President Lech Kaczyński stated that it is “required to read the constitution as it is written” in his May 3 Constitution Day speech on Sunday at Castle Square in Warsaw.

The President was referring to the conflict over competencies between his post and that of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

“One can change the Constitution, correct and better it. But, today, it is the definitive word on [Poland’s] laws,” stated Kaczynski.

The President maintained that the country’s fourth Constitution is extremely important because Poland is an EU member, having celebrated fifth anniversary  of accession on 1 May, and the Constitution represents the country’s highest form of law.

“We are all equal citizens. Everyone, especially the weak, are protected by the law, and those who are stronger must serve the nation,” said Kaczynski.

On 3 May, Poland celebrated what is considered Europe’s first modern codified national constitution established in 1791. The day was restored as a national holiday in April 1990 after the fall of communism.

Varsovians celebrated the holiday with an official placing of a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near Pilsudski Square where the Preisdent appeared along with PM Tusk, and Speakers of the lower house of parliament and Senate Bronislaw Komorowski and Bogdan Boruszewicz and various other ministers. The 3 May Constitution was read aloud on Castle Square. (mmj)