Live Feed

10/19/2018

00:00

Friday's Political Agenda: The Final Day of the Local Election Campaign, the National Electoral Commission on Preparations for Sunday's Vote, and PM Morawiecki Continues in Brussels

Patryk Jaki will continue the "36 Impulses in 36 Hours" campaign initiated yesterday. His schedule includes press conferences, media interviews, and participation in the Inside Trends conference. At 18:00, an open meeting will take place in Praski Park, accompanied by a live HCR concert. The last scheduled conference will be held at Plac Zamkowy at 23:30. It will also be possible to connect with Jaki via Jaki Live.

Rafał Trzaskowski will launch the "24 Hours for Warsaw" campaign at midnight. At midnight in Kabaty, a press briefing will be held. The subsequent plan includes, among other things, hanging a banner on a footbridge, a visit to ongoing night roadworks, and a meeting with Free Elections Volunteers. At 6:00, a press briefing with Grzegorz Schetyna will take place, followed by leafleting at 7:00. Another briefing is scheduled for 10:30.

The Civic Coalition (KO) candidate will then visit the construction site of a metro station in Targówek, meet with residents, commemorate Piotr Szczęsny, and lay flowers at the monument to Stefan Starzyński. A live address by Trzaskowski to Warsaw residents is planned for 21:10, followed by a media briefing at 23:00, and at 23:45 – Trzaskowski live and a summary of the "24 Hours for Warsaw" campaign.

At 17:00, the final convention of the Civic Coalition will be held at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów, with the participation of Grzegorz Schetyna, Katarzyna Lubnauer, and Barbara Nowacka. The last planned activity – as announced yesterday by the PO leader – is scheduled for 23:50. The KO leaders' agenda includes press briefings throughout the day, in locations such as Częstochowa, Katowice, and Sosnowiec.

At 10:30, Deputy Minister Jarosław Sellin will present the planned celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence in November at a press conference. At 15:00, the National Electoral Commission will hold a conference regarding preparations for Sunday's vote.

At 13:00 in Warsaw, the campaign finale for the Social Democracy of Poland (SLD) will take place with the participation of Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Andrzej Rozenek, and the lead SLD Lewica Razem candidate for the Warsaw City Council. Meanwhile, at 16:45, a press conference concluding the election campaign of KWW Jan Śpiewak - Wygra Warszawa will be held. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will be visiting Lublin, Warsaw, Piotrków Trybunalski, Kielce, and Krakow.

Prime Minister Morawiecki continues his stay in Brussels. At 9:15, he will participate in the first plenary session of the ASEM summit, at 9:30 he will meet with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, and at 10:05 – with the Prime Minister of Singapore. The second plenary session of the summit will take place at 10:45, and the concluding session at 12:30. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 15:05.


00:20

The Final Chord of the Election Campaign Begins. Trzaskowski Inaugurates the "24 Hours for Warsaw" Initiative
We are starting the final chord of the election campaign. 24 hours in Warsaw, in places that are important to the residents of Warsaw. We will visit them over these next 24 hours and we will work until the start of the election silence, for 24 hours. First and foremost, we care about the environment, because today we have the first signal of exceeded pollution levels regarding smog. Therefore, we have an zero-emission bus. We will travel in it, and the first place we will go to is the technical terminal station of the metro – stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a briefing, inaugurating the "24 Hours for Warsaw" initiative.

07:30

Trzaskowski:

No Place for Fascism in Warsaw
I will certainly celebrate November 11th and I dream of being able to celebrate it with my children. Only in this instance would I need an assurance from the government that there will be zero tolerance for fascism, racist, intolerant, or xenophobic slogans on the streets of my city, and I make one promise: there is no place for fascism in Warsaw – stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a briefing. There will be a "zero tolerance" policy. There is no room for shades of gray here. Either someone is for fascism and racism, justifies such behavior, or is against it, like me. Warsaw will react immediately if such slogans and shouts appear, and I expect the government to be in agreement on this – added the KO candidate.

07:30

The Upcoming Election is a Clash of Values and Arrangements. Jaki's Speech Before Election Silence

A clash of values and arrangements – this is the message of Patryk Jaki's new video clip, which 300POLITYKA is publishing first. – The upcoming election is a clash of values and arrangements. Let's show that we, people who were once meant to start and end in the housing projects, are today raising our heads and saying: may honest Warsaw win – says the candidate for the president of Warsaw in the clip.

