President Andrzej Duda has vetoed the 2024 budget bill, saying it carries a funding package for public media that cannot stand given constitutional standards and the basics of a democratic state. The veto, announced on the X platform, signals a pause in a process that would have allocated PLN 3 billion to the public media sector while pressing questions about governance and fiscal responsibility linger across the political landscape.
Presidential veto
The president explained that the proposed budget plan cannot be approved as written because it violates the constitution and the core principles of a constitutional democracy. He asserted that public media require a reliable, legal restoration before any additional funding is considered, and that a responsible approach must be taken to ensure accountability and proper oversight.
In his message, the president indicated that after the holiday period he would submit his own version of the budget to the Sejm. The new proposal would maintain other expenditures and include measures such as increases for teachers and other items already planned in the budget law, while making room for reforms in the public media landscape.
He urged Szymon Hołownia, the Chairman of the Sejm, and Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, the Senate chair, to promptly convene a joint session of both chambers to discuss and approve a revised project within the year. The aim is to move forward with a budget that aligns with constitutional principles and broader public interests while safeguarding essential public services.
According to the president, financing public media through a simple budget maneuver by the parliamentary majority is not acceptable under the current circumstances. The focus remains on maintaining other budget commitments and ensuring wage growth for teachers remains on track based on the presidential plan.
Morawiecki comments
Representative Mateusz Morawiecki and other members of the governing party signaled support for the initial draft budget prepared by the president. The message from Morawiecki emphasized backing the president’s proposal and reaffirmed a commitment to funding for teacher salary increases as part of the overall package.
The political discourse surrounding the veto reflects a broader debate over how to balance public media funding with constitutional guarantees, legislative processes, and the right mix of public investment in education and other essential services. The president’s stance underscores a call for disciplined budgeting and transparent governance as the country navigates this crucial fiscal moment.
For readers seeking further background, coverage shows the ongoing tension between executive plans and legislative procedures, along with ongoing discussions about the future structure and funding levels for public media and education. This development is being tracked across major outlets and is expected to influence subsequent budget deliberations and committee work in both chambers. The central question remains how the new proposal will be received and what changes will accompany a revised budget outline. Authorities and observers alike anticipate a negotiating path that preserves key investments while ensuring constitutional compliance and process integrity.
[Cited coverage: wPolityce] – Attribution: wPolityce