Live Feed

09/26/2018

07:32

Wednesday's Political Agenda: Senate's Post-Recess Session, Campaign Managers Discuss Warsaw Debate, National Election Commission Draws Ballot Numbers, President Duda Continues US Visit

At 11:00 AM, the Senate convenes for its first three-day session after the summer recess. On the agenda are, among other items, amendments to the special act on ASF (African Swine Fever), the law on agricultural cooperatives, and the 2017 activity reports of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) and the National Media Council (RMN). A press conference with Marshal Stanisław Karczewski will be held at 10:00 AM.

Also at 10:00 AM, a meeting of the campaign managers for the Warsaw mayoral candidates is scheduled. Yesterday, Patryk Jaki's campaign stated they would not participate in the discussion if Rafał Trzaskowski were represented by Jarosław Szostakowski. The politicians are expected to discuss a potential debate among all of the capital's candidates.

At 7:50 AM, a press conference will be held by Patryk Jaki, the PiS candidate for Warsaw mayor. Rafał Trzaskowski, the Civic Coalition candidate in Warsaw, and Barbara Nowacka, the leader of Inicjatywa Polska (Polish Initiative), plan their press briefing for 8:15 AM in front of the Rondo Daszyńskiego metro station entrance.

Later, at 3:30 PM, Nowacka, along with Civic Coalition leader Grzegorz Schetyna and Katarzyna Lubnauer, will participate in the presentation of Civic Coalition candidates in Tomaszów Mazowiecki. Meanwhile, at 11:30 AM, a press conference by the campaign team of Jaki and Piotr Guział will take place, and Jacek Wojciechowicz will continue his "18 Districts in 18 Days" campaign initiative – his conference is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

At 3:00 PM, the National Election Commission (PKW) will hold the drawing of ballot numbers for committees ahead of the autumn local government elections.

Wednesday also marks the final day of President Andrzej Duda's visit to the USA. His schedule includes participation in a UN Security Council session chaired by the US President, a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, an address during the general debate of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, and a meeting with media representatives.


07:51

Piwnik:

The Supreme Court is not a place one gets to through volunteering

- I had that hope many years ago when I started my professional career; it was a natural dream to end my work by adjudicating in the Supreme Court. Time, and time again, verifies our dreams, perhaps sets different goals, and why? Because firstly, no one offered it to me so seriously, and secondly, when the regulations changed, I believe the Supreme Court is not a place one gets to through volunteering - stated Barbara Piwnik in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- There should be a different kind of legal regulation. Such a discussion should have been initiated when issues of changing the Act on the Supreme Court arose, perhaps it shouldn't be the case, for example, that candidates for the Supreme Court are selected by the National Bar Council through a resolution, someone proposes someone, judges propose someone, the president proposes someone - she continued.


08:03

Piwnik:

Reforming the Courts - I Would Do It Differently

- For these past dozen or so months, I have been saying that reforming the courts - I would do it differently - stated Barbara Piwnik in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego". - I will surprise you - these changes and the discussion about changes were and are necessary - she continued.

"No one spoke with me. Minister Ziobro might feel threatened because I sometimes say I'm becoming more radical than Zbigniew Ziobro. I propose simple solutions. If we changed the assistant-judge functioning model, and if we changed the judge's courtroom functioning model, so that they stopped drafting minutes and focused on the individual, the citizen would be satisfied, and my professional community would be dissatisfied. These are the kinds of proposals I make, which would necessitate a different way of functioning every day."


08:26

Spychalski:

Just Under 3 Years Ago, a Very Close Polish-American Alliance Was Very, Very Distant

What is happening in international politics is sometimes a long-term process, however, we must remember that just under 3 years ago, what is happening in Poland today and a very close Polish-American alliance was still very, but very distant. After three years of Andrzej Duda's presidency, the anti-missile shield in Poland is being built” - Minister Błażej Spychalski said on Polish Radio 24.