Jaki's campaign team most likely wants to appeal to people from less privileged social backgrounds, who have not voted until now because no one "spoke with their voice."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yumTlgUx7CM&feature=youtu.be

I was born in this housing estate. I didn't have aristocratic roots or foreign scholarships. I was, like most of you, supposed to disappear into the crowd, mean nothing, have no influence. While my opponent was skiing in wealthy America, I was earning money by distributing flyers and saving for my studies. When I fought to restore dignity to people, he hired his wives in the city hall and then pretended not to hear about people's tragedies, about insurgents being thrown into basements. When I helped those in need, they, along with their celebrity friends, mocked the heroes who were shot – says Jaki. The clip uses posts by Rafał Trzaskowski, a photo from his Instagram, and media publications.


07:35

Schetyna:

We'll be in Katowice at 11:50 PM

- We'll be in Katowice at 11:50 PM. I'll be ready to answer that question [about summing up the campaign] there, because we still have a good dozen or so hours. The campaign is very intense, it's been going on for many weeks. It's always the case that you want to do more, but I believe it's being conducted very honestly and diligently by us. The symbol is, of course, Warsaw, and these last hours show how much we care about Warsaw, about all cities, regional assemblies, about these elections. So that we defend local government, have satisfaction from a duty well done, and that we are ready for the next stage, because we believe these elections don't end, but begin and build something new - stated Grzegorz Schetyna at a briefing.


07:57

Nowacka:

I Do Not Regret Joining Civic Coalition

- I absolutely do not regret [joining the Civic Coalition] even once. I believe it was a very wise and necessary decision for Poland that the Inicjatywa Polska association made - stated Barbara Nowacka in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego". She added:

"I believe that [the Mayor of Lublin] made a mistake, and Katarzyna Lubnauer and Grzegorz Schetyna and I shared this view. We appealed to him many times to change his decision, and we are glad that Poland has independent courts, which sometimes replace poor local government initiatives. Mr. Żuk had to face the consequences for this mistake and made a decision that cost the coalition, but our position was common and consistent."

- Disgusting behavior [from the Mayor of Legionowo]. I am glad that within a few hours he bid farewell to the Platform - she added.


08:00

Nowacka:

Trzaskowski will sign the LGBT charter. He is the only candidate who can implement it. If it were up to me, I would have signed it earlier

- Rafał Trzaskowski will sign this charter. What's more, he is the only candidate who will definitely be able to implement it, because he will be the mayor of Warsaw and will ensure that the rights of LGBT+ people are also respected in Warsaw. And that's exactly what will happen. If it were up to me, I would have signed it earlier - stated Barbara Nowacka in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".


08:07

Nowacka:

It will be the residents of Łódź who decide if Zdanowska deserves trust. Sasin will certainly not be the one.

- Hanna Zdanowska does not have a conviction for how she acted as mayor, only for personal matters. She is a good mayor. It will be the residents of Łódź who decide on October 21st whether Zdanowska deserves trust, while certainly, some Mr. Sasin, who comes and informs who can and who cannot be mayor in his opinion, will not be the one to decide. This is political blackmail, and we will oppose it - stated Barbara Nowacka in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Piasecki's Conversation".


08:17

Nowacka:

I have no ill feelings towards people associated with the SLD, but I sadly observe how this party has started cooperating with PiS
These elections are about whether local governments will be able to govern themselves, whether they will be centralized or not, whether money will go to culture, education, freedom of the media and speech, good senior policy, or whether Kaczyński will decide which local governments get money and which don't, and Gliński will introduce censorship. That's what these elections are about, not about Zdanowska – stated Barbara Nowacka in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego". - I sincerely believe that Civic Coalition has a great future ahead of it, and – what's more – that it will expand, that other parties will engage in reflection. I have no ill feelings towards people associated with the SLD, but I sadly observe how this party has started cooperating with PiS today. When I hear that they have a common candidate for mayor in Katowice, for me, as a person of the left, with a different biography than a PZPR one, it is still unacceptable. How can they cooperate with PiS. In Katowice, Radomsko, Wielkopolska, signals from Zachodniopomorskie – she added.

