http://www2.polskieradio.pl/eo/dokument.aspx?iid=67463
Speaker’s resignation definite
17.04.2007
Speaker of the Polish Parliament Marek Jurek has informed Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński that he is not coming back to the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) and that he is sticking to his decision to resign from his function as Speaker.
“This decision is dictated by the evaluation of Law and Justice and not by any political projects” Jurek said.
“These decisions are final, well-considered, and resulting form the circumstances and talks” the Speaker pointed out. Jurek stressed the fact that the decision was a hard one to take.
“Leaving one’s political environment is not an easy thing to do. Still, I believe I will be able to influence the party’s standing more from the outside than from the inside of this situation” he pointed out.
“My environment did not take any actions that to my mind are crucial for every right-wing party in Poland. Every party should act in favour of the civilisation of life” Jurek explains.
“We still believe that the Speaker will change his mind” the head of the party’s parliamentary club Marek Kuchciński said.
Jurek resigned from the function of the Speaker of the Parliament last Friday, after the Parliament rejected a pro-life amendment to the Constitution that he had supported. The motion on his dismissal will be discussed during the next parliamentary session.
On Sunday, Jurek who also used to be Law and Justice vice-president, gave up his party membership. He left the session of PiS Policy Council that day. Jurek was accompanied by several MPs, including: Artur Zawisza, Małgorzata Bartyzel and Dariusz Kłeczek.
The MPs said on Sunday that their presence in PiS depends on Jurek’s final decision. This prompted speculations that the ruling party is heading for a split. (jm)