08:30

Spychalski:

Excellent Cooperation Between the President and Minister Błaszczak

There is very good cooperation between the President and Minister Mariusz Błaszczak. Regardless of who is the minister, the security of Poland is absolutely paramount, it has the absolute highest priority. Therefore, I do not believe there are any differences of opinion on these matters between the Presidential Palace and the Minister of National Defence” – Minister Błażej Spychalski said on PR24.


08:36

Nowacka Supports Trzaskowski's 'Metro Europe' Initiative: 'Real Things, Not Gold Sands in Dubai'
Rafał Trzaskowski's program mentions investments, investments that will not be possible without EU funds. Thanks to his proposals, there is a chance for parking lots to be built on the outskirts, and for the city center to be quickly accessible not only by tram but also by buses. Parking lots for people who need to drop off their children at school in the morning and then drive to work will be a brilliant, ideal solution – said Barbara Nowacka during a joint conference with Rafał Trzaskowski. - Without a good host who knows how to negotiate, we will get real things, such as trams, subsidies for parking lots, and urban infrastructure development, not gold sands in Dubai – added Nowacka.

08:44

Terlecki:

The President is feeling well, even very well. There are no serious problems, he still limps a bit.

- The President is feeling well, even very well. The ailments from summer have subsided. We all see that he is getting more and more involved in politics. I must reassure our supporters that there are no serious problems - stated Ryszard Terlecki in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News' "Polityczne Graffiti". As the head of the PiS parliamentary club stated, "the problem of his knee remains, and he still limps a bit." When asked about surgery, he replied that doctors would decide.


08:46

Trzaskowski:

We are constantly talking with Warsaw residents about the potential consequences of PiS's confrontational politics
We are talking about investments using European funds because we are constantly talking with Warsaw residents about the potential consequences of this confrontational politics of PiS, which could lead to less money for local government. We are constantly reminding that over 40% of investments in Warsaw were financed from the EU budget – said Rafał Trzaskowski at a morning press conference. - Yesterday, together with Chairman Schetyna, we launched this campaign. Yesterday we were on the streets of Praga-Północ, today we will be presenting a program concerning this part of the smart city, tomorrow we will be in Targówek, we are working intensively all the time – added Trzaskowski.

08:56

Terlecki:

I'm Not Going to the European Parliament

- Various reports will appear. I, for example, hear that I am going to the European Parliament - stated Ryszard Terlecki in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News' "Polityczne Graffiti". - I am not going. The media have to have some room for sensation - he added.

- It is a very tempting option, but it will not be decided by personal desires, but by decisions of the party leadership, which will assess who will be most useful and for what at the European Parliament level - continued the head of the PiS parliamentary club.


09:02

Jaki:

Starting this morning, we are planting oaks. Warsaw needs more greenery
We are on the grounds of Bemowo Forest. I want to emphasize that if I become the Mayor of Warsaw, it will be very important for me to care for Warsaw's greenery, to rebuild the tissue that provides air and allows us to fight smog on a daily basis. That's why we have 21 oaks behind us that we want to plant - stated Patryk Jaki at a briefing. https://twitter.com/PatrykJaki/status/1044840072850395137

09:31

Lubnauer:

We strive to pay our obligations on time
We strive to pay our obligations on time and we do it regularly. We are paying off our obligations as they come due - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM. - I mean those obligations, after all, these are loan installments, and we are trying to pay them off on time - she added. We always manage to sustain ourselves, and by the way, I encourage people, especially as this is an important moment for Poland, to donate to Nowoczesna. On Nowoczesna.org, you can see how to do it. I believe that Nowoczesna is needed in Poland, therefore it is worth donating so that it can function - the leader of Nowoczesna continued.

