The discussion around the proposal has sparked strong public interest. Analysts expect the debate to become more detailed and nuanced as positions are weighed. Paweł Szrot, head of the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland, told Polish Radio that the president will consider several options before making a final choice in light of the law on the verification commission.
After Sejm Approval, the Step Goes to the President
On Friday, the Sejm voted against the Senate’s earlier resolution to block the bill that would establish a committee focused on Russian influence. With the Sejm having taken this stance, the measure proceeds to the president for formal assent or veto. The opposition has voiced opposition to the law, and following the vote, the left urged President Andrzej Duda to veto the bill.
Speaking on program three of Polish Radio, Szrot commented that the president believes greater transparency in public life — and more thorough explanations of what drives public debate — tend to reduce controversy and foster public trust.
Presidential Minister: The Case Divides Opinion
In response to questions about the president’s decision, the presidential minister emphasized that the matter is highly controversial and that the president will undertake a thorough analysis before deciding. He noted that the president will consider all viewpoints aired during the public discussion of the issue.
Influence Law
The Sejm approved on April 14 a law establishing a Commission on Russian Influence that would examine the extent of Russian influence on Poland’s internal security from 2007 to 2022, a bill drafted by PiS deputies. The Senate later passed a resolution to reject the bill, and on a subsequent Friday a Sejm administrative and home affairs committee recommended that the Senate’s resolution be approved by the Sejm. In that vote, the Sejm voted against the Senate’s rejection and moved the bill forward.
The act assigns the commission powers modeled after the Warsaw reprivatization review commission, outlining principles to guide its operation.
Commission Tasks
The committee would analyze official actions, compile and share information with third parties, assess potential influences on board decisions, and identify decisions that could be harmful. It would consider actions like entering contracts or handling public or corporate funds in ways that could raise concerns. The commission could decide to revoke an administrative decision issued under the influence of foreign factors, impose a ten-year ban on carrying out duties related to the disposal of public funds, and suspend or revoke security clearances for up to ten years.
Source notes and context accompany the coverage of ongoing parliamentary debate and political commentary. The discussion reflects broad scrutiny of how external influence may interact with national governance and security structures. The discourse in parliament and among commentators continues to evolve as the bill moves through the legislative process .