The Solidarity-sponsored bill

The Sejm on 25 May voted by 211 to 207 in an unsuccessful attempt to overcome President Aleksander Kwasniewski's veto on a property restitution bill. The Polish parliament needs a three-fifths majority (276 votes) to override presidential veto. The Solidarity-sponsored bill provided for the compensation of 50 percent of the value of assets seized by the Communist regime in 1944-1962. Kwasniewski explained his veto by saying that the bill is flawed and would prove too costly for Poland. He suggested that claimants should seek compensation through Polish courts.