium, a Sejm committee, or a group of fifteen deputies.
Budget Act 2024
Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that it is crucial for the governing coalition to see the 2024 budget law enacted promptly. The Budget Bill for 2024 was submitted to the President for signature on January 25, and the President has seven days to sign. The President may also refer the bill to the Constitutional Court to determine constitutional alignment. The Board must decide within two months from the submission of the request.
The Budget Law for 2024 projects a deficit not exceeding PLN 184 billion, with PLN 32.5 billion allocated from European funds. The justification states that, when considering the financial plans of other public sector entities, the expected deficit of the financial sector, according to EU methodology, will reach 5.1 percent of GDP this year.
State revenues are forecast to reach nearly PLN 682.4 billion, including tax revenues around PLN 603.9 billion. The spending ceiling for the year is set at roughly PLN 866.4 billion.
Hołownia on Tusk’s Words
Marshal Hołownia was asked about Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s remarks on shortening the Sejm’s term. He responded that in politics people sometimes say things to counter opponents across the table and that the message is often, I check it. He also criticized the idea of creating chaos and questioned what the Poles decided on October 15, asking what alternatives were proposed.
Hołownia asserted that responses should avoid reckless moves, such as handing out new cards or rushing to elections. He argued against budget theatrics that force broad political responsibility into narrow acts and warned that calling elections for the sake of process would create instability, especially during fuel shortages in the election season.
The conversation suggested that such calculations amount to what he called dirty politics, which voters rejected in the October 15 elections. He implied that the President’s rhetoric could have real consequences for the political balance and urged a cautious approach to avoiding unnecessary provocation of early elections.
Hołownia also spoke about ongoing discussions with the President, indicating a belief that any attempt to organize or provoke early elections could be politically self-destructive. He stressed the importance of accountability and the need to discuss substantial policy moves rather than theatrics.
Signature of the President
Thursday marks the constitutional deadline for Andrzej Duda to sign the budget bill or refer it to the Constitutional Court. The Sejm’s Marshal clarified that it is expected the President will sign the bill. Hołownia noted that the 2024 budget contains provisions that benefit citizens and emphasized that political games around the bill are unwarranted. He claimed the budget serves the people rather than particular factions or leaders.
There was also caution that if the President sends the bill to the Constitutional Court, it could provoke a negative public reaction. Hołownia suggested that recent unpopular presidential decisions threaten political stability and urged focus on constructive governance rather than brinkmanship.
Wage Increases
Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the push to accelerate wage increases across several sectors. The aim is to implement sizable raises quickly: up to 30 percent for teachers and around 20 percent for the broader public sector, including military personnel, police, border guards, and fire services. He described plans to advance programs already adopted, such as in vitro support and the army’s budget, noting this would be the largest military budget ever.
He asserted that defense spending would not be cut, countering claims from the ruling party. The anticipated increases for soldiers would surpass previous plans by a substantial margin, with a focus on equipment and readiness, all contingent on timely passage of the state budget. The defense leadership reaffirmed readiness for upcoming elections while pursuing comprehensive investment in personnel and capabilities.
Questions were raised about actions taken by the former defense minister, including a 150 percent increase in allowances for border protection duties. The new leadership outlined a plan to ensure allowances are fair and funded within the annual budget.
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Source: wPolityce