Controversial referendum on Rospuda
Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski has just recently announced that a referendum will be held among the citizens of Polasie (north-eastern Poland) to decide the fate of the unique Rospuda Valley. Both environmentalists and legal specialists have warned that this proposal is unacceptable, stating that a referendum cannot be used to decide whether or not to break the law. “You cannot hold a referendum on an issue that could violate EU law,” stated Prof. Piotr Winczorek of the Warsaw University.
Also controversial is the fact that the planned referendum is to take place in the Podlasie region alone. Environmentalists point out that this is akin to allowing the residents of the city of Cracow to decide to demolish Wawel Castle – arguably the most important monument of Polish heritage. Yet, the Prime Minister claims that this issue is regional in character and that a national referendum can only be held on issues that concern the country as a whole. Constitutional law specialist Dr Richard Piotrowski of the Warsaw University holds a different view, arguing that the protection of the natural treasures of the Rospuda Valley affects all Poles and thus the issue of constructing the bypass goes beyond the local area and is national in scope.
Politicians of the ruling Law and Justice party have already begun persuading residents to take part in the referendum. Their statements on the issue leave no doubt as to which side they support.
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