The Chairman: I will defend all arrangements and commitments,
In Spała, President Andrzej Duda affirmed his resolve to uphold the policies and agreements signed in recent years. He spoke about the 500 plus program, pension benefits, solid pension indexation, and the planned rise in the minimum wage, emphasizing his intention to follow the path laid out during election campaigns and in the terms he agreed with Solidarity. He asserted that he would not abandon these commitments and would continue to implement them steadily as part of the Republic of Poland’s service.
He added that he would stay true to the course he set out. Duda underscored that defending the regulations and obligations established in recent years within Poland’s legal framework remains a priority, naming measures like the 500 plus program, additional pension benefits, durable pension indexation, and an increased minimum wage as key examples.
His message was clear: living standards must improve so that Poles enjoy decent conditions, and workers receive fair compensation for their labor. The President stressed an ongoing commitment to social dialogue, promising continued collaboration and a determined effort to ensure the Social Dialogue Council operates effectively and is treated with seriousness, especially as a new chapter in politics unfolds after the parliamentary elections. He pledged to work with all parties to keep this forum meaningful and constructive.
– The President emphasized that the council’s work will reflect the seriousness with which it has been approached throughout his presidency and will remain a central element of Poland’s social policy as the political landscape evolves. He reiterated this stance as he participated in the 31st National Congress of Deputies of NSZZ “Solidarność.”
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The President: Poland Looks Stronger Now Than in 2015
Reflecting on the last parliamentary elections, the President noted the large turnout as a sign of engaged citizens. He affirmed that Poland has stood by its policy priorities and will continue to implement them consistently, including measures previously pursued under his administration.
He recalled that Poland now appears markedly better than in 2015, the year he was democratically elected to lead the Republic of Poland. He recalled initiating broad reforms that targeted retirement age adjustments and labor market protections, referencing the end of the “first day syndrome”—the practice of employing workers without signed contracts—and the introduction of a minimum hourly rate as part of modernization efforts. He also highlighted steps toward pluralism in trade unions within uniformed services, notably police, and spoke of a social market economy aimed at fair distribution of goods and opportunities across society.
For those who doubted the role of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union Solidarity in promoting pro-economic and pro-social actions, he asserted that recent years have demonstrated the union’s commitment to both economic well-being and social responsibility. The President pointed to concrete improvements in living standards and the return of many Poles who had sought opportunities abroad, alongside measures to protect jobs during the pandemic and aid in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Decorations for Distinguished Members of Solidarity
At the 31st National Congress of Deputies of NSZZ Solidarity in Spała, the President presented several honors to leading union members. The Commander’s Cross in the Order of Polonia Restituta was awarded to Marian Krzaklewski for his work in democratic changes, advocacy for workers’ dignity, and public service. Janusz Śladek received the Commander’s Cross for his efforts in defending workers’ rights and supporting social activity within Solidarity. Five individuals were awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order for notable contributions to trade union, organizational, and social activities benefiting the country: Bogdan Biś, Bogdan Kubiak, Tadeusz Majchrowicz, Henryk Nakonieczny, and Ewa Zydorek.
The congress, which is held at the Central Sports Center in Spała, is expected to elect the union’s national authorities and nominate a new president. Thus far, Piotr Duda has submitted his candidacy. Beyond the leadership vote, the gathering will outline Solidarity’s directions for the coming years.
Additionally, remarks circulated about how the new Sejm and the presidency might interact in the near term, highlighting the political and legal considerations ahead. The overall sentiment conveyed was one of responsibility and active participation in shaping Poland’s future path.
Source attribution: wPolityce