09:34

Lubnauer:

500+ Must Be Modified So It Doesn't Discourage Women from Working

- No. We were in favour of modifying [the 500+ program]. We adopted a declaration that 500+ is becoming a permanent element of social policy. Of course, it must be modified so that it doesn't discourage women from working. In general, it should be designed in such a way that it pays to work. Therefore, we have always believed that it should be linked in some way. That's one point. Secondly, we submitted two amendments when the 500+ program was being introduced. One amendment was concerning it not being for the highest earners, and we submitted such an amendment. The second amendment we submitted was for the "złotówka for złotówka" principle to be applied. We have a problem at the moment. And I say this seriously, it is a serious problem. Single parents raising a child, if they are soon to earn the minimum wage, will already be excluded from the 500+ program. The minimum wage is, one could say, higher by about 17 PLN net per person... - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

- No party will withdraw the 500+ program anymore. We signed such a declaration. However, undoubtedly, everything must be done to create a social assistance system that doesn't discourage anyone from working - she added.


09:42

NSA Orders Suspension of KRS Resolution on Nominations for Supreme Court Judges to the Criminal Chamber

The Supreme Administrative Court (NSA) has decided to suspend the execution of the resolution by the National Judicial Council (KRS) concerning nominations for Supreme Court judges to the Criminal Chamber.

This decision follows a complaint filed by the First President of the Supreme Court, who questioned the legality of the KRS's actions. The NSA's ruling means that the nominations of these judges will not be forwarded for appointment by the President until the court fully reviews the case.

This development is a significant event in the ongoing judicial reforms in Poland, which have been a subject of controversy and international scrutiny.


10:19

Karczewski on EC's application to ECJ: The Prime Minister was engaged in dialogue. The referral of the application interrupted this dialogue

- The Prime Minister was engaged in dialogue. He talked many times, met, and was in the process of dialogue. Indeed, the referral of the application interrupted this dialogue. The Polish government and my political camp remain ready for dialogue, and at this moment we are in the process of preparing a response to this complaint that has been filed – said Stanisław Karczewski at a press briefing.


10:23

PMM for President? Karczewski: Pure Media Speculation

- Pure media speculation. I actually read it this morning in the press reports. But as I said, it's media-driven. There has never been such a conversation, we haven't discussed it, at least not within the strict leadership of the party - said Stanisław Karczewski at a press briefing.


10:24

Schetyna:

No elections in Poland will be like they used to be, where the winner is predetermined. This will be a tough fight.
- I said from the beginning: no walkovers, no favorites. It's not the case that elections are decided beforehand. Everyone said, journalists said: no, no, Trzaskowski will win easily, in the first round. It won't be like that. No elections in Poland will be like they used to be, where the winner is predetermined. This will be a tough fight. A second round is very possible, and the mobilization of Warsaw residents is key. That's why today we say: we must stand together to defend Warsaw from someone like Jaki - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in a conversation with Andrzej Stankiewicz on the program Onet Opinie.

10:27

Representatives of Warsaw Presidential Candidates' Campaigns Discuss Joint Pre-Election Debate

“We will discuss the conditions for organizing a joint debate before the first round of elections. A debate where all candidates will be treated equally, on the same terms, with no better or worse candidates,” said Jarosław Szostakowski, a representative of Rafał Trzaskowski, before the meeting.

“Patryk Jaki respects the residents of Warsaw, and if all candidates have decided to talk with a person who aimed to liquidate the gymnasium at Twarda street, with great regret towards PO, we will engage in discussions for the sake of Warsaw residents. Yesterday, Jaki proposed October 5th for the debate. On October 3rd, all candidates are invited to a debate about Warsaw's sport, organized by Legia Warszawa,” said Sebastian Kaleta.


