On Friday, the Polish Parliament passed an amendment to the Act on the exercise of the mandate of MP and Senator. The amendments known as "lex Romanowski" aim to introduce additional restrictions for parliamentarians covered by the temporary arrest provisions. How did individual clubs vote, and what is the importance of the rules introduced?
What does the amendment imply?
The fresh provisions extend the application of the Act on the exercise of the mandate of a associate and Senator to situations in which resolutions on the usage of temporary arrests were issued to parliamentarians, even if the isolation measurement was not physically implemented. This applies to cases specified as hiding from law enforcement. The legislators further decided that the prohibition on the exercise of the rights and obligations arising from the mandate would besides apply to persons whose decisions on temporary arrest were taken before the entry into force of the fresh rules.
Political context and the establishment of a law
The task “lex Romanowski” was prepared by a group of Members from the Civic Coalition, Poland 2050 and PSL, which had direct implications for the situation of Marcin Romanowski. The PiS politician, who is besides a erstwhile Deputy Minister of Justice, is suspected of irregularities connected with the Justice Fund. The European Arrest Warrant (ENA) was issued to Romanowski, and Interpol issued a alleged red note. Since December 2024, the politician has resided in Hungary, where he has obtained global protection under the Law on Asylum.
Voting time
During the Friday vote, 236 Members supported the amendment. The parties of the governing coalition, Poland 2050, PSL and the club Together were in favour of the changes. The opposition was 203 MPs, including PiS clubs, the Confederacy and the Republicans wheel.
It is worth noting that Marek Sawicki of PSL was the only 1 of this formation to vote against the bill. no of the Members present in the Chamber abstained.
Reactions to the Act
The decision to adopt the amendment has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of "lex Romanowski" argue that government eliminates situations where parliamentarians could avoid legal work while benefiting from the parliamentary mandate.
Opponents of the bill accuse its initiators of acting on a case-by-case basis and introducing a legal retrospective, which may rise constitutional doubts.
Case of Marcin Romanowski
Marcin Romanowski, being the main addressee of the public debate, renounced the position of a professional MP, which means giving up the parliamentary salary. The policy issue is presently under consideration by the Budapest Metropolitan Court, which examines the procedural bases of the European Arrest Warrant.
Importance of the amendment
The passed bill has far-reaching consequences for the Polish political scene. The amendment can be seen as an effort to tighten ethical standards in parliament, although it besides raises questions about compliance with the regulation of law and human rights.
Will the amendment truly bring the expected results? This question remains open, especially in the context of the further destiny of Marcin Romanowski and the possible legal challenges associated with the retrospective application of the fresh rules.
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"Lex Romanowski" voted. Will Duda compose down restrictions for parliamentarians under arrest warrant?
