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Government
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Parliament Composition (October 2007 elections - total 460 seats)
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Civic Platform (PO) |
209 |
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Polish People's Party (PSL) |
31 |
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| Senate (total 100 seats) |
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Civic Platform (PO) |
59 |
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Political System
Republic. Present Constitution came into force on 17 October 1997.
Head of State
President Lech KACZYNSKI (elected October 2005). The President, directly elected by popular suffrage for a maximum of two five-year terms, is also Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. He can dissolve Parliament in certain circumstances e.g. if the Sejm fails to agree a state budget within four months of its first reading. The President can also veto legislation, although the veto can be overturned by a three-fifths parliamentary majority.
Prime Minister
Donald TUSK (since November 2007). Members of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) are nominated by the Prime Minister and must be endorsed by Parliament.
Legislature
Bi-cameral. The National Assembly (Zgromadzenie), elected for a four-year term, consists of the 460-Member Sejm (lower House), elected by proportional representation, and the 100-Member Senate (upper House), elected on a majority vote.
 Government Elections
The Government, sworn in on 16 November 2007 is a majority government by the EPP-ED Member Parties Civic Platform (PO) and Polish People's Party (PSL). The latest general elections for the two Houses of Parliament were held on 21 October 2007. The next parliamentary elections are in 2011 and presidential in 2010.
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Political System