10:36

Schetyna:

Immediately After Local Elections, After November 4th, We Will Begin the Campaign for the European Elections
I treat these elections, from these first local ones to the parliamentary ones, as a whole. For me, there is no break. Immediately after the [local] elections, after November 4th, we will begin the campaign for the European elections, and then, after the European elections, at the beginning of June, for the parliamentary ones. One cannot today engage in internal struggles, in evaluations of the campaign, of the party's leadership for 3 years, if it's known that there's an internal election campaign in a year. We will do this, of course, but after the parliamentary elections – stated Grzegorz Schetyna in a conversation with Andrzej Stankiewicz on the program Onet Opinie.

10:47

Schetyna:

Lawyers are looking into Dworczyk's statement

- Minister Dworczyk said this, a minister of this government [that Schetyna is lobbying for Poland to be deprived of EU funds]. Lawyers are looking into this statement. Please read it again. It's absurd - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Andrzej Stankiewicz on the Onet Opinie program.


11:00

Leszczyna on the 2019 Budget: What Will Happen When a Slowdown Comes, Because It Will. PiS Government Certainly Isn't Interested
A wise government, responsible for its country, during good economic times, spends less than it collects from its citizens in taxes and duties. It creates a financial cushion because when harder times come, i.e., economic winter, expenses won't decrease, but income will. What will happen when a slowdown comes, because it will. The PiS government certainly isn't interested in this – Izabela Leszczyna said at a press conference. Why do we have such a large deficit, when the government has imposed almost 40 new taxes and duties on the Polish taxpayer. Or perhaps the government is making some pro-development investments? We all know it isn't. Investments have shrunk and are at their lowest level in 25 years. What's more, next year investment spending will only increase by 3 percent, and the government will likely not even spend the planned amounts, because it never spends them, because it doesn't know how to invest – Leszczyna added.

11:07

Poręba:

I Wouldn't Say the Party Leader is Less Visible. He is Present in This Campaign

- Indeed, it was truly such a difficult year for PiS, in 2011. I will remind you that this campaign, I have this conviction, not everyone was playing on the same team and moving in the same direction. But I don't remember that anymore. However, the desire for a certain revenge is certainly in my heart. This wish for revenge is in the back of my mind. I am approaching this campaign completely differently. Rather, through the prism of very concrete, substantive, good proposals, actions that we are taking – stated Tomasz Poręba in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus, when asked if the electoral defeat from 2011 still bothered him.

- I wouldn't say that the party leader [Jarosław Kaczyński] is less visible. He is present. We have a completely different situation. In 2011, we were not in power, now we are. It seems to me that in this campaign, we have adopted a very good model for running this campaign, where the party leader, during conventions or other events, sets the long-term message regarding our programmatic assumptions, and Prime Minister Morawiecki, as prime minister, whether in the regions or on a national scale, proposes concrete solutions that will materialize these ideas and visions for Poland's development – he added.


11:17

Poręba:

Actions of the Court of Justice or the EC are at this moment beyond the treaties

- The actions of the Court of Justice or the European Commission are at this moment beyond the treaties. When it comes to judicial reform in a given member state, it is solely and exclusively the prerogative and task of the member state. It is the sovereign right of a member state to reform its judiciary. I view this through the lens of absolutely political actions aimed at the Polish government. I have observed this in the European Parliament for months and years – stated Tomasz Poręba in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.


11:21

Poręba:

Every Additional Regional Assembly Won by PiS Will Be a Success
- Every additional regional assembly (sejmik) that PiS wins will be a success for PiS. Meanwhile, we must strongly appeal to our members, activists, and supporters that this is a very important, significant campaign, and they simply need to mobilize strongly in this campaign. This is most important to me - stated Tomasz Poręba in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.

11:25

Siemoniak on Stefaniak's Ad: PSL Candidate's Poll Results Aren't Impressive. Attacking Trzaskowski Like This Lacks Class

- The PSL candidate's poll results in Warsaw aren't impressive. Attacking Trzaskowski like this lacks a bit of class. There are better and worse jokes – this is one of the worse ones. But the principle from sports applies – you beat the champion. Trzaskowski is being attacked because he's the strongest – stated Tomasz Siemoniak in an interview with Marek Kacprzak on the WP program "Tłit".


