Poland’s parliament has once again failed to overturn a presidential veto blocking a major cryptocurrency regulation bill, prolonging uncertainty around digital asset oversight in the country. During a vote held on Friday, lawmakers were unable to secure the required 263 votes to override the veto issued by President Karol Nawrocki. Reports indicate that 243 members of parliament voted against the veto, while 191 supported the attempt.
The legislation, supported by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, was designed to align Poland with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation framework introduced in 2024. Poland remains the only European Union member state yet to fully implement the MiCA rules, raising concerns among policymakers about regulatory gaps.
President Nawrocki defended his veto, citing worries about excessive regulation, limited transparency and increased pressure on small businesses operating in the crypto sector.
Government Warns of Investor Risks Without Crypto Rules
Government officials have warned that delaying regulation leaves investors exposed to fraud and market abuse. Finance Minister Andrzej Domański cautioned that the absence of clear legal standards could turn the crypto market into what he described as an “El Dorado for fraudsters,” increasing risks for both consumers and businesses.
This marks the second failed attempt to override the veto after a similar rejection in December. Lawmakers had previously introduced a revised version of the bill, claiming improvements, though critics argued it remained largely unchanged. President Nawrocki vetoed the updated proposal again in February, stating that repeated approval does not make a flawed law acceptable.
Zonda Exchange Drawn Into Political Dispute
The ongoing political standoff has also drawn attention to Zonda, Poland’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Prime Minister Tusk accused the platform of possible links to illicit funding, referencing intelligence claims about connections to criminal networks.
Zonda CEO Przemysław Kral rejected the allegations, calling them harmful to the country’s innovation sector and stating he may pursue legal action to defend his reputation. He also addressed concerns about a cryptocurrency wallet reportedly holding $330 million, saying control remained with former CEO Sylwester Suszek before his disappearance in 2022.
Disclaimer
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