The legislature rejected Karol Nawrocki's motion for a referendum on the European Union's climate policy. The vote ended the procedure required for the national referendum to take place on 27 September.
The proposed mention question afraid the assessment of EU climate policy and its impact on life costs, energy prices and economical and agricultural activities.
Are you in favour of a climate policy that has led to an increase in the cost of surviving for citizens, energy prices and economical and agricultural activities? That's the question.
Irlogical and undemocratic
During a multi-hour debate Senator Stanisław Gawłowski pointed out that the content of the question raises serious logical and substantive objections. He besides cited expert opinions according to which the draft referendum contains crucial shortcomings and should not be accepted by the Senate.
Since climate policy has already led to increased costs, will its hypothetical cessation consequence in a reduction, a return to pre-implementation level, or the contrary? The senator asked.
The climate and environment minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska besides spoke critically about the initiative. She assessed the task as an example of populism and political play, arguing that the proposed referendum would not contribute to expanding energy safety or reducing the impact of rising natural material prices. In her opinion, the way the question is formulated besides undermines the seriousness of democratic mechanisms.
Shame or war
The decision of the legislature was powerfully commented by the president of NSZZ Solidarity Piotr Duda, who accused the senators of submission to Brussels.
You had a choice of shame or war on Brussels. You chose disgrace, and you will have war anyway. With the Nation – Duda wrote on the X portal.
Under the Constitution, the president may order a national referendum only with the consent of the legislature expressed by an absolute majority. At least 48 votes were needed for the adoption of the proposal on Wednesday.