11:27

Siemoniak:

I believe Tusk will make his decision after the parliamentary elections, towards the end of his term

- I would be pleased if Tusk returned and won the presidential elections against Andrzej Duda or whoever PiS puts forward, because I think PAD's chances, especially after this spectacle, are radically diminishing. I see huge competition between Duda and Morawiecki – it sometimes pops out from under the rug, like Australian frigates. Their trips around the country and statements are also part of this rivalry. It is clearly visible that Morawiecki has unrestrained ambitions; he's started to enjoy politics. He surely believes he is significantly stronger than Andrzej Duda. I believe Tusk will make his decision after the parliamentary elections, towards the end of his term – stated Tomasz Siemoniak in an interview with Marek Kacprzak on the "Tłit" program on WP.


11:39

Funds for Victims Directed to Rydzyk's Foundation and Fire Brigades in Wójcik and Jaki's Constituencies. Kierwiński: We Will Demand Explanations. We Give Them 48 Hours.

- Money from the fund for victims went to volunteer fire brigades in the districts of two deputy ministers. Deputy Minister Wójcik and Deputy Minister Jaki. Deputy ministers, who theoretically should oversee this fund, are involved in the distribution of these funds to entities that are meant to help them in their normal political activity. The Central Anticorruption Bureau, for starters. Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, a media magnate, one might say, from the right side of the political scene. And again, volunteer fire brigades in the districts of these two gentlemen, the deputy ministers. The matter is very strange, very outrageous – said Marcin Kierwiński at a press conference.

- It cannot be the case that ministers of the PiS government, Minister Jaki among them, conduct politics using money that is not intended for them. We will demand explanations. We give them 48 hours. We will refer the matter to the prosecutor's office if we do not receive these explanations – Kierwiński added.


12:03

Campaign Headquarters Set Dates for Three Debates in Warsaw: Presidential Candidates to Debate on October 5th and 18th, Council Candidates' Debate in Between

Not all campaign headquarters wanted to debate so quickly, but the majority of committees definitively wanted to start next week. We are happy this will happen. A debate at the Legia stadium on October 3rd, then another debate on the 5th or 7th, and a third debate in the final week of the campaign. Minister Jaki has declared from the beginning of the campaign that he is ready to debate about Warsaw every day” - said Sebastian Kaleta after the meeting.

It seems this was a truly fruitful meeting. Three debates are planned: two presidential, one for councilors. We will continue to discuss the details, but I think these will be interesting events, important for Warsaw residents, which will allow them to make the right choices” - added Jarosław Szostakowski.

The first debate is scheduled to take place on October 5th or 7th, the second on October 18th or 19th. Candidates for councilors will debate between these dates. All campaign headquarters have declared their participation in the debates.

The next meeting, this time organized by the Law and Justice committee, will be held on Friday. 

https://twitter.com/rochkowalski/status/1044880425733230592


12:24

Schetyna:

Morawiecki Cannot Lie, Not Only Because He Advised PM Tusk for a Long Time, But Also Because He Should Look at the Numbers

- If we want a debate, if we want to speak the truth, I say this with my head held high, with my visor up, Prime Minister Morawiecki cannot resort to lies, not only because he advised Prime Minister Tusk for a considerable time, but also because he should look at the numbers. They are ruthless. They are ruthless because they show how we used money from the perspective that ended in 2006, and which we were still spending from the perspective through 2007, 2008, and 2009. First and foremost, what we managed to achieve in the financial perspective 2017-2013, ending in the years 2014, 2015, and 2016 - Grzegorz Schetyna said at a press conference.

- I am saying this because, as a country, we were the largest beneficiary of European funds. No other country before had received such European funds, and to a large extent, we allocated these European funds to infrastructure investments. We also spent, and I want to emphasize this very clearly, all the money from that perspective, down to the last euro cent – Schetyna added.


