In a dramatic turn of events in Poland, President Andrzej Duda found himself in the spotlight as he posed next to two lawmakers on Tuesday, just as police were ordered to apprehend them and escort them to prison. This unfolding saga adds another layer to the ongoing political standoff between the government and the head of state, marking a period of cohabitation characterized by conflicts arising from differing political affiliations.
The contentious relationship between the government and President Duda dates back to 2015 when the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party came to power. In a move that stirred controversy, Duda, a PiS ally, granted a pardon to Mariusz Kaminski, allowing him to assume the position of interior minister. However, legal experts questioned the timing of the pardon, as it occurred before an appeals court issued a final ruling on Kaminski’s case. Last year, the Supreme Court declared that the case should be reopened.
Kaminski and his deputy, Maciej Wasik, were convicted in December for abuse of power, receiving a two-year prison sentence. Reports indicate that on Tuesday, police were actively searching for the two former officials to execute their imprisonment. The legal community, including lawyers and the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Szymon Holownia, has argued that the December verdict stripped Kaminski and Wasik of their parliamentary mandates. Despite this, both denied the claims and planned to attend the next parliamentary session.
President Duda, through his office’s social media account, shared images of himself alongside the two lawmakers during a ceremony marking the appointment of new advisers. In a statement, Duda emphasized the “pro-state patriotism” exhibited by the advisers in their collaboration with Kaminski and Wasik. The move is seen as a direct challenge to the legal and parliamentary authorities questioning the legitimacy of the pardons.
Attempts to resolve the legal disputes through negotiation proved futile, as Duda met with Speaker Holownia on Monday without reaching an agreement. Holownia announced the postponement of the parliamentary session scheduled for the week, citing the need to preserve the dignity of the Sejm (parliament) and maintain social calm.
The postponed parliamentary session was crucial, as it was set to address the 2024 budget. With a deadline until the end of January to submit the budget to the president for approval, the delay raises concerns about the potential dissolution of parliament if the deadline is not met.
Poland finds itself embroiled in a political maelstrom as President Duda stands defiant in the face of legal challenges and the imminent imprisonment of two lawmakers. The unfolding events underscore the deep-rooted conflicts between the government and the head of state, with ramifications for the functioning of the parliament and the stability of the nation. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Poland braces itself for further clashes and the potential dissolution of parliament if a resolution is not reached within the looming deadlines.
