Government spokesman on Karol Nawrocki: The president's role is mainly ceremonial

Szłapka assured that both the Prime Minister and members of the Council of Ministers will be present at the meeting of the National Assembly, where Karol Nawrocki will be sworn in as President of the Republic of Poland.

Adam Szłapka on Karol Nawrocki: The president must present the government's position abroad

The government spokesman was then asked what he expected from Karol Nawrocki's presidency. Szłapka replied that the relationship between the government, the prime minister, and the president "is not a personal relationship." "These are relationships between offices precisely described in the constitution. The president has a clear definition of what he can and cannot do. The Council of Ministers is responsible for governing Poland, for domestic and foreign policy. And everyone has to do their job to the best of their ability," he replied.

Szłapka emphasized that "in principle, every person must be taken into account" and "Karol Nawrocki will fulfill an important function in Poland, described in the constitution."

"He will represent Poland. The Polish constitution gives the president a stronger position than in many countries—for example, Germany—but it remains primarily a ceremonial role. He has powers, but the presumption of competence and responsibility for domestic and foreign policy rests with the government," he emphasized.

"We need to cooperate; he will be held accountable by voters. The bill on freezing energy prices, which will land on Nawrocki's desk, is something I'm checking: whether the president will cooperate or not," he added. "The president has the authority to represent Poland externally, as he is the highest representative of the authorities in Poland, but he must always present the government's position; that is his duty; there is no exception to this," he also said.

"Everyone should care about Poland's strongest position in the world. No politician should think first about party interests and only then about Poland's interests," Szłapka also stated.

Will there be a meeting between Karol Nawrocki and Donald Tusk?

The government spokesman was also asked whether a meeting between Karol Nawrocki and Donald Tusk would take place in the near future.

"Sooner or later, such meetings will take place because it's an obligation—for example, when replacing a minister. I don't know about any planned meetings, but they will have to happen," he replied.

"Whether one likes it or not, there is responsibility for the fate of the country. The Prime Minister heads a government that has the support of over 11 million people. This is a huge responsibility. Nothing absolves us of this responsibility. Karol Nawrocki also received a strong mandate, 10 million votes. But things must move forward. Blocking development would be a thing that would go down in history," the government spokesman also stated.

And isn't the government afraid that the president will submit legislative initiatives regarding the government's unfulfilled promises – for example, increasing the tax-free amount to PLN 60,000?

"First of all, I hope that good bills that come to the president's desk will be signed. The president has legislative initiative and can use it, but there's still a procedure – the bill goes to the Sejm, members of parliament assess its soundness, and they'll work on and amend the bills. We'll see what happens with these bills," he replied.