13:28

Trzaskowski Proposes Creating an Intelligent Warsaw Zone in the Capital's Kamionek District

"

An intelligent city is one of my absolute priorities. Even when I was a Member of the European Parliament, I dealt with issues related to intelligent solutions and their implementation in cities, and later as a minister responsible for administration and digitalization. It was during my tenure that we initiated the project of making state data available to build services and applications based on it, thanks to which our fellow citizens can better navigate reality. Today, it is time to propose certain solutions for Warsaw precisely in the area of modern technologies, an intelligent and modern city," said Rafał Trzaskowski, the Civic Coalition (KO) candidate for Mayor of Warsaw, at a press conference after a meeting at the National Chamber of Commerce for Electronics and Telecommunications.

"Hence my idea to create a special place in Praga Południe, near Dworzec Wschodni (East Railway Station), an intelligent Warsaw zone, where we will build an implementation center for new technologies that are needed by the city," he added.

"


15:29

PKW Draws Numbers for Electoral Committees

The electoral committee 'Bezpartyjni Samorządowcy' (Non-Party Local Government Officials) drew number one, PSL drew number two, and Zieloni (Greens) drew number three. Civic Coalition drew number four, and PiS (Law and Justice) drew number ten. The drawing concerned electoral committees that registered candidate lists in at least half of the constituencies in the elections to regional assemblies (sejmiki wojewódzkie).


16:01

Poręba:

Łódzkie Voivodeship Among Regions Struggling with EU Fund Expenditure

- In this election campaign, we consistently repeat that Poland needs good managers at the municipal, district, and voivodeship levels. Effective, determined individuals who want to work for their region, to elevate it civilizationally and accelerate its development. There is an issue that greatly concerns us. It's a topic directly related to accelerating regional development, raising the level of development, and improving the lives of its residents. It concerns the expenditure of European funds, the ability, capacity, and determination in spending these funds across various regions. Last week, together with Minister [Kwieciński], we organized a conference where we discussed several regions where the expenditure of European funds is simply at risk, as well as several regions where the European Commission has introduced special supervision in this regard due to significant concerns from Brussels. Today, we are in Łódź to inform you that, unfortunately, the Łódzkie Voivodeship is among those regions where the expenditure of European funds is simply not going well. These European funds are at risk, and we will do everything to highlight this problem, inform about this threat, and secondly, the minister will certainly inform about what can be done to prevent such a situation from happening in the future, and to overcome this situation - stated Tomasz Poręba at a conference in Łódź.

- Currently, at the national level, there is 1.3 billion euros in European funds whose expenditure in Poland is at risk. In Łódź, this amounts to nearly 100 million euros, which are also funds that, if there is no acceleration in this matter, will also be at risk. And we, as PiS, will do everything to ensure that during this campaign, and after this campaign, such managers appear in the Łódź region who will be able to cope with such problems, and above all, prevent such problems from arising - added the PiS MEP.


16:26

Kwieciński Responds to Civic Platform: Poland is Not the Largest Beneficiary of European Funds. Nominally, it is Spain

The CPK will be a strong development impulse for the Łódzkie region and for the creation of a metropolitan duopoly between Warsaw and Łódź. We would like these opportunities to be fully utilized, so we cannot be indifferent to the fact that Łódzkie may lose almost EUR 100 million” – said Minister Jerzy Kwieciński at a press conference in Łódź.

I would like to refute the statement made at the Civic Platform conference, which spoke about the use of European funds, and I would like to debunk a few myths. The first statement that was made there, that Poland is the largest beneficiary of European funds, is untrue, because nominally the largest beneficiary is Spain. To date, Poland has received over PLN 150 billion net as a result of the transfer of funds from the EU budget. We are showing that Poland benefits from European funds. Nominally, we are not the largest beneficiary” – he added.


