President Andrzej Duda declared that both Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik possess parliamentary mandates, emphasizing that the presidential prerogative was effectively executed in 2015. Following a meeting with the Sejm Speaker Szymon Hołownia, the President asserted that the four individuals had been duly pardoned by the President of the Republic of Poland, conclusively closing the matter. Despite discussions with the speaker, no agreement was reached.
President Duda acknowledged the escalating tension within and around the Sejm, impacting the broader national situation. He expressed concern over the complex constitutional and legal nature of the ongoing situation, emphasizing the difficulty even for legal experts to fully comprehend, especially from the perspective of ordinary citizens.
Referring to the events of 2015, President Duda recounted the conviction of ministers Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik for their involvement in activities related to the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau. The president highlighted the controversies surrounding the case, including allegations of procedural irregularities and the intense politicization of the matter. Subsequently, he explained that he had pardoned the convicted individuals, emphasizing that the procedure was executed meticulously.
President Duda insisted that the challenges arose from subsequent legal complications initiated by a few Supreme Court judges, leading to multiple rulings by the Constitutional Tribunal affirming the president’s actions. The ensuing legal complexities, including subsequent court decisions, resulted in a convoluted legal situation.
Reiterating his stance, President Duda emphasized that the presidential prerogative had been effectively exercised in 2015, and he had no doubt that the individuals in question held parliamentary mandates granted by citizens in the recent elections. He asserted that they were legitimate members of the legislative body, and the matter should be considered closed.
During the meeting with Speaker Hołownia, President Duda proposed a resolution to avoid further unrest. However, no agreement was reached, and both parties shook hands. President Duda concluded by acknowledging that further decisions regarding the matter would be within the speaker’s purview and responsibilities associated with his office.