Insider Scoop: Sweeping Reforms Discussed in Congress

Speaker Stanislaw Malachowski kicked off Tuesday's session, highlighting the usual difficulties encountered when initiating reform. He emphasized the recent commitment shown by the House of Representatives to reshape the governance structure, but also mentioned how various demands, including those from cities and within Congress itself, are postponing the start of the actual work. Malachowski awaits further instructions to proceed with scrutinizing two proposed drafts under consideration.

Representative Stanislaw Soltik from Krakow passionately voiced the need for societal and judicial reform. He argued on behalf of the significant urban populace who feel sidelined. He referenced the country's forefathers, who shared honors and societal duties with cities, and warned against taking lightly the contributions of cities to the nation’s treasury. Soltik proposed that cities have their representatives in Congress with specific decision-making authority on urban issues including trade, craftsmanship, taxation, and legal systems. He also suggested allocating a third of the seats in all judicial and administrative bodies to city representatives and allowing them to purchase land.

Jan Zboinski from Dobrzyn suggested comprehensive measures for enhancing urban autonomy and prosperity. While touching on the historical rights of cities, he argued that bring back their former glory and freedoms would remedy current neglect and contribute to enhancing national security.

Representative Ignacy Siwicki from Troki highlighted that some pre-existing laws were favorable to cities, signaling that cities long-held legal rights were overlooked by nobility rather than being entirely absent. Siwicki stressed the importance of adhering to these rights and questioned the disdain for urban welfare and progress.

President Stanislaw August Poniatowski addressed Congress on the importance of making all country’s inhabitants happy, suggesting that the collective happiness and security of people are the foundations of a nation’s strength. The President reminded the legislators of their sensitive duties, especially regarding the protection of urban rights and privileges.

Lithuanian-Belarussian Speaker of Congress Kazimierz Sapieha proposed examining a draft concerning the cities based on rumors of growing migrations due to unrest in neighboring countries. Sapieha suggested focusing on three main principles involving property ownership, executive influence, and legislative involvement of cities.

The discussions were intense, with some representatives opposing the proposals vehemently, arguing they contradicted fundamental laws. However, others pushed for clear decisions and the recognition of cities' rights. The session concluded with the agreement to carry on the debate the following day, with a focus on balancing national lawmaking priorities against urgent urban concerns.

Topics: Marshal of the Sejm; Speeches by deputies; Urban rights and their amendments; Freedom of land purchase for city residents; Equality of estates (representation of cities); Participation of cities in magistrates; Customs and fiscal duties; Strengthening of defense through military musters; Preservation of cardinal rights; Consent to session on the following day;