08:22

Karczewski:

Zdanowska Can Legally Run, But Shouldn't and Cannot Take Office. The Law Should Be Changed

Ms. Zdanowska, in the eyes of the law, can actually run, but she shouldn't and cannot take office. That's how I interpret it. Judge Hermeliński is a lawyer. In my opinion, she absolutely should not take office as mayor, though she can run. This is a legal anomaly in our system. In my opinion, [the law should be changed]” - said the Marshal of the Senate, Stanisław Karczewski, on Radio Jedynka.


08:29

Żebrowski:

I'll Vote with My Heart and Mind. I've Known Rafał Since Childhood, and I Know He's a Wise, Honest, and Good Person
I'll vote with my heart and mind because I've known Rafał since childhood, and I know he's a wise, honest, and good person. Someone who isn't impressed by money, but by knowledge, culture, and character. I won't agree [that he's arrogant]. Rafał's greatest asset is his ability to talk to people, to hear what they say, and simply to build good relationships with everyone. That's why his slogan is 'Warsaw for Everyone' – stated Michał Żebrowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.

08:32

Hermeliński on Zdanowska: If Voters Choose Her for Another Term, the Mayor Will Be Able to Take Office

- Now, the voters will decide. If they choose the mayor for another term, then the mayor will be able to take office, take the oath, and here the governor's role may begin. If, as he anticipates, he wants to remove the mayor from office, he can initiate the procedure, but it is a long, arduous administrative and judicial procedure, and during this time, the mayor, if elected, will be able to perform her duties - said Wojciech Hermeliński in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Radio Trójka's "Political Salon".


08:33

Żebrowski:

Fortunately, we are destined for a generational change, a change in the standards of conversation in and about politics. Rafał offers a chance for this.

- Rafał [Trzaskowski] is a politician of a completely different generation [than Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz], and we are fortunately destined for a generational change, a change in the standards of conversation in and about politics, about what concerns us. Rafał, in my opinion, offers a chance for this - stated Michał Żebrowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.


08:36

Żebrowski:

Trzaskowski is Not an Arrogant Buffoon

- [Rafał Trzaskowski] is not an arrogant buffoon. He is precisely a man who has always shared the best he had within him. He was the chairman of student governments, he was the beloved student of all the school principals, of the middle schools we attended + he organized trips, took photos, and always encouraged us to develop - stated Michał Żebrowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.


08:38

Hermeliński on Increased Voter Registrations Outside One's Place of Residence: 'I Take It as a Good Sign. I'm Pleased Because I Believe It Shows Voters' Desire to Cast Their Ballot.'

- I take it as a good sign. I'm pleased because I believe it shows voters' desire to cast their ballot. As for some apocalyptic visions suggesting entire buses are being brought in. A person who doesn't live in Krakow, in order to be able to vote where they actually reside, must be added to the electoral roll, and this isn't that simple. It's not like sometimes we read on the internet that you can just send an application online. You need to submit a proper application to the village head (wójt), attaching documents that prove the person actually resides in that location – said Wojciech Hermeliński in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Radio Trójka's "Political Salon".


08:46

Balcerowicz:

PiS is Cancer
One must distinguish between the flu and cancer. PiS is cancer. It is unbelievable what has happened in the last three years. It is unbelievable what has happened in the last three years. I mean not only the economy, but also the assault on the core of democracy, on the rule of law. What is happening with the courts has not occurred in any democratic country - stated Leszek Balcerowicz in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News' "Polityczne Graffiti".

08:47

Balcerowicz:

I will vote in Warsaw for a person who fits the capital's inspirations. For Trzaskowski

- I will vote in Warsaw for a person who fits the capital's inspirations. For Trzaskowski, who is very well-educated and can help Warsaw through international contacts as well - stated Leszek Balcerowicz in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News's "Polityczne Graffiti".


09:02

Bielan:

After the elections, we will conduct a kind of audit and check which structures put forward good candidates

- Four years ago, we received 26% of the votes nationwide and a majority in one regional assembly. We should significantly increase our holdings in the regional assemblies (...) After the elections, we will conduct a kind of audit and check which structures put forward good candidates, and in which ones we failed to put forward such candidates. There are no better elections to assess the quality of our regional leaders than local government elections - stated Adam Bielan in an interview with Marcin Fijołek on the morning program Siódma9, when asked what election result would satisfy PiS.

Bielan also spoke about possible coalitions: - I am counting on the fact that in many voivodeships we will have the opportunity for independent rule (...) In some voivodeships, such coalition partners will appear: we have the so-called Non-partisan Local Government Officials, but they have a different character in different voivodeships.


