The path to reshaping a nation’s justice and media landscape cannot be rushed. In a clear statement to Gazeta Polska, Grażyna Ignaczak-Bandych, head of the President’s Chancellery, affirmed the president’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in this matter. She underscored that illegal actions concerning public media will not be tolerated, and that the president intends to act decisively to ensure that law and order prevail.
At the same time, there is a broad conversation about how the European Union should function in the future. In the context of a European referendum, Polish public opinion reflected a strong preference for recalibrating the terms of participation in this union, signaling support for substantial changes to how the bloc operates. Ignaczak-Bandych noted that the president views any move toward federalization with deep skepticism and stresses that such shifts must be thoroughly debated and legitimately approved by the people, not just by political elites.
She emphasized that Poland’s core objective remains the current form of participation within the European Union. Yet she also made it clear that any attempt to alter the rules governing this participation—especially far-reaching changes—requires broad consensus that includes not only lawmakers but also the wider citizenry. The president’s office, she argued, would insist on a process that respects constitutional provisions and public accountability.
The head of the president’s chancellery cautioned that stronger countries should not be allowed to dictate terms to weaker members. Her comments echoed a desire to see balanced influences within the union, with safeguards to prevent coercive dynamics. In her view, constructive reform should emerge from dialogue and mutual respect among member states, rather than from coercion or unilateral demands.
When asked about the possibility of further talks with political parties represented in the Sejm regarding the appointment of a new prime minister, Ignaczak-Bandych acknowledged that no formal request had yet reached the president’s office from electoral commissions. She added that the president has ample time to conduct a thorough assessment before any decision is made, underscoring a deliberate, precautionary approach to leadership transitions. Meanwhile, electoral commissions appear focused on consolidating a parliamentary majority, a process she described as standard in a period of political realignment.
The opposition is preparing to attack the judiciary and the public media
Ignaczak-Bandych addressed the opposition’s public statements, which called for changes in the judiciary and in the management of public media. She noted that a number of politicians have proposed changes intended to place the justice system under closer political direction. In her view, such moves would threaten the separation of powers essential to a healthy democracy. The president, she stated, has prerogatives that must be exercised within the bounds of current law and with the active involvement of the Head of State. The emphasis, she argued, is that reforms in the judiciary cannot be rushed or improvised and must be implemented through a transparent, regulation-driven process.
Her position is unequivocal: the justice system cannot be dismantled overnight, and any meaningful reform must be thoughtfully designed and properly implemented. The president’s office intends to uphold constitutional norms while safeguarding the independence of the judiciary and the integrity of public institutions. This approach, she suggested, is part of a broader commitment to resisting attempts by stronger actors to pressure weaker ones and to ensuring that the public’s interest remains at the center of any reform effort.
Ignaczak-Bandych also reiterated that the president would not tolerate illegal actions aimed at the public media. She described such statements as part of an ongoing campaign and asserted that media freedom and public broadcasting must be protected as fundamental public goods. In her view, any announcements suggesting otherwise are counterproductive to democratic norms and should be met with cautious scrutiny from all stakeholders.
She concluded with a practical note: first, a new government must be formed. Only after that step can concrete policy proposals be developed and debated within the proper constitutional framework. The president’s office, she said, will continue to monitor developments and ensure that every move aligns with the law and with the public’s best interests.
In summary, the tone of these exchanges reflects a careful balance between enforcing the law, preserving institutional independence, and engaging in a constructive dialogue about Poland’s role in Europe. The administration appears intent on proceeding with reforms that are lawful, transparent, and supported by a broad base of public consent, rather than measures driven by political expediency or external pressure.
Source: wPolityce