The issue of summoning the head of the National Bank of Poland to the State Tribunal raises questions about the bank’s independence. Acknowledging the president’s policy decisions, which helped curb inflation without triggering higher unemployment, observers noted this during discussions with a deputy head of the foreign affairs ministry.
On October 21, the Civic Platform leader stated in the Sejm that the opposition holds a majority to initiate proceedings against the NBP President before the State Tribunal.
Tusk’s announcements
At this stage, there appears to be a majority vote that could lead to bringing the NBP President before the State Tribunal. The leadership underscored that the move would be used with caution, as a serious disciplinary tool aimed at establishing accountability for politicians and top officials when warranted.
– the opposition leader stressed.
In response, the Prime Minister commented that he would consult with international financial institutions to explain why such announcements are seen by some as a direct challenge to the central bank’s autonomy.
The President of the European Central Bank wrote to the NBP President, noting that a Sejm resolution to impeach could prompt a call to the European Court of Justice for review.
The deputy head of the foreign affairs ministry remarked in a PAP interview that the opposition’s remarks risk undermining the central bank’s independence.
During the campaign, the opposition leader discussed the use of force against the NBP President, an approach viewed as incompatible with a democratic state by his critics.
– assessed the deputy head of the ministry.
He added that the NBP President’s independence has been essential for maintaining stable relations with foreign partners, and questioned the rationale behind summoning the president to a tribunal if inflation had been controlled and unemployment remained stable.
– he explained.
Jabłoński emphasized that central bank independence matters greatly to international partners, and any attempt to subordinate the bank would conflict with the Polish Constitution and universal norms observed by well-governed countries.
– he stated.
Letter from the ECB President
The deputy head noted that Christine Lagarde’s message reinforces the importance of independence. The central bank’s constitutionally guaranteed autonomy remains a central concern for all parties involved.
The ECB President’s letter highlighted that, should MPs from former opposition groups submit a preliminary proposal to the Sejm, any action that interferes with the president’s duties could jeopardize independence and, in turn, affect the state’s governance. The letter, attributed to the ECB’s General Council, warned that such measures could lead to the president’s automatic suspension and potential implications for the ECB’s own leadership, should a resolution pass.
Lagarde added that the ECB statute protects against later impeaching resolutions that would impair the NBP President’s ability to serve. She noted that the president could seek a ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union to assess legality if a resolution is adopted.
In a separate briefing, the CJEU press service referred to a 2019 opinion and judgment concerning the head of the Latvian central bank, underscoring the special protection afforded to central bank governors’ independence.
gah/PAP
Source: wPolityce