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12/31/2023
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Duda in Address: I am ready for cooperation on key matters, but also prepared for a situation where the government may not want such cooperation
I would like to state this clearly: those in power can reform public media, but it must be done in accordance with the law. I have always been and remain open to such discussions regarding legal changes. However, from my side, there will never be consent to the violation of the Constitution. And unfortunately, this is the situation we are currently facing – stated President Andrzej Duda in a televised address.
- Further announcements of important decisions being made through parliamentary resolutions also cause serious concern. Sejm resolutions do not have the legal power to form the basis for state bodies' actions with consequences for citizens. Such actions are also in blatant violation of the Constitution. If we agree to such practices today, any new parliamentary majority in the future will be able to act in this manner – emphasized PAD.
- As the President of the Republic, I will, with all my might and in accordance with my constitutional powers, oppose such actions. Therefore, I call on the ruling coalition to begin adhering to the principles of a democratic rule of law and to respect citizens regardless of their political views. These should be your New Year's political resolutions! – he stressed.
- Let's be clear about this: legal chaos and internal conflict in Poland lead to the weakening of our state, and consequently, the weakening of our security. We have experienced such a situation before. I remember it well, as I was a minister in the Chancellery of President Lech Kaczyński when Donald Tusk was previously at the head of the government – emphasized the President of the Republic of Poland.
- I have drawn conclusions from that situation. I am ready for cooperation on matters most important for Poland, but I am also prepared for a situation where the government may not want such cooperation! – he added.
*****
The year that is just ending was a year of change in Polish politics. After eight years, the parliamentary majority in our country has changed, the Prime Minister has changed, the government has changed.
But the most important task facing those in power has not changed. It is the necessity of ensuring the security of our Homeland. The security of Polish women and men. This was the case in 2023, and it will be exactly the same in the 2024 that is just beginning!
Serious external threats to our Homeland have not disappeared anywhere. A full-scale war is still raging beyond our eastern border. Therefore, we must constantly strengthen and modernize the Polish army. Strengthen alliances. There can be no turning back from this policy. Poland's security has no price! And for me, it is and will remain the most important Polish matter! As the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, I am always ready to cooperate with the government on issues concerning strengthening our security.
We are facing a new situation in Polish politics. The President and the government are from different political camps. This is normal in a democracy. But in a democracy, the Constitution, the principles of the rule of law, and good political customs must be observed.
Unfortunately, in recent days, the ruling coalition, in attempting to take over public media, has broken these principles. For the first time in free Poland after 1989, there was an attempt at a forceful takeover of public media; the television signal of some channels was turned off, and news programs ceased broadcasting. Finally, Telewizja Polska, Polskie Radio, and Polska Agencja Prasowa were placed in liquidation.
I would like to state this clearly: those in power can reform public media, but it must be done in accordance with the law. I have always been and remain open to such discussions regarding legal changes. However, from my side, there will never be consent to the violation of the Constitution. And unfortunately, this is the situation we are currently facing.
Further announcements of important decisions being made through parliamentary resolutions also cause serious concern. Sejm resolutions do not have the legal power to form the basis for state bodies' actions with consequences for citizens. Such actions are also in blatant violation of the Constitution. If we agree to such practices today, any new parliamentary majority in the future will be able to act in this manner.
As the President of the Republic, I will, with all my might and in accordance with my constitutional powers, oppose such actions. Therefore, I call on the ruling coalition to begin adhering to the principles of a democratic rule of law and to respect citizens regardless of their political views. These should be your New Year's political resolutions!
Let's be clear about this: legal chaos and internal conflict in Poland lead to the weakening of our state, and consequently, the weakening of our security. We have experienced such a situation before. I remember it well, as I was a minister in the Chancellery of President Lech Kaczyński when Donald Tusk was previously at the head of the government.
I have drawn conclusions from that situation. I am ready for cooperation on matters most important for Poland, but I am also prepared for a situation where the government may not want such cooperation!
The year 2024, which is just beginning, is also a time of important anniversaries: the 25th anniversary of Poland's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance and the 20th anniversary of Poland's entry into the European Union. Poland's presence in NATO, as well as in the Union, are the foundations of our security. I have spoken about this many times. This is Poland's raison d'état!
However, our presence in the Union and NATO requires constant efforts to pursue Polish interests. The NATO summit in Washington in July, as well as the election of new EU authorities, will be an opportunity for this. It will also be a year of preparation for our presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025. During the presidency, we can better pursue our priorities: greater US involvement in Europe, the eastward and southward enlargement of the Union, and strengthening energy security.
Despite the great emotions in Polish politics, numerous global concerns, and the great drama of the war unfolding beyond our eastern border, may this be a good year for Poland, for Polish affairs, and for Polish families. May this be a good year for you in your personal and professional lives.
I wish you health, happiness, love, and peace. Happy New Year!
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