Poland’s president on Thursday said he would ask the upper house of parliament to call a referendum in November to consult citizens on potential changes to the nation’s constitution.

President Andrzej Duda (centre) speaks during state ceremonies in the Polish capital as the nation marks Constitution Day on Thursday. Photo: PAP/Rafał Guz

“I will submit a proposal to the Senate that a consultative referendum on the constitution take place on November 10 and 11,” Andrzej Duda said.

He was speaking as Poland marked Constitution Day, a public holiday when the country celebrates a historic document adopted on May 3, 1791.

Duda appealed to Poles to vote in the referendum to say whether they support changing the constitution and “to speak out about their vision” of the country’s political system.

He told those gathered during state ceremonies at the Polish capital’s Castle Square that citizens deserved a debate on the nation’s existing constitution, which dates back to 1997. He said the Polish people “deserve to reflect” on whether to make changes to the constitution or “draft a new one” almost three decades since Poland emerged from communism.

Referring to this year’s centenary of his country regaining independence, the president said: "Let this year, the year when we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of independence, also be a year of constitutional watershed for us and future generations of Poles.”

Poland marks Constitution Day on May 3, while November 11 is Independence Day, commemorating the anniversary of the restoration of Poland's sovereignty.

(gs/pk)

Source: TVP Info, IAR, PAP