A recent survey reveals that a majority of Poles support the presidential power of clemency, following President Karol Nawrocki's first use of this power during his term.
In early February, Karol Nawrocki exercised his clemency powers for the first time during his term as the president, granting clemency to three individuals while denying it to five others. He also sought detailed documentation from the prosecutor general regarding four additional cases before making final decisions. This marks a significant action in Nawrocki's presidency as he navigates the complexities of executive clemency.
In light of this development, Onet conducted a survey with the UCE Research agency to gauge public opinion on the clemency power held by the president of Poland. The results indicate a favorable view of this authority, with 57.4% of respondents supporting it. Among supporters, 22.1% strongly endorse the clemency power while 35.3% consider it favorable. Conversely, there is a notable minority of 26% who oppose it, split between those who strongly and somewhat disagree.
This survey, conducted from February 4 to 6 through computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI), reflects a significant public discourse regarding the balance of power in the Polish government. The president's use of the clemency power raises questions about its implications and the criteria for its application, highlighting the ongoing discussion surrounding judicial discretion and executive authority in Poland.
