Straight from the horses' mouths

Donald Tusk, leader of Civic Platform

We are disappointed that there was really no serious discussion about changing the budget philosophy. PiS has in fact repeated all of SLD's mistakes. We had a chance to create a budget giving hope for new jobs, a budget of fighting unemployment, and not a passive budget which we had seen before.

On the budget granting an extra zł.10 million to the National Broadcasting Council: This shows how far PiS has moved from the idea of the cheap state and saving on government administration.

Bronisław Komorowski, Deputy Speaker of the Sejm (Civic Platform)

On the possibility of earlier elections: Everything is possible in a country ruled by PiS. The party is not giving the President reasons to call for earlier elections for nothing, only to [later] give up on this idea. I hope the President is a responsible person and won't resort to means which would impair democratic mechanisms in Poland. It would be awkward to induce the President to dismiss the parliament which is the foundation of the PiS government. It would be illogical, but I must admit that after the elections there isn't much logic in Polish politics.

[PiS'] politics [is] based on threatening partners. A coalition of fear is not a solution for Poland. What Poland needs is cooperation of political parties and the ability to compromise. Unfortunately, the will to seek compromise and to cooperate cannot be seen in PiS' actions.

Wojciech Olejniczak, Deputy Speaker of the Sejm and leader of Democratic Left Alliance

On the Stabilization Pact: How long can one function in this tie-up? I guess, until the threat of earlier elections passes. This is good for the moment, but in the long run nothing good can result from it. If early elections are not held now, things will only get worse.

Zyta Gilowska,Minister of Finance

Before the budget vote: I hope that the budget will be passed without any problems. It is in the deputies' best interest.

After the vote: This budget is worse than it was. We just hope that the Senate will introduce the changes in the direction desired by the government.

Jarosław Kaczyński,leader of Law and Justice

Before the budget vote: It will be a test of responsibility, a day of truth for all the opposition parties. If the budget gets completely demolished, that is if all these bad amendments which would change its shape are accepted, it will be completely irresponsible on the opposition's part.

Przemysław Gosiewski, leader of Law and Justice's parliamentary club

The passage of the good budget that Law and Justice is proposing is another argument pointing to the possibility of stabilization and making earlier elections less possible. The goal of this stabilization is to make it possible for the Sejm to work normally - this is what Poles want.

On the failure of coalition talks with PO: PO is responsible for the failed talks. Their proposals at the beginning of the negotiations - like the flat tax, cuts in social spendings or the separation of the posts of Minister of Justice and Attorney General - were unacceptable to us. According to their proposals, PiS, the winner of the elections, would have had fewer Ministers [than PO].

On the passage of budget amendments to reduce funds for the Chancelleries of the Sejm, the Senate and the President: The Self-defense club and LPR club to a lesser extent voted against earlier agreements. Today the possibility of earlier elections is greater than yesterday.

Roman Giertych,leader of the League of Polish Families

The budget in its present state is a lesser evil, it is better than no budget or a provisional budget.

On why LPR voted for the budget: How would I be able to stand in front of the citizens and tell them that there will be no baby bonus [which LPR proposed], because we voted against the budget?

Andrzej Lepper,Deputy Speaker of the Sejm and leader of Self-defense

On the budget: This is not a dream budget, responding to the citizens' needs. However, it gives some funds to social security, infrastructure and agriculture. We voted the way we said we would vote.

On forming an election bloc with LPR: We just can't wait on our knees until Law and Justice wants us. We are not afraid of early elections.

Compiled by

Michał Pakulniewicz