09:06

Jaki:

I am better educated than Tusk or Komorowski
They tried to stigmatize me. Certain strong media centers did this, [suggesting] that this is a guy who comes from the housing projects and he shouldn't be here. What was I supposed to do then? Say okay, I'm withdrawing? Or show that it doesn't matter where you come from? I believe it doesn't matter whether you come from a villa or are brilliantly educated. I am better educated than Donald Tusk or Bronisław Komorowski – said Patryk Jaki in a conversation with Marek Kacprzak on Wirtualna Polska's "Tłit".

09:10

Jaki:

The Polish State Should Not Take Risks with Groups Suspected of Terrorism

- I am simply saying that there are certain groups of people, with regard to whom, if there is even a shadow of suspicion that they might be terrorist groups, the Polish state should not take risks until it verifies whether they are terrorist groups or not. If it fails to do so, Poland could become as dangerous as many Western countries are - said Patryk Jaki in an interview with Marek Kacprzak on Wirtualna Polska's "Tłit".


09:16

Jaki:

The motion filed by the minister has nothing to do with Polexit. It's purely and solely the narrative of media that hate our government.

- The motion filed by the minister has nothing to do with Polexit. It's purely and solely the narrative of media that hate our government. If this motion weren't there, if someone looked at it substantively, there's nothing about Polexit in it, they would find some other document that would serve that purpose. It would serve to say, look, this is Polexit - said Patryk Jaki in an interview with Marek Kacprzak on "Tłit" on Wirtualna Polska.


09:59

Pietrzak on the Zdanowska Case: The National Electoral Commission (PKW) Stated It Is Not the Competent Body to Assess the Possibility of Taking Up a Mandate or Performing Functions by Anyone Elected

The National Electoral Commission (PKW) stated that it is not the competent body to assess the possibility of taking up a mandate or performing functions by anyone who will be elected in the elections. The PKW, as an electoral body, only assesses candidates, and in such a case, if someone has been convicted, but not with a custodial sentence, they have the right to run for office under the Electoral Code. The PKW stated that all other aspects are not within its purview to assess, these aspects of the matter” – said Magdalena Pietrzak, head of the National Electoral Office, in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.


10:13

Jaki:

If I Become Mayor of Warsaw, I Will Implement an Ambitious Project to Build the 3rd and 4th Metro Lines

- We have been on our feet for over 30 hours and we want to tell you that this is a turning point for Warsaw's development. What we want to change in our capital. Right here, in Odolany, the 3rd and 4th metro lines. My great commitment. I am strongly convinced that Warsaw not only can, but must build the metro faster. The metro must be the fundamental backbone of Warsaw's transportation. If you see Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz building about 3 km of metro line per term at a breakneck pace, and I recently visited the mayor of Madrid, who managed to build 50 km in a single term. One must ask oneself: something is wrong here. If someone tries to tell me that Warsaw cannot have more kilometers of metro than the capitals of Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, or Hungary, I say I disagree. Therefore, if I become the mayor of Warsaw, I will implement an ambitious project to build the 3rd and 4th metro lines - stated Patryk Jaki at a briefing. - If I become mayor of Warsaw, I will adopt twice as many local spatial development plans - he added.