16:41

Woś Responds to PO Accusations: Funds for Equipment Saving Road Accident Victims Reached All Volunteer Fire Brigades Across Poland

https://twitter.com/mwospl/status/1044959220976766976?s=12


17:04

Polish President to Trump on Korean Peninsula Developments: 'This is Largely Thanks to You and a Success'

- We see that developments are occurring. I am referring here to the summit between North Korea and South Korea, as well as the meeting between Chairman Kim Jong Un and the President of the United States, Donald Trump. This has led to the cessation of all ballistic and nuclear tests. I would like to emphasize, Mr. President, that this is largely thanks to both you and President Moon, and it is a success. Decisive steps will still be taken, as lasting peace will not be achieved without the denuclearization of North Korea, provided it is properly verified and analyzed. Until that moment, the international community must remain united and show solidarity to exert clear pressure on North Korea [simultaneous translation by TVP Info] – said President Andrzej Duda at a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.


17:15

President Duda on the Situation in Ukraine: We Witnessed a Clear Violation of the Budapest Memorandum

- We witnessed a clear violation of the Budapest Memorandum, which guarantees Ukraine's territorial integrity in exchange for its voluntary denuclearization. We also heard about the use of nuclear weapons to end a conventional conflict. At the same time, the use of ambiguous means at our border was alarming. All of this has led to a deterioration of the security situation in the region [simultaneous translation by TVP Info] - said President Andrzej Duda at a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.


17:23

President Duda on Weapons of Mass Destruction: Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Support for Mechanisms Preventing WMD Use, Engagement in Nuclear Non-Proliferation Initiatives

- Firstly, full and proper implementation of well-known and recognized law on nuclear non-proliferation. Secondly, full support for international mechanisms responsible for preventing the use of weapons of mass destruction. Finally, proactive and constructive engagement in all initiatives aimed at promoting nuclear non-proliferation, with proper verification - [simultaneous translation by TVP Info] - said President Andrzej Duda at a UN Security Council session in New York.


18:08

PiS Loses in Court: Appellate Court Orders PMM to Retract Statement on Roads

PiS przegrywa w sądzie. Sąd apelacyjny nakazuje PMM sprostowanie wypowiedzi o drogach

https://twitter.com/mswitczak/status/1044981480575967232

https://twitter.com/SlawekNeumann/status/1044981645684748288


18:37

Head of the National Judicial Council: Poland Might Not Recognize ECJ Rulings, and This Must Be Considered

- A situation might arise where Poland does not recognize such a ruling, and this must be considered. We have examples from other countries in this regard. The justification in such a case will be an appeal to our sovereignty. We can have deep respect for the decisions of various supranational tribunals and courts, but there is a limit. Drawing a line between European jurisdiction and sovereignty is not simple due to the overlap of different legal orders. In precisely such a situation, this line should be drawn. If the Polish State comes to the conclusion that this line is being moved unreasonably, then its duty is to say "no." Even if it were to have negative consequences. Tolerating the shifting of this line provokes further testing of it. Sovereignty can also be lost in installments, using the salami method, slice by slice – stated Leszek Mazur in an interview with wPolityce.pl.


19:13

Schetyna on Court Ruling Regarding PM's Words on Roads and Bridges: A Man of Honor Would Resign in Such a Situation

"Morawiecki lied, therefore he must be held accountable, he must apologize to Civic Coalition. He must apologize to voters and Poles. But this is not the end of it, because lying is ubiquitous in all the politics they conduct. I want to say very clearly today: this is a disgrace and a shame. A man of honor would resign in such a situation" - said PO chairman Grzegorz Schetyna at a press conference.

"The rhetorical device turned out to be a blatant lie. It turned out that we have the truth, and also Morawiecki's truth. For the umpteenth time, because statistics show that according to some research, Morawiecki deviates from the truth in as much as 40% of cases, he deviated from the truth once again. Only this time, thanks to the election campaign, it was possible to check, and it turned out that the court decided it was a lie. Now, when Poles listen to Morawiecki, they should always remember this court ruling" - said the chairwoman of Nowoczesna, Katarzyna Lubnauer.

