Żurek attacks Nawrocki over fuel windfall tax and presidential demeanor

Presidential signature and windfall tax

President Karol Nawrocki signed legislation introducing a 60% tax on excess profits from liquid fuel sales in a Thursday address on 1 October 2026. The windfall tax applies to earnings generated from 1 March 2026 to 31 March 2027, serving as the primary funding mechanism for the government's Lower Fuel Prices (CPN) support package. Nawrocki simultaneously referred the statute to the Constitutional Tribunal in subsequent review mode, allowing the provisions to enter into force immediately while their constitutionality is reviewed. Right-wing politicians criticized the enactment, with Confederation co-leader Sławomir Mentzen describing the presidential signature as a tax increase.

Justice minister's reaction on radio

Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek addressed the president's decision on Friday morning, 2 October 2026, during an interview on TOK FM with host Jacek Żakowski. Żurek stated that he had anticipated another presidential veto and welcomed the signing because citizens would receive financial relief. However, the minister accused Nawrocki of hypocrisy and untruths during his address, describing the head of state as unusually erratic and agitated on television.

Yesterday was probably the first time I saw the president so lost. That was my impression, because while he was arrogant and boastful at various speeches and shouted in that raised voice of his, maybe the snus guy gave him less snus yesterday, but I feel he was a bit different, meaning so jittery.

Energy crisis and political rhetoric

Żurek described the signature as an isolated event, adding that he did not expect positive outcomes for future government legislation awaiting presidential review. The minister stated that Nawrocki acted due to public pressure regarding high fuel costs and the energy crisis linked to military action in the Persian Gulf. Żurek argued that citizens understand international market conditions caused by Donald Trump's conflict with Iran, criticizing the president for deflecting responsibility onto Donald Tusk. He asserted that presidential advisers saw approval ratings falling rapidly, prompting Żakowski to interject that the decline was not yet a collapse.

Survey results for the presidency

Recent polling reflects slight downward shifts in public sentiment toward the presidency.

An Instytut Badań Pollster survey conducted for Super Express showed that 44% of respondents rated Nawrocki positively, representing a 3 percentage point decline compared with the preceding poll. Meanwhile, an IBRiS survey for Onet registered trust in Nawrocki at 47.1%, which preserved his position at the top of the trust ranking despite a minor dip of several percentage points.

Safe conduct letter for Marcin Romanowski

The discussion on TOK FM also turned to the issuance of a safe conduct letter (list żelazny) to Marcin Romanowski, a wanted Law and Justice (PiS) politician. Żurek stated that Polish authorities are actively pursuing Romanowski's return to face prosecutors, emphasizing that the justice ministry does not oppose his return. The minister explained that individuals with institutional church connections can hide across various international locations, making apprehension difficult. When Żakowski expressed doubt that the shadow hunters tracking group could find Romanowski in Transnistria, Żurek defended the specialized unit and refused to bet against their operational success.