Artur Bartkiewicz: Will Karol Nawrocki Force Us to Change the Constitution?
The article explores how Karol Nawrocki uses presidential veto powers to reshape the Polish Constitution's framework in favor of greater presidential authority.
In the article, Artur Bartkiewicz discusses the implications of Karol Nawrocki's approach to using presidential vetoes as instruments to adjust the constitutional balance of power in Poland. Nawrocki has been likened to a mechanic using a screwdriver, attempting to loosen the constraints of the constitution to allow for a more prominent role for the presidency. Bartkiewicz argues that while Poland has adopted a hybrid constitutional model that intertwines parliamentary and presidential systems, in practice, the Prime Minister holds the actual power, while the president's role is meant to be more of a stabilizer unless a significant crisis arises.
The notion of a semipresidential system suggested by the constitutional design is complicated by the reality of Polish politics, where the Prime Minister, not the President, is the leader of the government. Bartkiewicz emphasizes that Nawrocki's actions may undermine the intended limitations of presidential power, raising concerns about potential overreach and disruption to the constitutional order. The article reflects on the delicate balance of power in Polandβs governance, particularly in light of recent political maneuvers that challenge established norms.
Ultimately, Bartkiewicz warns that Nawrocki's use of vetoes to exert authority might lead to calls for constitutional amendments, thereby transforming the structural dynamics of Polish governance. If this trend continues, it could signal a shift towards a more centralized presidential power in an already hybrid system, prompting serious debates about the future of democracy and governance in Poland.