Polish government slams president's vetoes as costly to state finances

Poland's liberal government has strongly condemned President Karol Nawrocki's frequent use of his veto power, arguing that his actions against proposed reforms are significantly damaging state finances. The government estimates that the president's vetoes have resulted in a minimum loss of 8 billion zlotys (approximately $2.1 billion) to the state budget.

President Nawrocki, who assumed office last year, has clashed repeatedly with the pro-European government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Over the past 13 months, Nawrocki has vetoed 45 bills passed by parliament, leading media and lawmakers to dub him "Mr. Veto." Many of these rejected bills pertained to crucial economic, financial, and tax matters.

Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski accused Nawrocki of highly irresponsible actions while presenting the 2027 budget bill. In response, a spokesperson for the president dismissed the government's criticism as a failed manipulation attempt.

Despite the political friction, credit rating agency Fitch reaffirmed Poland's 'A' rating for its sovereign debt last week, indicating a low risk of default. However, Fitch issued a warning, noting that the "generally uncooperative and sometimes adversarial relationship between the government and the president, including a record number of vetoes, limits Poland's ability to effectively implement economic policy and reforms."

The government's proposed 2027 budget projects a deficit of around 6.4% of GDP, with growth expected at 3%, inflation at 2.8%, and unemployment at 6% by year-end. Poland, a member of the European Union and NATO, shares borders with Russia and Ukraine and plans to allocate 4.51% of its GDP, nearly 200 billion zlotys, to defense.

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Due to President Nawrocki's vetoes, the state budget has suffered a loss of at least 8 billion zlotys ($2.1 billion).