Poland’s Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has unveiled a pivotal proposition set to feature in an upcoming national referendum. The focal point of this ballot will revolve around the fate of state-owned assets, a crucial decision that will grant Polish citizens the agency to opt between the maintenance of public stewardship or the potential divestiture to “German and French interests.”
Scheduled for October 15, the same date as the general election, this pivotal referendum will also encompass a critical aspect of the European Union’s migrant relocation strategy.
Addressing the nation through a recording shared on his official Facebook page, Prime Minister Morawiecki asserted, “At its core, this query hinges on whether we uphold the belief that, in times of crises, Polish assets should remain under domestic control, poised to be harnessed for the welfare of our citizens. Alternatively, do we entertain the notion – as proposed by certain liberal factions in recent months – of relinquishing the entirety of Poland’s assets?”
He further expounded, “Are we inclined to permit several corporations, which wield substantial influence over the Central European market – notably, Orlen, a significant player in the European domain – to be assimilated by German and French interests?”
The Prime Minister underscored that during the period spanning 2008 to 2015, more than 1,000 enterprises, either partially or wholly owned by the State Treasury, were divested. He alleged that the proceeds, totaling PLN 57 billion (equivalent to approximately EUR 12.856 billion), were subsequently depleted under the then-administration led by Donald Tusk, who now spearheads the principal opposition coalition. Morawiecki contended that these funds failed to serve the greater benefit of the nation.
“In these times of uncertainty, we hold a steadfast conviction that Poland necessitates its own champions,” asserted Morawiecki, emphasizing the importance of preserving domestic industry, especially during periods of economic turmoil.
In a separate communication on the same day, Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the governing Law and Justice (PiS) party and deputy prime minister, conveyed a sentiment echoing the significance of this referendum. Kaczyński affirmed that the decision concerning the fate of generations of wealth would rest squarely with the Polish populace.
“The determinant voice remains that of ordinary Poles,” Kaczyński asserted. “Foreign political voices, regardless of their origin, particularly those from Germany, hold minimal relevance. Therefore, in matters of paramount importance, our appeal is directed solely to you – the citizens – through this referendum.”
Elaborating on the specifics of the forthcoming referendum, Kaczyński elucidated, “The inaugural inquiry will center on the endorsement or rejection of state-owned enterprise privatization. A distinct narrative emerges, suggesting an ulterior motive by foreign powers to potentially install opposition leader Donald Tusk, aimed at liquidating our collective assets. The intent is clear from his background.”
As Poland anticipates the convergence of this pivotal referendum and the general election, the nation stands at the crossroads of determining the trajectory of its state-owned assets and, consequently, the broader economic landscape.