As Bronislaw Komorowski (right) outlines his policy objectives ahead of the June 20 election, his main rival Jaroslaw Kaczynski repeated, Thursday, he has no objections to a US style election TV debate.
Peace between political parties, enhancing the Weimar Triangle [and relations between Poland and EU giants France and Germany] and reconciliation with Russia are Bronislaw Komorowski’s main policy objectives.
“As president I wouldn’t like to be merely someone who blocks legislation,” said the Civic Platform’s candidate, hinting at the actions of the late Lech Kaczynski, who frequently used the presidential veto to block bills passed by the Parliament.
Strengthen ties with EU and Russia
When it comes to the foreign affairs, Komorowski will seek to rebuild the Weimar Triangle to facilitate cooperation between Poland, Germany and France. “Since last year I’ve been preparing the meeting of the heads of parliaments of these countries. I’ve already talked to Chancellor Angela Merkel about it,” said Komorowski.
The Civic Platform’s candidate also assured that he will strive for reconciliation with Russia. “We have a historic opportunity to start cooperation,” said Komorowski.
On IVF legislation – which Poland still lacks, Komorowski said: “We ought to seek a compromise on in vitro, just as we do on abortion law.”
Poland is debating whether to give state assistance to couples who want to undergo the IVF procedure, something that the Roman Catholic church – and his rival for the presidency Jarolsaw Kaczynski, is strongly against.
“I feel I’m a part of the Church and I wish that the Church was also a place for people of different political sympathies, different cultures, different morals,” said Komorowski.
Let’s debate
Jaroslaw Kaczynski (left) gave one of his rare press conferences on Wednesday. The Law and Justice candidate has been very cautious not to over expose himself in the wake of the death of his brother in the Smolensk air crash.
He limited his comments to the situation in flooded areas of Poland.
On the elections, however, he said that he had no objections to debating policy with Komorowski and other leading candidates in a US style TV debate, something, with only three weeks to go till polling day, has still not been arranged.
“Voters should know the differences between the candidates for president,” said Jaroslaw Kaczynski and added that now it is just a matter of when, and not if, the debate between himself and Civic Platform’s Komorowski will take place.
The Law and Justice candidate reminded that results of the opinion polls - which show Kaczynski someway behind his rival - should not be treated as the election results.
“According to the rules of democracy, at the moment all candidates are equal,” said Kaczynski.
Asked by journalists about the sudden change of image he has undergone since the crash of the presidential plane near Smolensk in which his twin brother died, Kaczynski – from a once aggressive political operator to one who seeks compromise – he said: “Everyone can judge for themselves. I trust Poles’ intelligence.”
“I’m ready to participate in a debate with Jaroslaw Kaczynski. However, I think that it would be more polite and appropriate, especially now as he’s mourning his brother, if he decided whether he wants to hold it,” said Komorowski earlier this month. (pg/mg)
More information on the upcoming elections can be found at thenews.pl/elections
Source: TVN24, PAP, TVP Info
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