A firm “no” to the Green Deal, “no” to new taxes, and “no” to adopting the euro in Poland—these were the key declarations made during today’s conversation between Sławomir Mentzen and Karol Nawrocki.
At 1:00 PM today, as previously announced, a conversation took place between Sławomir Mentzen and Karol Nawrocki, an independent candidate for president. The discussion was broadcast by Republika. During a brief round of yes-or-no questions, Nawrocki stated bluntly: “The Green Deal is bad and must be rejected.”
The discussion then turned to Mentzen’s recent declaration presented a few days earlier. The declaration includes eight key points:
- I will not sign any law that raises existing taxes, contributions, or fees, or introduces new fiscal burdens.
- I will not sign any law that restricts the use of cash and will stand guard over the Polish złoty.
- I will not sign any law that limits freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Polish Constitution.
- I will not allow the deployment of Polish soldiers to Ukrainian territory.
- I will not sign any law ratifying Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
- I will not sign any law that limits Poles’ access to firearms.
- I will not agree to the transfer of any powers from the Polish government to EU institutions.
- I will not sign the ratification of any new EU treaties that weaken Poland’s sovereignty—for example, by reducing its voting power or removing its right of veto.
New Taxes – Nawrocki Says No
Referring to the first point in the declaration, Nawrocki said:
“Yes, I’m generally opposed. This is clearly stated in my ‘Plan 21’ regarding tax increases. I’m against raising taxes. I did pause to consider the part about fees. Still, I wonder how much influence a president has over whether the finance minister can introduce new fees through regulations.”
He continued:
“I think the problem is broader—and that’s what we’re discussing. As a future president, I view tax policy in the context of the entire social policy of the Polish state. There is a certain level of social security that I am also meant to safeguard. I’m sure this doesn’t come as a surprise to you or your voters—that when it comes to a certain degree of social sensitivity, there are differences between us. We could talk about this at length. As a guardian of social achievements, I’m also supported by Solidarność, which is very important to me—the social side of things. I will not support raising taxes as future president of Poland.”
He also declared his opposition to a property tax based on property value (a so-called “cadastre tax”).
“I Oppose the Euro”
The next topic was currency.
“Of course, I will defend the Polish złoty. This is another point in my program, and there is some overlap with your own. In May 2024, your colleague—Deputy Speaker Bosak—organized a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the złoty in the Polish Parliament, together with the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), which I used to lead. Even then, in the Sejm, invited by Confederation, I clearly expressed my view: I am against the euro. Not only for economic reasons—though those are important—but also because I don’t want our gold reserves leaving Poland,” Nawrocki stated.
He emphasized: “Polish cash means Polish freedom. I will defend that.”
Hate Speech Legislation
Continuing with another point in the declaration, Nawrocki said he would not support laws such as the so-called “hate speech law” currently being pushed by Justice Minister Adam Bodnar.
“Of course, Article 54 of the Constitution makes this clear. I will be a future guardian of the Polish Constitution and freedom of speech. That’s one of the cornerstones of Polish democracy. When I look at what the current government is doing—pushing through this so-called hate speech law and what it means for freedom of expression—I’m outraged. I would never sign something like that. The hate speech law belongs in the trash. Of course, hate and online abuse exist—and affect both you and me,” he said.
Polish Troops in Ukraine?
“I will not allow the deployment of Polish soldiers to Ukrainian territory,” reads another point in Mentzen’s declaration.
Karol Nawrocki responded:
“Of course, I will not allow Polish troops to be sent to Ukraine. But I will send Polish entrepreneurs there once Ukraine begins its reconstruction. When the time comes to rebuild, Poland should benefit from what southeastern Poland has already developed in supporting Ukraine. We should become, as Germany tried to prevent, the leading force in Ukraine’s reconstruction once the war ends. I will not send soldiers to Ukraine. Polish soldiers must defend the Republic.”