Amsterdam - Legalization of soft drugs is one of the key elements of the former alcohol tycoon and flamboyant party leader of the left-liberal Movement of Palikot. He presents a bill about it today, and it is blowing that is the attention grabber.

The strict Polish drug policy does not distinguish between soft and hard drugs. There is a three years prison sentence for the possession of drugs, regardless of quantity. In order to relieve justice,there is a provision in force since December 2011 that relieves prosecutors from the duty to prosecute. One can look the other way with small quantities for personal use.

Expelling

In his own words, Palikot wants to test that provision in practice. That does not make the unrest less. Parliament President Ewa Kopacz wants Palikot to withdraw his plan.

Palikot could be expelled from parliament because possession of soft drugs is formally punishable. Parliamentarians of Palikots’ own party are not very enthusiastic either.

Target reached

Even if Palikot backs out at the last minute, his goal will be reached. The chance of complete legalization of soft drugs in the Conservative-dominated Sejm is minimal.

Palikot won 40 of the 460 chamber seats at the elections in October, but only has an occasional ally in the small social democratic group. With the blow action, his party will be in the spotlight fully again.