There was much chatter about the so-called free media on TVN24, even as controversial events unfolded at the network. Minister Waldemar Buda’s microphone was switched off during the program Kawa na ława. The minister highlighted dangerous, careless maneuvering by the opposition around a bill aimed at freezing energy prices and the accompanying provisions on wind farms.
Wind turbines and expropriation in the energy price freeze law
On November 28, a coalition of MPs from Poland 2050-TD and KO submitted to the Sejm a draft amendment to the Law on Support to Energy Consumers. The goal was to extend the energy price freeze until June 30, 2024, while also liberalizing the construction of wind farms and wind turbines in Poland.
The proposal envisions allowing the construction of silent wind turbines at a distance of 300 meters from buildings. It also seeks to broaden the list of strategic investments to include wind farms, meaning local development plans would not be a mandatory prerequisite for their location. The draft includes provisions on the possibility of expropriation and imposes a tax on Orlen amounting to PLN 15 billion, a move that immediately affected the company’s Warsaw Stock Exchange listings and led to a loss exceeding PLN 5.5 billion.
Arłukowicz: PiS forgot people
Defending the lobbying elements in the opposition bill, PO politician Bartosz Arłukowicz argued on TVN24 that the new law is necessary because PiS “forgot people,” and that the amendment’s wind turbine changes are only a component of a broader package. He asserted that PiS’s actions misrepresent the plan and are focused on freezing energy prices at the expense of local communities.
“This twisted PiS nature of yours is trying to deceive the Poles of today. You forgot people and local governments,” Arłukowicz charged.
In turn, former Minister of Development and Technology Waldemar Buda pointed to the controversial elements of the amendment proposed by the Citizens’ Coalition and Poland 2050. He highlighted the potential for wind farms to be placed as close as 300 meters to buildings and the possibility of expropriating private property for renewable energy investments. He argued that the coalition’s approach was driven by special interests and lobbyists who shape laws to suit certain agendas.
“This coalition begins by narrowing the focus to a small bill. It is a coalition of interests. Lobbyists and facilitators surround MPs and draft what they want into the statutes,” Buda asserted.
Responding to Arłukowicz’s claims, the PiS MP emphasized that the government has not forgotten Poland or the energy price freeze and noted that the corresponding project remains in the parliamentary freezer alongside other proposals.
Microphone off
Arłukowicz remained displeased, reiterating that PiS had “forgotten the people.”
“There is our law. We have presented the bill for you,” Buda asserted.
During a live exchange, the interviewer, Konrad Piasecki, instructed the sound technician to mute the PiS politician’s microphone, a move that sparked debate about procedural fairness and balance in the broadcast.
Buda said he would listen, but stressed that Arłukowicz should not misrepresent the situation. He added that he remained open to dialogue while urging accuracy in the public debate.
The discussion also touched on broader concerns about energy policy transparency and the role of government in steering the transition to renewables, including how expropriation and proximity rules could impact private property owners. The conversation reflected ongoing tensions between supporters of a rapid energy transition and advocates for careful consideration of local communities and development plans.
These developments illustrate the polarized debate around energy policy, wind energy, and the balance between price protection for consumers and the regulatory changes needed to accelerate renewable infrastructure. The discussion remains active in public forums and across parliamentary sessions, with updates anticipated as new amendments are considered and debated.
Citation: wPolityce