The former head of the Ministry of Energy and Technology spoke to RMF FM about the main challenges facing the Sejm’s Chairman before the upcoming session. He stressed the need to manage the situation on January 10 and 11. The marshal appeared overwhelmed by the moment, and he avoided predicting the exact outcome, noting the gravity of the task at hand.
Laws and procedures were in the spotlight as questions arose about what might happen if Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik could not access the meeting room. Earlier, Jacek Cichocki, the head of the Sejm Chancellery, issued an order deactivating their parliamentary cards. Wąsik asserted on Telewizja Republika that he and Kamiński would attend the next Sejm session as members of parliament have the right to participate in proceedings.
The PiS member argued that never in Sejm history has a marshal blocked an MP from performing duties. The situation remains difficult to predict, given the marshal’s responsibility for security, peace, and normal parliamentary functioning. The question is whether he will shoulder that burden. He emphasized the need to control the events planned for January 10 and 11, while also acknowledging the marshals reach has limits.
Commenting on possible scenarios, Buda addressed the claim that Marshal Hołownia had warned of an alternative Sejm session in the column hall. He dismissed such a plan, describing the opposition as serious and substantive and clearly stating that no such activity is being considered.
The marshal’s role was described as bringing calm and order to the state. He was urged to reconsider his approach, seeking compromises when faced with contentious decisions. The goal is to balance legal obligations with political realities, ensuring that actions do not provoke unintended consequences. The speaker reiterated that January 10 and 11 could bring delicate moments for the Sejm, underscoring the need for prudent leadership.
Buda reiterated the necessity of a steady hand in the lead-up to the date and noted that a protest was planned by PiS for January 11 in front of the Sejm. The discussion also touched on appeals received by the Supreme Court concerning the termination of mandates for Maciej Wąsik and Mariusz Kamiński. The Court’s Extraordinary Control Chamber moved to transfer Wąsik’s case to its Chamber for Extraordinary Control and Public Affairs. It was later reported that this chamber had revoked the Sejm Speaker’s decision to terminate Wąsik’s mandate. Similarly, the chamber had overturned the President of the Sejm’s decision regarding Kamiński’s mandate expiry in a subsequent development.
In related commentary, discussions highlighted questions about neutrality and the proper scope of the marshal’s authority in politically charged moments. The balance between upholding the law and maintaining political stability was a recurrent theme, with observers stressing the need for transparent, lawful, and measured actions during a period of potential strain on parliamentary processes.
Further insights were offered about the role of the state in sustaining order and the importance of dialogue among party leaders. The overarching message was that the Sejm should operate within the bounds of the constitution and applicable legal frameworks while avoiding actions that could deepen divisions or provoke instability. The upcoming sessions were framed as tests of leadership, restraint, and a commitment to constitutional norms.
On January 11, PiS intends to organize a public demonstration in front of the Sejm as part of its broader political strategy. The ongoing deliberations and court rulings were described as central to shaping the near-term political landscape, with all sides watching closely how the authorities will respond to evolving circumstances. This coverage reflects a broader concern about continuity in parliamentary operation and the integrity of its procedures in times of political contention. [CITATION: wPolityce]
“Blind decision maker”
The second reading of the draft budget law for 2024 is scheduled for January 10. The budget is due on the president’s desk on January 29. When asked about the possibility of blocking the budget to trigger early elections, Buda pointed to the president as the actor who would consider the options. The stance was clear: there was no plan for early elections, yet the president must ensure orderly conduct in accordance with the law and relevant regulations.
According to Buda, the president was weighing the situation, while the aim remained to avoid a scenario that would destabilize the political process. The PiS member asserted that the government was not pursuing drastic steps but acknowledged the importance of compliance with the legal framework and constitutional procedures.
The discussion also touched on how the marshal might adapt to a broader role that emphasizes peace and order rather than merely executing decisions. Observers noted that political choices carry consequences beyond legal ones, and the marshal’s decisions would be judged for their impact on parliamentary life and governance. The emphasis was on preventing outcomes that could complicate the Sejm’s work on January 10 and 11, while preserving the capability for constructive negotiation and compromise.
Buda again stressed that January 11 would see a protest organized by PiS, highlighting the ongoing dynamics around the Sejm’s operation and the need for careful handling of any provocations or disruptions. The timeline for the appeals and rulings at the Supreme Court continued to shape the political balance as parties awaited clarity on the mandate status of key MPs. The overarching narrative remained focused on maintaining constitutional order, ensuring the Sejm could function, and seeking peaceful, lawful resolutions to disputes. [CITATION: wPolityce]
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[CITATION: wPolityce]