Does the President matter? The role of the President in the political system of the Republic of Poland

In connection with the upcoming inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Poland, which, according to the decision of the Marshal of the Sejm, will take place on 6 August 2025, it is worth recalling the powers vested in the head of state and the influence he or she can exert on the shaping of domestic and foreign policy.

The President as head of state – a symbol and guarantor of continuity of power

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, the President is the highest representative of the state in domestic and international relations. He or she safeguards the sovereignty and security of the state and ensures compliance with the Constitution. Although his role is primarily that of an arbiter and guarantor, it cannot be reduced solely to representative functions. The President has real instruments of influence over both domestic and foreign policy.

A strong democratic mandate.

The President is elected in universal, equal and direct elections, by secret ballot, for a five-year term. This office may be held for a maximum of two consecutive terms, which is a mechanism balancing the need for stability with the principle of limiting excessive concentration of power in the hands of one person.

In the Polish political system, the President is the only executive authority with such a strong, direct democratic mandate. The government, despite being in charge of the day-to-day running of the state administration, is not elected by popular vote but is selected by a parliamentary majority. The President, on the other hand, is directly elected by the citizens, which strengthens his position as an arbiter and representative of the entire nation, not just the parliamentary majority.

Such a mandate means that the President can be seen as the guardian of the national interest and, in situations of political conflict, as a moderator of public life. Direct social legitimacy also strengthens his role in foreign policy, allowing him to effectively represent the state on the international stage.

Key prerogatives of the President

The most important powers of the President of the Republic of Poland include:

• the right to initiate legislation,
• signing laws; the President may also veto them (a veto may be overruled by a 3/5 majority of the Sejm) or refer them to the Constitutional Tribunal,
• appointing the Prime Minister and, at his request, other members of the Council of Ministers,
• ratifying and terminating international agreements, as well as appointing
• and dismissing ambassadors,
• appointing judges at the request of the National Council of the Judiciary,
• appointing the First President of the Supreme Court, the President and Vice-President of the Constitutional Tribunal, the President of the Supreme Administrative Court, the presidents of the Supreme Court and the vice-presidents of the Supreme Administrative Court,
• exercising the right of pardon,
• chairing the Cabinet Council, i.e. a meeting of the Council of Ministers on matters of particular importance,
• dissolving the Sejm in situations specified in the Constitution, e.g. inability to pass the budget,
• in extraordinary situations – introducing martial law or a state of emergency.

The role of the president in governing the state

Although the President of the Republic of Poland has significant powers, it should be remembered that the Council of Ministers, which is accountable to the Sejm, plays a key role in the day-to-day management of the state. In practice, therefore, the President is more of an arbiter and moderator of political processes, and his effectiveness largely depends on cooperation with the government and parliament.

An example of the President’s real influence is the right of veto, which can prevent controversial laws from coming into force. The President also has the power to refer laws to the Constitutional Tribunal, which can significantly influence the shaping of the legal order. In recent months, we have seen that the President’s powers can significantly influence legislation in a situation where neither side of a political dispute has a significant, independent majority in the Sejm.

The role of the President in crisis situations

In times of national emergency, the role of the President takes on particular significance. As the supreme commander of the Polish Armed Forces, he can make quick decisions on national defence and security, working with the government and military command.

Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, meetings of the National Security Council have been convened frequently. The Council consists of, among others, the Prime Minister, the Ministers of National Defence, Internal Affairs and Administration, Foreign Affairs, and leaders of political groups represented in parliament. The Council is an important forum for consultation on matters of strategic importance to the state.

In situations requiring urgent action, the President may also convene the Cabinet Council, i.e. a meeting of the Council of Ministers on matters of exceptional importance to the state (Article 141 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland). It has an advisory and consultative character – it does not take decisions that fall within the competence of the government, but enables the exchange of information and positions between the head of state and members of the Council of Ministers.

Does the President have any real significance?

Definitely yes. Although the President in the Polish system does not have as extensive powers as heads of state in presidential systems (e.g. in the United States), his role is crucial for maintaining the balance between the authorities, protecting the Constitution, and in the field of foreign policy and state security.

The president is also an important symbol of statehood who can influence public debate, initiate legislative changes and be the voice of the nation on matters of fundamental importance.

Therefore, the swearing-in of the new President will not only be a ceremonial start to his term of office, but also the moment when President-elect Karol Nawrocki takes up the highest office in the state and gains the prerogatives allowing him to set a new political direction and influence the balance of power on the Polish political scene.