10:54

Poland's Position in European Leaders' Informal Circles Remains Central - 300POLITYKA and Wirtualna Polska Go Behind the Scenes at the Brussels Summit
- The future of the most sensitive issue for the EU right now – Brexit – will be decided by the four most determined players: Merkel, Macron, Barnier, and Morawiecki, a Polish diplomat tells us. A Polish politician lists, one after another, the areas in which Poland participates behind closed doors: - With the French, we have a common position on agricultural policy, also in terms of the budget. Together with Germany and France, we recently established a common stance on climate policy at COP24, importantly, without the demand for unilateral CO2 reductions by the EU. With the Germans, we lowered the CO2 reduction target for cars. More importantly, we are jointly creating the 'battery alliance' (e-mobility). These are common elements of industrial policy. To date, the success was agreeing on the mandate for Brexit, which gave us international guarantees for the rights of Poles and an ambitious financial settlement – both topics crucial for Poland. Morawiecki, Macron, EU Brexit negotiator Barnier, and a little earlier, Merkel – these were the last leaders to leave the informal dinner in the hall on the 11th floor of the European Council building. British Prime Minister Theresa May did not participate in this part. Earlier, before the dinner without the British Prime Minister, the Wirtualna Polska camera, accompanying the Polish Prime Minister for 24 hours, captured a longer conversation between Morawiecki and May. The Prime Minister escorted her all the way to the elevator. Thanks to accompanying Morawiecki, we were able to observe what the media never has a chance to see from the perspective of the large press center eleven floors below, namely, what European politics truly looks like: informal negotiation of positions. - The most interesting things always happen in the corridors, a Polish diplomat from the Prime Minister's delegation tells us. He believes that the future of the most sensitive issue for the EU right now – Brexit – will be decided by the four, as he puts it, most determined players, and he names them: Merkel, Macron, Barnier, and Morawiecki. It was in this configuration that the longest informal meeting after the EU leaders' dinner took place. Despite media gestures and posturing, a hard, no-deal Brexit will be a problem for everyone, including the French. The informal dinner ended surprisingly quickly, around 10 PM, contrary to expectations that it might last until 3 AM. The first to storm the elevators on the 11th floor were the Prime Ministers of Hungary, Orban, and Bulgaria, Borisov, who were clearly in good spirits. Behind them was the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Pellegrini. The Eurosceptic Italian Prime Minister left very quickly. As we entered the emptying hall, we saw Donald Tusk in the background, deep in conversation with the presiding Austrian Chancellor and Piotr Serafin. Closer to the exit, Morawiecki and Macron were having a lively, quite cordial conversation in hushed tones – observed from two meters away – for a considerable time. Perhaps they were also discussing Macron's visit to Warsaw, which diplomats have been speculating about. In the meantime, Tusk, exiting with Serafin, stopped briefly and said goodbye to them. After 10 minutes, Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit negotiator, joined the Polish Prime Minister and the French President, and after another moment, Angela Merkel arrived with quick steps. The Chancellor, clearly pleased with the smooth progress of the informal meeting, gestured animatedly, exchanging remarks mainly with Morawiecki, who was presenting something for a longer while. Unfortunately, neither the Prime Minister nor his advisors were willing to reveal even a sliver of the details of this conversation, but as we accompanied Morawiecki on his way to the elevator after half an hour, the Prime Minister was clearly satisfied. The Prime Minister descended to the first floor of the building, where the Polish "apartment" is located next to the Portuguese one. In his office, he briefly reported and consulted with Minister Szymański, Ambassador Sadoś, and his advisor Paweł Jabłoński. The EU summit concluded by reaffirming the June agreements important to the Visegrad Group, which reject the mandatory relocation mechanism, from which there is no turning back. The next morning, Morawiecki met with Merkel. We hear that the meeting extended significantly and took place one-on-one, despite being planned for a wider group of advisors. In two weeks, Merkel is coming to Poland. We have learned that on November 2nd in Warsaw, she will be accompanied by as many as fifteen ministers.

11:00

Trzaskowski:

Anyone can draw a straight line on paper, but if we're serious about solving the city's communication problems, we need solutions that work together, like a system, like a circulatory system

We are continuing our '24 hours' campaign to mobilize voters to go to the polls, because nothing has been decided yet. The final stretch battle for every vote of every Varsovian is underway. Less than 14 hours remain until the election silence. [The second metro line] is one of the most important investments in Warsaw and a key point of our program for a better communication system in the capital. Anyone can draw a straight line on paper, but if we're serious about solving the city's communication problems, we need to talk about solutions that work together, as a system, as a circulatory system” - said Rafał Trzaskowski at a press conference at the construction site of the second metro line station in Targówek.


11:02

Jaki:

50 Nurseries and Kindergartens for Warsaw
We will immediately proceed to the construction of nurseries and kindergartens. 50 nurseries and kindergartens for Warsaw. This is relatively inexpensive, it can be built using a modular system. Really, in the first term, all parents will feel an improvement in the situation – said Patryk Jaki during a briefing.

11:24

Schetyna:

We Will Definitely Defend Local Government Against PiS's Centralist Policies

- Local government, in its institutional independence and subjectivity, is under threat. We are very determined. We will definitely defend local government against such centralist policies of PiS, which are taking away money, competencies, and limiting influence – said Grzegorz Schetyna at a press conference in Końskie.


11:25

Lubnauer:

If we look at how many levels the fight is taking place on in this election, it's clear we should want to participate more than ever.

