Politics of Poland - The President

The President

The President is elected by popular vote for a maximum of two 5-year terms. She/he is head of state, supreme commander of the Armed Forces and supreme representative of the Republic of Poland. The President has the right to veto legislation, although veto may be overridden by the assembly by a three-fifths majority vote.

The President, as representative of the state in foreign affairs, shall ratify and renounce international agreements, appoint and recall the plenipotentiary representatives of the Republic of Poland and shall cooperate with the Prime Minister and the appropriate minister in respect of foreign policy.

As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President shall appoint the Chief of the General Staff and commanders of branches of the Armed Forces.

The President may, regarding particular matters, convene the Cabinet Council, although it does not possess the competence of the Council of Ministers.

Official acts of the President shall require, for their validity, the signature of the Prime Minister, nevertheless this does not apply to:

• nominating and appointing the Prime Minister
• shortening of the term of office of the Sejm in the instances specified in the Constitution
• introducing legislation
• requesting the Sejm to appoint the President of the National Bank of Poland
• appointing judges
• proclaiming the holding of a nationwide referendum (a consent of the Senate is required)
• signing or refusing to sign a bill
• appointing the First President of the Supreme Court, President of the Constitutional Tribunal, members of the Council for Monetary Policy, appointing and dismissing members of the National Security Council
• exercising the power of pardon
• convening the Cabinet Council