– The recently ended year was a year of changes in Polish politics. After eight years, the parliamentary majority, the prime minister and the government have changed in our country. But the most important task facing the government has not changed: the need to ensure the security of our homeland and the security of Polish men and women. It was like that in 2023 and it will be like that in 2024, which is just starting, President Andrzej Duda said in his New Year's speech.
As he said, “serious external threats have not disappeared anywhere”. – There is still a full-scale war going on beyond our eastern border, so we must constantly strengthen and improve the Polish army and strengthen alliances. According to him, this policy cannot be withdrawn.
The president emphasized that “Poland's security is priceless.” He also said that he is ready to cooperate with the government in strengthening security.
The policy changes in 2023. President: In a democratic country, the constitution should be respected
In his speech, Andrzej Duda also talked about the political changes after the parliamentary elections in 2023. – We are dealing with a new situation in Polish politics. The president and the government are from different political camps. This is normal in a democracy. But in a democratic country, the constitution, rule of law and good political customs must be respected, he said.
– Unfortunately, in recent days, the government coalition, which tried to take over the public media, broke these rules. In independent Poland, for the first time since 1989, there was an attempt to take over the public media by force, turning off the television signals of some channels and stopping the broadcasting of news programs. Finally, Polish television, Polish radio and Polish press agency were liquidated, he said.
The president emphasized that “those in power can reform the public media, but it must be done in accordance with the law.” He added that he is ready to discuss legislative changes. – However, I will never agree to the violation of the constitution, and unfortunately, this is the situation we are currently dealing with – he said.
New Year's message of President Andrzej Duda
“I call on the government coalition to start protecting the principles of the democratic state of law”
– Statements following the important decisions made by the resolutions of the Parliament also cause serious concern. Resolutions of the Seimas do not have the legal force to be the basis for the actions of state bodies for citizens. Such actions are also categorically against the Constitution. If we agree to such a practice today, every new parliamentary majority will be able to act in this way in the future, he said.
Andrzej Duda said that “in accordance with his constitutional rights” he would be against such actions. – I call on the government coalition to start protecting the principles of a democratic state and respect citizens, regardless of their political opinions. These should be your political New Year's resolutions. We must state this clearly: legal chaos and internal conflict in Poland lead to the weakening of our state and, therefore, to the weakening of our security, he said.
The President spoke about the situation in the past when he was a minister of President Lech Kaczyński and the government was headed by Donald Tusk. – I drew conclusions from that situation. I am ready to cooperate on the most important issues for Poland, but I am also ready for the situation that the government does not want such cooperation, he said.
New Year's address of the President. Andrzej Duda's wishes for 2024
In the New Year's message, the President also talked about the events that await us in 2024, especially important anniversaries – the 25th anniversary of Poland's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance and the 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union.
– Poland's presence in NATO and the European Union is the basis of our security. I have said many times – this is the reason for Polish existence. But our presence in the European Union and NATO requires constant efforts to promote Poland's interests. An opportunity for this will be the alliance's July summit in Washington, as well as the election of a new EU government. It will also be a year of preparation for our Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025. During his presidency, we can better pursue our priorities: greater US engagement in Europe, expanding connectivity east and south, and strengthening energy security, he said.
Finally, the President expressed his wishes for 2024. – In spite of the great emotions we have in Polish politics, the numerous disturbances in the world and the great drama of war going on beyond our eastern border, may it be a good year for Poland, for Polish affairs and for all families. May it be a good year for you, in your personal and professional life. I wish you health, happiness, love and peace. Happy New Year, he concluded.