- These elections are about much higher stakes than local issues. These elections are about whether Poland will be self-governing or centralized. Whether modern or regressive. Whether European or provincial. If we look at how many levels the fight is taking place on in this election, it's clear we should want to participate more than ever – said Katarzyna Lubnauer at a press conference in Końskie.


11:31

Nowacka:

Today PiS says they'll allocate funds where their politicians are elected. We say no, that won't happen. Funds will go where they are needed.

- These elections are also about money and investments. It will be at the level of regional assemblies that decisions will be made on whether cities, towns, and especially voivodeships will develop or not. Today, PiS says, 'We will give money where our politicians are elected.' We say no, that won't happen. Money will go where it is needed – said Barbara Nowacka at a press conference in Końskie.


12:23

Trzaskowski:

If We Want to Solve Warsaw's Problems, Including Those of Neighboring Municipalities, We Must Cooperate

- We met to discuss matters concerning metropolitan cooperation. If we want to solve Warsaw's problems, including those of neighboring municipalities, we must cooperate on issues such as transportation, smog, and education. Even when I was an MEP, and my constituency included Warsaw as well as Piaseczno and surrounding municipalities, I worked on programs enabling metropolises to cooperate with each other - stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a briefing following a meeting with the mayor of Piaseczno. - Now, the necessity for cooperation also arises in the most important areas, especially concerning transportation, and here we have very concrete proposals for the future - he added.


12:45

Further Initiatives Presented

- We have further initiatives that we want to tell you about. Important initiatives for Warsaw, our city. The first matter is a program for seniors. We have a huge problem for seniors. We operate on the assumption that there was a time when seniors did something for Warsaw, and now it's time for Warsaw to do something for them. Especially since it was Warsaw seniors who rebuilt the city after what happened during the Warsaw Uprising, World War II, and wartime tragedies. Therefore, we must treat seniors exceptionally. We would like to create a Senior+ card - stated Patryk Jaki at a briefing. - Another initiative - the buyout of municipal apartments is my firm commitment. If I become the mayor of Warsaw, I will reinstate the possibility of buying out municipal apartments with a discount - the candidate for the mayor of Warsaw continued.


13:02

ECJ Suspends Provisions of the Supreme Court Act

The Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) has suspended the application of certain provisions of the Polish Supreme Court Act. This decision stems from concerns raised by the European Commission regarding the rule of law in Poland, specifically concerning the independence of the judiciary. The ECJ's interim ruling aims to prevent further actions that could compromise the functioning of the Supreme Court and its judges while a full review of the case is underway.

This development is a significant point in the ongoing dispute between the European Union and the Polish government over judicial reforms. The Polish government has maintained that the reforms are necessary for improving the efficiency of the court system, while critics, including the European Commission, argue that they undermine judicial independence and the separation of powers.

The ECJ's suspension order means that the contested provisions of the Supreme Court Act will not be enforced until the Court makes a final judgment. This pause is expected to create a window for dialogue and potential adjustments to the legislation, though the ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

For further details and real-time updates on this developing political and legal situation, please refer to the following source:

https://twitter.com/radiozet_news/status/1053240169501990912?s=21


13:21

PM Morawiecki: "We've Received Notification from the ECJ in Recent Hours. We Will Definitely Respond After Thorough Analysis."

We are now receiving a notification from the ECJ in recent hours. I can say that we will definitely respond to it after a thorough analysis. In bilateral discussions, I believe I have convinced several more leaders about what the Polish justice system reform looked like, how it looks now, and how much it is needed. I showed that 80% of Poles want a reform of the justice system, that these verdicts are very often considered unfair, unobjective, and damaging to people's sense of justice, and therefore we are continuing this reform” - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Brussels.

We will see what proposals come from the EU institutions. Various possibilities will be analyzed” - he added.


13:25

Mazurek on ECJ Decision: Poland Will Act in Accordance with Applicable EU Law. But Only After Familiarizing Ourselves with and Studying This Document Can We Talk About Details

The European Court of Justice has made a ruling regarding Poland's judiciary. Beata Mazurek, the spokesperson for the Law and Justice party (PiS), stated that Poland will adhere to the applicable EU law. However, she emphasized that a detailed understanding of the verdict would only be possible after a thorough review and study of the document.

