The lower house of the Polish Parliament, the Sejm, has failed to override a presidential veto on the Crypto-Asset Market Act following a tight vote. Pushed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the motion to reconsider the veto managed to secure 241 votes, falling short of the 266 votes required.
This marks the third time the Sejm has failed to overturn the presidential veto on the legislation, which was previously rejected three times by President Karol Nawrocki. President Nawrocki had warned that the act could negatively impact the freedom and stability of Polish citizens.
As a result of the failed override, local cryptocurrency operators continue to face difficulties complying with the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, requiring many to register their activities in other jurisdictions before operating.
The legislative setback arrives against the backdrop of a major national corruption probe involving Zondacrypto, described as the largest local cryptocurrency exchange. The investigation follows allegations that the exchange stole up to $94 million in customer funds. As part of the ongoing probe, Polish Olympic Committee President Radosław Piesiewicz has been detained.
During discussions in the Sejm, Prime Minister Tusk criticized opposition representatives, accusing them of colluding with Zondacrypto and allowing the exchange and its former CEO, Przemysław Kral, to infiltrate the highest levels of the Polish state and mainstream institutions, including the Polish Olympic Committee.
