Polish President says that the government is trying to force him into signing wind farm laws

The government is trying to get the Polish president Andrzej duda to sign a law that will make it easier for wind farms to be built. This was done by adding a last minute amendment to legislation freezing power prices.

The current liberal government has made a promise to boost renewable energy production after the conservative administration, which was allied with Duda during its eight-year tenure, had blocked onshore wind development for the majority of that time.

"Unfortunately, I feel that the prime minister, and his colleagues are trying to force me into signing this bill by introducing an amendment which is meant to protect Poles from increases in energy costs. They have me against the wall," Duda said at a Wednesday press conference. Duda has previously described himself as a non-fan of wind farms.

"But he should remember that I will be finishing my work soon."

According to the Polish government, the Polish parliament has begun to draft legislation that will ease rules for building onshore wind farm, which is a crucial step in boosting renewable energy production and lowering electric prices.

The law must be approved by both the Senate and the President. Karol Nawrocki, the president-elect of Poland, has been skeptical about easing regulations for onshore wind farms. (Reporting Alan Charlish and Marek Strzelecki; additional reporting by Barbara Erling, Editing by Alison Williams, Alex Richardson and Alex Richardson).

(source: Reuters)