Mazurek's statement, posted on Twitter, indicated that the government needs time to fully comprehend the implications of the ECJ's decision before making any specific pronouncements on its implementation. "Polska będzie postępować zgodnie z obowiązującym prawem UE. Ale dopiero po zapoznaniu się i przestudiowaniu tego dokumentu będzie można mówić o szczegółach," she wrote, translating to: "Poland will act in accordance with the applicable EU law. But only after familiarizing ourselves with and studying this document will it be possible to talk about the details."

This statement comes in the wake of ongoing tensions between Poland and the European Union concerning judicial reforms. The ECJ has previously ruled against certain aspects of these reforms, citing concerns about the rule of law and judicial independence. The latest decision is expected to add another layer to this complex legal and political debate.

The delay in providing specific details underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the Polish government's cautious approach. The full impact of the ECJ's ruling on Poland's judicial system and its relationship with the EU remains to be seen, pending a comprehensive analysis of the court's judgment.


14:36

Schetyna:

The ECJ ruling means PiS's lawlessness must stop, and the verdict must be implemented immediately

Grzegorz Schetyna, leader of the Civic Platform (PO), stated on Twitter that the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) decision signifies the end of the current ruling party's (PiS) unlawful practices and demands immediate compliance with the verdict.

The tweet, which can be accessed at https://twitter.com/schetynadlapo/status/1053260094622838784?s=12, was posted by the official PO Twitter account (@schetynadlapo).


14:42

Gersdorf on ECJ ruling: I'm pleased our arguments were considered, but unhappy the government didn't act sooner

We will see how the party and the government, or the government and the party, react to this. We will see how we analyze it, what it obliges us to do, what it forces us to do. Personally, I am pleased that our arguments were taken into account, but I am unhappy that the government of my homeland did not do this sooner and that we had to appear before the European court. It is also our court, but it was unnecessary because it undermines the dignity of this country, and that worries me, if I can say so in this regard – stated Małgorzata Gersdorf, commenting on the ECJ's decisions.


14:58

Spychalski on ECJ Decision: Possible Amendment to the Supreme Court Act

If we are talking about the fact that the President – at least as it appears from media reports – cannot appoint the First President of the Supreme Court, and I remind you, he has not done so to date, and if he cannot appoint judges who have retired, then it seems that some decisions need to be made, and the Polish government should make them. Perhaps one of these decisions could be a decision to amend the Supreme Court Act” – said the President’s spokesperson, Błażej Spychalski, in an interview with Patryk Michalski on RMF FM.


15:52

Zaremba and Wielowieyska Urge Participation in Local Elections

- Local elections are elections where we choose people who have an influence on our daily lives. Paradoxically, you can even vote for someone who is ideologically distant, but who, for example, presents interesting solutions to local issues, or ones similar to mine. I encourage everyone to vote on Sunday - says Piotr Zaremba in a recording published by MamPrawoWiedzieć.pl.



- I will go vote because I care about having people in my local government whom I know, whom I trust. It's worth making an effort, looking online, searching for information about candidates. Not just those in the top positions on the electoral lists, but also those further down, because they might actually be great people, with achievements, with education, with ideas on how to change the world. It's worth the effort, because these are the people who will influence what our surroundings will look like - says Dominika Wielowieyska.


15:59

Sobolewski:

As the PiS Electoral Committee, We Filed an Electoral Lawsuit Against the PSL for Lies About PMM

Krzysztof Sobolewski, a member of the Law and Justice party (PiS), announced on Twitter that the PiS Electoral Committee (KW PiS) has filed a lawsuit against the Polish People's Party (PSL) under electoral law. The lawsuit stems from alleged lies spread by the PSL concerning Paweł Marek Miller (PMM).

The tweet, shared from the official account of Krzysztof Sobolewski (@AC_Sobol), states: "Złożyliśmy jako KW PiS pozew w trybie wyborczym przeciwko PSL za kłamstwa o PMM." This translates to: "We, as the PiS Electoral Committee, have filed a lawsuit under electoral law against the PSL for lies about PMM."

While the specific nature of the alleged lies is not detailed in the provided text, the filing of an electoral lawsuit indicates a serious dispute over campaign communications and potential defamation during the election period. Electoral law in Poland often provides specific mechanisms for addressing false or misleading statements made by political parties or candidates that could influence the outcome of an election.

The PSL is a rival political party in Poland, and disputes between major parties during election campaigns are not uncommon. This action by PiS suggests a strong reaction to statements made by the PSL regarding PMM, which they deem to be untrue and potentially damaging to their electoral prospects.


