During the celebration of Constitution Day 3 May, president Andrzej Duda gave 1 of his last speeches during his word of office. There were words of reflection on history, but besides a strong appeal to Poles connected with presidential elections.
The president recalled that the head of state is straight elected by the nation, which gives this office an highly strong mandate. Addressing Poles, he called for them to take part in the vote, regardless of who would be their candidate. He stressed that as the outgoing president, he wanted to hand over the office to his successor in an atmosphere of peace, certainty and respect for the will of citizens expressed at the urns.
Rule of law as the President's duty
Duda besides talked about the function of the president in safeguarding the Constitution and the regulation of law. He recalled that the future president would be obliged to respond to any effort to break the law, regardless of which side of the political scene they would come from. “The president must have the courage to say loudly erstwhile the constitution is violated,” he noted.
He besides stressed that the constitution should be read literally, as it was written and passed by citizens. He warned against attempts to manipulate the provisions of the Basic Act, which, in his opinion, are “systemic fraud”.
Defence and safety – task for the successor
The president besides referred to the issue of national safety and strengthening the armed forces. He stressed that the future president would gotta proceed the process of modernization of the army, which began during his 2 term. “No 1 present questions the request to devote almost 5% of GDP to defence,” he added, adding that Poles accepted this necessity together.
Constitutional changes and deficiency of political will
Andrzej Duda besides recalled that he had submitted a draft amendment of the Constitution to the Sejm to warrant a minimum level of defence spending (4 percent of GDP). He regretted that the current parliamentary majority did not take the initiative on this matter.
Support for global alliances
In his speech, the president expressed his appreciation for the predecessors, who made Poland part of NATO and the European Union. He stressed the peculiar importance of working with the United States and recalled that during his presidency he maintained relations with 3 US leaders – Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. president Trump is now serving again, ending his term.
Farewell to office and call for common concern for Poland
At the end of his speech, president Duda thanked all citizens for spending 10 years together. He expressed hope that Poland would stay a safe, sovereign and just country. “Let honesty prevail, not cynicism and bastardity,” he said. He appealed to his fellow countrymen to proceed to care for a country that is to be the pride of the citizens and the place where future generations are to be raised safely.
He concluded the speech with the words: “Long live Poland!”, paying tribute to the heroes and creators of the Constitution on 3 May.
