The proposed changes to Poland’s family and guardianship law, drafted by the justice ministry, would have introduced the possibility of divorce through civil registry offices.
The simplified procedure was intended to apply only to couples without minor children and when the wife was not pregnant.
Under the plan, registry officials would verify whether legal conditions were met and record the dissolution of a marriage.
"Some matters must not be reduced to an administrative formality," Nawrocki said in a statement explaining his decision.
"Marriage is not just an entry in a register; it is a foundation of social life, family and the upbringing of children," he added.
He argued the proposal, if enacted, would have lowered the status of marriage, which is protected under Poland's constitution, and said court proceedings provide safeguards to ensure that divorce decisions are well-considered and do not harm either party.
"In real life, there are different circumstances—economic dependencies, psychological pressure, imbalances of power. A court can recognise and respond to these situations. An official form cannot," he said.
Nawrocki also raised concerns that allowing quick administrative divorces for childless couples could encourage treating marriage as temporary and discourage having children, particularly amid Poland's demographic challenges.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticised the veto, saying the proposed changes were meant to simplify procedures for couples who mutually agree to divorce and want to avoid lengthy court proceedings.
"This is an unwise veto," Tusk told reporters.
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek also denounced the decision, saying it would keep courts burdened with straightforward cases and delay proceedings for others.
He said the reform was aimed at couples without children who agree to separate without conflict.
Under current Polish law, marriage can only be dissolved by a court, which must determine that the marital relationship has completely and irreversibly broken down.
About 57,400 divorces were granted in Poland in 2024, with roughly 40 percent of cases involving childless couples, state news agency PAP reported.
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Source: IAR, PAP