A referendum is framed as a civic duty in Polish political discourse
A public official argued that every citizen bears a sacred duty to participate in a referendum. Those who abstain are told not to parade through the streets claiming a demand for more democracy. This view was voiced by the leader of Kukiz’15 as a strong stance in the ongoing political dialogue.
On a Friday, the governing party began releasing a series of campaign spots focused on a referendum that could be held together with the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 15. The messaging emphasizes the referendum as a direct mechanism for citizens to shape outcomes on key issues rather than relying on representatives alone.
The president of PiS on the role of the referendum
The central claim is that the vote of ordinary Polish people must carry decisive weight. Voices from foreign politicians, including those from Germany, are considered less relevant, with the emphasis placed on addressing the state directly through a referendum on what are described as important topics.
The first question reportedly concerns the sale of state-owned enterprises, according to the PiS leadership. The discussion also posits that external actors seek to influence Poland’s political landscape by supporting figures seen as aligned with ambitions to privatize or consolidate state assets. This analysis is presented as a critique of foreign interference and a rationale for a domestic referendum.
Supporters argue that a referendum can serve as a platform for direct citizen input on whether strategic assets should remain in public ownership. This stance is framed as protecting national sovereignty and ensuring that decisions of long-term consequence reflect the will of the people.
Kukiz a supporter of the referendum
In a media interview, Kukiz underscored the importance of referendums, highlighting their relevance for topics such as migration policy and the management of state companies. He asserted that a referendum represents a rare opportunity for individuals to freely express their will. He also criticized the current system for limiting direct citizen-initiated referendums, arguing that constitutional sovereignty would be better exercised if citizens could trigger a referendum with a large petition without requiring additional political approval.
It is proposed that if the people collect a significant number of signatures, the referendum would be automatically called, removing the need for Sejm authorization. This concept traces back to earlier proposals associated with political movements of the past and has resurfaced in various forms during different administrations. Critics note that political parties often push such ideas when in opposition and forget them when in power, describing the cycle as the system simply adjusting to whatever is convenient at the moment.
The issue of how referendum questions are drafted is acknowledged as crucial. One proposed question could focus on whether state property should remain in Polish hands, highlighting the core choice of ownership and control over strategic assets.
Kukiz also addressed critical voices suggesting that referendums should be synchronized with elections. He argues that valid referendums require sufficient turnout, and that achieving a high turnout should not be considered impossible in the context of a general election, given the principles currently in place.
Context and historical reference
The speaker recalled a 2015 referendum that addressed electoral reform measures, including single-member districts and the funding of political parties from the state budget, which had a notably low turnout. Regardless of which party organizes a referendum, the essential point remains that the questions and the engagement of citizens are at the heart of the democratic process. A citizen’s duty to participate is emphasized as a foundational principle, while the reminder that non-participation should not be accompanied by demands for broader democratic reforms is repeatedly stressed.
News outlets have noted that the president of PiS set the theme for the initial referendum question, signaling the start of a broader campaign. In the following days, additional questions were expected to appear in the campaign material as part of a broader effort to mobilize support from the United Right coalition and to outline a pathway for future referendums.
In the broader political agenda, there was mention of a potential referendum on the relocation of migrants within the European Union, indicating that the issue may be placed before the electorate alongside the autumn parliamentary elections. A forthcoming two-day session of the Sejm was scheduled to consider motions related to a nationwide referendum, signaling procedural steps toward formalizing the vote.
Governing party representatives and their allies continue to frame the referendum as a direct instrument for citizen input on what they describe as core national concerns, while critics argue about timing, turnout thresholds, and the potential impact on the current political landscape.
Note: The reporting of these topics reflects ongoing political discussion and is part of the campaign discourse surrounding the planned referendum process. The focus remains on citizen participation as a central democratic principle.