Presidential veto on 2024 budget and call for urgent budget reform

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An announcement from the president centers on a firm stance against the 2024 budget law, which allocates PLN 3 billion to public media. The president contends that this allocation cannot be approved, citing clear violations of the Constitution and the foundational principles of a democratic constitutional state. The message signals a rigorous check on legislative decisions that could undermine constitutional order and the integrity of public institutions.

Looking ahead, a plan is set to be put forward after the Christmas break. The president intends to submit a separate financial proposal to the Sejm that would, among other measures, account for salary increases for teachers and other line items included in the budget law. This self-initiated bill represents a direct effort to influence funding priorities while preserving essential expenditure categories already on the table in the budget framework.

In parallel, there is a call to convene a joint session of the Sejm and the Senate. The president invites the Speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, and the Speaker of the Senate, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, to urgently gather both Houses to discuss and finalize the project within the current year. The aim is a coordinated review that could shape the budget process before the new year begins, ensuring that constitutional requirements are respected and that the government’s financial planning remains transparent.

The core position remains clear: financing public media through a budget law, as promoted by the parliamentary majority, is deemed unacceptable under the present circumstances. The proposed bill would keep all other budget expenditures intact, including commitments to raise teachers’ salaries, while reordering funding priorities to safeguard core public services.

Observers note that the situation underscores a broader debate about constitutional oversight, fiscal discipline, and the proper mechanisms for funding national media. The president’s stance emphasizes the need for alignment with constitutional norms and for legislative processes that reinforce accountability and stable governance. The discussion is expected to unfold in the coming weeks as lawmakers consider the plan and assess its implications for public finance and democratic norms.

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