"You cannot build a state based on lies. You cannot rule citizens with lies. This court ruling shows that in public life, we are all equal before the law. It's high time for Prime Minister Morawiecki and the entire PiS government to start obeying the law and stop lying, just as they lied about courts, women's rights, education, and the rule of law. Here we show - in electoral matters they lied. Enough with PiS's lies" - said the leader of Inicjatywa Polska, Barbara Nowacka.


19:30

Wojciechowicz:

I've Been Calling for a Debate for Three Months, So It's Good That Campaign Staffs Have Reached an Agreement on This Issue

- I've been calling for a debate for three months, so it's very good that the campaign staffs have reached an agreement on this matter. I am ready to debate about Warsaw with any candidate, because Warsaw residents expect it and deserve to know the views and programs of those running for the office of city president – stated Jacek Wojciechowicz at a briefing. Today, the candidate for the mayor of Warsaw continued his "18 Districts in 18 Days" campaign, visiting Bemowo.


19:40

Bielan Responds to Schetyna: If Lying Were Punishable by Resignation, Few Leaders Would Remain in the Civic Platform

- Grzegorz Schetyna seemed somewhat tired during this material [at the press conference], so it's difficult to comment seriously on what he's saying. If lying were punishable by resignation, then very few leaders would remain in the Civic Platform, including Schetyna himself, with his murky statements about accepting migrants, for example, when he was Minister of Foreign Affairs in Ewa Kopacz's government and later changed his mind after the elections - stated Adam Bielan in an interview with Agnieszka Mosór on Polsat News.


20:19

Katner:

I feel like a Supreme Court judge being forced into retirement

- I feel like a Supreme Court judge being forced into retirement – said Wojciech Katner in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's program "Kropka nad i".

- Are you a thief, an oikophobe, an oppressor, a communist remnant? – the journalist asked.

- I am learning more and more about who I was not imagining myself to be. I'm curious who else I will become. I don't understand this, I don't know why it's being done, because it has nothing to do with any reform – Katner replied.


20:24

Katner on Supreme Court Reform: "This Way, a State Institution and Judgments Issued in the Name of the State Are Being Devalued"

- One can know that individual persons are unworthy of this profession, and there certainly are such individuals. Then one points out who, and why. However, what is happening now is undermining confidence in the judicial community, not as individuals, but as those who issue judgments. This way, a state institution and judgments issued in the name of the state are being devalued - said Wojciech Katner in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's program "Kropka nad i".


20:30

Katner on Lawsuit Against Piotrowicz: I Might Join This Process Yet

- I heard that. I heard it and immediately spoke with the President. I myself consider myself a person whose personal rights, in particular dignity and honor, have been violated - said Wojciech Katner in an interview with Monika Olejnik on the TVN24 program "Kropka nad i".

- Why didn't the judge file a suit? – Olejnik asked.

- I might join this process yet. How can a person feel who has never been in this party, who comes from such a family. Probably, this applies to many of my colleagues – Katner said.


21:00

POLITICS IN FOCUS: KO Politicians Mocked for Public Transport Trips; Lip-Reading Experts Analyze Duda-Tusk Encounter, Mentioning "Pension"
-- 300POLITYKI LIVEBLOG: Katner: I feel like a Supreme Court judge who is being forced into retirement.
Katner on lawsuit against Piotrowicz: I might join this process yet.
Katner on reform in the Supreme Court: This way, a state organ and its judgments are being devalued.

21:18

Poręba:

Court Did Not Order Apology. PMM's Statement Will Be Published

https://twitter.com/TomaszPoreba/status/1045010568967573506

https://twitter.com/TomaszPoreba/status/1045011643367923712