Row erupts in Poland after president blocks reform bills

A political dispute has erupted in Poland after President Karol Nawrocki vetoed two key pieces of legislation involving electoral and family law reforms, according to Polish media.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk strongly criticised the decision, describing it as “suicidal” and “scandalous.”

One of the vetoed bills proposed amendments to the electoral code. Tusk said the changes were designed to improve the transparency of elections and curb abuses, including the involvement of fictitious electoral committees. The legislation also included a proposal to introduce a new position — a secretary of the electoral commission — who would be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the voting process and the accuracy of vote counting.

However, Nawrocki argued that the proposed reforms could undermine the impartiality of the electoral process and create opportunities for political influence.

The second vetoed bill would have allowed couples to obtain a divorce outside the court system through civil registry offices, provided there were no minor children involved and no pregnancy. The president said his decision to block the measure was driven by the need to protect the institution of marriage.

Tusk warned that such moves could destabilise the situation in Poland and erode public trust in the country’s electoral system.

By Tamilla Hasanova