NEWS

07/04/2020

18:09

Terlecki Halts Kosiniak-Kamysz's Speech Citing Sejm Rules Change; PSL Leader: "We're Wasting Loads of Time on Nonsense Debates in This Chamber, Mr. Speaker." Terlecki: "You're the ones having these nonsense debates, so have yourselves to blame."

- Sir, please proceed to your conclusion - said Deputy Speaker Ryszard Terlecki, interrupting Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's speech.

- I still have at least 5 minutes. 15 minutes are allocated for justification - replied the leader of the Polish People's Party (PSL).

- 5 minutes, I've already extended yours by 100%.

- There are 15 minutes for justification.

- Unfortunately, the situation has changed due to remote voting.

- There are no such changes in the regulations - argued Chairman Borys Budka from the parliamentary benches.

- There are no such changes in the regulations. Is it 7 minutes for discussion and 5 for presenting a project? - Kosiniak-Kamysz asked.

- Unfortunately, that's how it is, but I've added you another half. Speeches - 5 minutes - Terlecki responded.

- We're wasting loads of time in this chamber, Mr. Speaker, on nonsense debates, when we're now talking about specifics.

- You're the ones having these nonsense debates, so have yourselves to blame. Please conclude. Mr. Budka will sit down quietly. 5 minutes for the speech. I've already extended it by 5 and will extend it by a few more, but please conclude.

According to the Sejm Regulations, speeches during the consideration of agenda items cannot exceed 15 minutes. However, an amendment to the Regulations passed at the end of March stipulated that for sittings conducted remotely, this time is reduced to 5 minutes.

Today, the presentation of the government's anti-crisis shield lasted a total of 16 minutes (9 minutes for Minister Łukasz Schreiber's speech and 7 minutes for Minister Marlena Maląg). The speeches were not interrupted by Deputy Speaker Terlecki. Kosiniak-Kamysz, like the ministers, presented his party's bill. Ultimately, however, the PSL leader spoke for a total of 15 minutes.