No work on the 12th of November?

The ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) came up with an unexpected idea. They want to allow Polish people to commemorate the centennial of Poland’s independence a day longer. While the 11^th of November, the Independence Day in Poland, this year falls on a Sunday, the lawmakers intend to make the 12^th day of the month be a free as well this year. The legislative work is under way.

The speed at which the new law is being introduced is staggering. The bill making the second Monday of November no work or school day saw the light of day on the 22^nd of October, mere fourteen days before the date in question. 48 hours later it was passed by Sejm, the lower chamber of Polish parliament. On 26^th of October the bill landed in the Senate.

As the Senators introduced some amendments to the bill, the document needs to go back to Sejm and be voted on once again. This will most likely happen on the 7^th of November. The final step is the president’s signature. But is there enough time?

Although everyone likes the idea of having a day off, there has been an enormous wave of criticism surrounding the ruling party’s idea. Business owners cry there are already numerous bank holidays throughout the year (there are actually 13 of them). Economy experts say that another fee day means enormous losses to the economy. Parents of schoolchildren are not sure what to do with their offspring as educational facilities will be closed. Most importantly, numerous operations and court hearings that will need to be postponed. Many people are not pleased.

The government is being criticised for introducing hasty changes to the law without thinking about the consequences. Time will tell if the idea will bring them more supporters or opponents.