The president stated clearly that funds from the Recovery Fund belong to Poland and that he has taken a bold, decisive step even if it goes against the political circle he comes from. These words were shared by Paweł Szrot, head of the presidential office, when asked on RMF FM about President Andrzej Duda’s decision to refer the law on the Supreme Court to the Constitutional Court under preventive review.
Did the president in his move perform a Pilate-like gesture? The KPRP minister reminded listeners that the opposition had previously used the same label after abstaining on the amendment to the Supreme Court law, suggesting a political double standard rather than a principled stance.
The president’s draft amendment to the Supreme Court law initially raised hopes in Brussels. The idea was seen as a potential turning point for Poland if Brussels had received it without pretexts or misgivings; with different framing, the mood might have shifted significantly.
Szrot rejected the idea that Andrzej Duda’s actions could affect the strength of the United Right in upcoming elections, pressing that the focus remained on legality and constitutional procedures rather than party calculations.
Szrot stressed that raising questions about the constitutionality of the law did not imply any alliance with Zbigniew Ziobro. The president himself noted that responsibility for the current state of affairs involves many groups, including circles associated with Ziobro.
When asked whether the president intends to challenge the amendment to the Supreme Court law in its entirety or only certain provisions, Szrot stated that the drafting and submission process is ongoing. He underscored that the only body capable of ruling on constitutionality is the Constitutional Tribunal, and he could not imagine the Tribunal failing to consider the presidential application due to internal disputes.
The issue is described as grave and affecting important Polish interests, warranting reflection not only within the body discussing the matter but across the broader political landscape, Szrot emphasized.
Will someone from the region replace Stoltenberg?
The interview also touched on whether Jens Stoltenberg, due to retire in the autumn, might be replaced by a candidate from Poland or the surrounding region. Szrot noted that the region matters for its role in the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and a regional appointment would be a measurable signal of regional influence.
He added that Russia understands the regional dynamics well. He dismissed sensational statements by some voices that future officials will enter a history of political theater. There are more serious Russian analysts who argue that Poland, with its allies, is in the real competition for influence in Europe. Szrot stressed that the President of Poland should finish his term and avoid speaking about specific names, as doing so could complicate ongoing negotiations.
Will the president convene the National Security Council
Left-wing politicians on Monday urged the president to summon the National Security Council ahead of President Joe Biden’s planned visit to Poland. They argued that a united briefing could help set Poland’s priorities for the meetings during Biden’s visit. In response, Szrot said he was not aware of any presidential decision on this issue yet.
Szrot reminded listeners that the United States leader is visiting Poland at the invitation of President Duda, marking the second such trip within a year. The arrangement is unprecedented and the U.S. government maintains close, regular cooperation with the Polish government. There are continuous channels between President Duda and President Biden, without ideological prejudice or personal grievances, Szrot noted.
The president has a history of summoning the National Security Council when matters of high importance arise. He has done so several times over the past year. If the situation warrants, Szrot indicated, a meeting will be convened without hesitation.
On Friday, February 10, the White House announced Biden’s visit to Poland for February 20 to 22. The agenda includes meetings with President Duda and leaders of the Bucharest Nine and a speech commemorating the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The National Security Council in Poland is an advisory body to the President on matters of state security both internal and external. It includes the Marshals of the Sejm and Senate, the Prime Minister, the Defense Minister, the Interior and Administration Minister, the Foreign Minister, the head of the secret services, the heads of parliamentary clubs, the head of the president’s office and the head of the National Security Bureau. The chair convenes meetings and sets the topics for discussion.
Zelensky in Warsaw
During RMF FM discussions, the possibility of President Volodymyr Zelensky visiting Poland in conjunction with President Biden’s trip and the Bucharest Nine summit was raised. Szrot replied that for security reasons he could not reveal any details at that moment, but he did not rule out future consultations on regional security and cooperation.
READ ALSO: The president has decided to submit the amendment to the Law on the Supreme Court to the Constitutional Court as part of the preventive review procedure. Other contemporary discussions include responses to the European Commission and the evolving financial frameworks surrounding national legal reforms. Analysts have weighed in on how these issues influence Poland’s political trajectory and its relations with European partners. The unfolding events continue to shape the perception of Poland’s governance and its strategic alignments in the region. The overall tone reflects a careful balancing act between constitutional propriety, international expectations, and domestic political currents.
olk/RMF FM/PAP
Source: wPolityce