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Most Poles oppose boosting president’s powers, IBRiS poll shows

10.09.2025 08:45
A majority of Poles oppose expanding presidential powers at the expense of the prime minister and government, an IBRiS poll showed, underscoring weak public support for President Karol Nawrocki’s push to amend the constitution.
Nawrocki flagged constitutional changes in his first address after being sworn in, saying we must start working on solutions for a new basic law.
Nawrocki flagged constitutional changes in his first address after being sworn in, saying “we must start working on solutions for a new basic law.”Photo: PAP/Albert Zawada

Asked whether the constitution should be changed to grant the president more authority at the cost of the prime minister and cabinet, 57.7% said “no,” including 34.7% who “strongly” opposed and 23.0% who “rather” opposed.

Support totaled 31.0%, split evenly between “strongly” and “rather” agree at 15.5% each. Another 11.3% had no view.

The daily Rzeczpospolita reported that even voters of parties now in opposition — Law and Justice (PiS), Confederation, Together (Partia Razem) and the Confederation of the Polish Crown — are divided: 63% back the change but 35% oppose.

Among supporters of the governing liberal coalition, resistance is overwhelming, with 87% against and just 2% in favor, the newspaper said.

Nawrocki flagged constitutional changes in his first address after being sworn in, saying “we must start working on solutions for a new basic law.”

His chief of staff, Pawel Szefernaker, later argued that “the constitutional powers of the head of state should be adequate to the mandate obtained.”

PiS Lawmakers are also working on proposals to strengthen the presidency, Rzeczpospolita said, but the poll suggests the party’s electorate has doubts.

(jh)

Source: PAP