Will the government “pacify” Duda’s veto? Unofficially: Urgent consultations at the ministry
Urgent consultations are underway in the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office following the president’s decision – informs money.pl. Andrzej Duda announced that he would veto the budget-related bill and submit his own bill, but the government is to work to “pacify” the president’s plan.
On Thursday, the Sejm passed an amendment to the budget-related act for 2024. However, President Andrzej Duda announced that he would veto it. “There cannot be consent to this in view of the flagrant violation of the Constitution and the principles of a democratic state of law,” he declared. He also informed that after the holidays he would immediately submit his own bill to the Sejm. “In connection with the above, I call on the Speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, and the Speaker of the Senate, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, to urgently convene a meeting of both Houses in order to consider and adopt the project this year,” he appealed.
As determined by money.pl, “urgent consultations” are underway at the Ministry of Finance and the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. “We also know that Work has started in the government to “pacify” the president’s announcement. Our findings show that the Minister of Finance, Andrzej Domański, as well as Deputy Minister Hanna Majszczyk, considered a budget expert, and Maciej Berek, Secretary of the Council of Ministers, are already working on the answer,” we read further.
Exchange of words between Duda and Tusk
Donald Tusk commented on Andrzej Duda’s move earlier. “The presidential veto takes money from kindergarten and beginner teachers, but abolishes the ‘fireplace tax’, which allows unlimited raises for the presidents of state-owned companies and agencies. Shame. Merry Christmas, President. I reassure those affected: we will deal with it,” wrote the Prime Minister.
The president responded via platform X. “Mr. Prime Minister, I am glad that you write that you will cope. This means that, as I appealed, you will convene the Sejm and the Senate after Christmas and pass my bill, which will include raises for teachers, etc., but without PLN 3 billion for public media. And both of you – Merry Christmas, Prime Minister! – wrote Duda.
PiS MPs left the chamber during the vote
The amendment to the budget-related act introduces, among others: increase in salaries for teachers by 30 percent and increasing funds for local governments. It also included a provision granting almost PLN 3 billion to public media. The act was supported by the vast majority of MPs (244 out of 270 present in the room). Law and Justice MPs did not take part in the vote and left the room.