16:16

Czarzasty:

We will give you what PiS gives you. We will give you back what PiS took from you

- We want to win back part of your electorate. The PiS electorate. We will give you what PiS gives you. We will give you back what PiS took from you. We will give you the entire social sphere and we will give you back the entire sphere related to history. To the honor of people, especially those professionally active until the ninetieth year of life. We will give you back historical truth, everything that has been spoiled by PiS within the framework of breaking the law and violating the constitution – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty during the summary of the local government campaign.


16:20

Laskowski on ECJ Decision: All Processes Initiated in Recent Months Have Been Halted. I Cannot Imagine a Situation Where the Government Would Not Respect Such a Ruling.

Today's ECJ decision means that what we have been saying for months, what we have been warning about and questioning, that we are right, that we are not alone in what we say, and that what has been happening with the Supreme Court, with the courts, with the Constitutional Tribunal, all of it goes beyond the standards accepted in Europe. This has been confirmed today by the most distinguished judges in Europe and by the most serious judicial body in Europe. All processes that have been initiated in recent months have been halted. I cannot imagine a situation where the government would not respect such a ruling, and this means that there will no longer be a judge-commissioner in the Supreme Court, and that all actions taken so far have been stopped as of today, and perhaps there will be an opportunity to reverse them in the future” - commented the Supreme Court spokesperson, Michał Laskowski, on the ECJ's decision.

Source


16:38

Dworczyk on ECJ Decision: For Now, We're Discussing Media Reports. If This Information Arrives Officially, We Will Analyze It in Detail and Respond.
- The reform of the judicial system is very much needed. We talked about this during the European campaign, during the 2015 campaign. We fulfilled this election promise, this reform has taken place, and it is now being implemented – said Michał Dworczyk on TVP Info. - For now, we're discussing media reports. If this information arrives officially, we will analyze it in detail and respond – Dworczyk added.

16:38

Jaki:

If I Become Mayor of Warsaw, City Offices Serving Citizens Will Be Open Until 8 PM Two Days a Week

- If I become mayor of Warsaw, city offices responsible for citizen services will be open until 8 PM two days a week. This is because Varsovians work the longest hours in this part of Europe. And it often happens that to get something done at an office, which is usually open until 4 PM, they have to take time off work. Civil servants are there for the people of Warsaw, not the other way around – said Patryk Jaki at a briefing, presenting another impulse for Warsaw.


17:11

Jaki:

We No Longer Want to Divide Warsaw into the Left and Right Banks of the Vistula

- The revitalization of Praga. This is our positive, pro-development idea for Warsaw. It is so important because we no longer want to divide Warsaw into the left and right banks of the Vistula. Warsaw must be treated as a whole. Warsaw is one. We must take care of those areas that have consistently been pushed to the background. Praga is indeed such an area - said Patryk Jaki at a press conference.


17:27

Schetyna:

I Advise You All to Put a Stop to Them While There's Still Time

- They feel they are beyond reproach. For them, every region, for them, Poland is a tempting morsel. Poland for them is a treasury, a treasure chest. We cannot allow them to steal these treasures. This is advice for all of us, for all those who will be at the polling stations in two days. I advise you all to put a stop to them while there's still time. We spoke about them throughout the entire campaign to show, to describe this difficult reality - said Grzegorz Schetyna during the Civic Coalition convention in Chorzów.


17:33

Lubnauer:

Poland's Local Government is a Woman, and a Modern One

- We have been travelling for weeks, observing Poland, meeting people, talking with them. I must say that I see this campaign is important and it’s not just about our local affairs. It concerns the future of Poland. Poland is a woman, Poland's local government is a woman, and a modern one at that. The local government in Poland we dream of is not about ideology, it's not about quarrels and stupid squabbles. It's not about monuments at every turn, changing street names, the crude propaganda of PiS, which we have recently seen in their advert - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer during a convention in Chorzów.


17:34

Schetyna:

I Call Today for a Vote for Civic Coalition. I Call on Our Existing Voters, but Also on Left-Wing Voters, Those Who Are Hesitating, and PiS Voters. Even They Feel This Government Needs a Sobering Up.
I call today for a vote for Civic Coalition, for a vote for list number 4. I call on all those who want democracy, order, and freedom, who do not accept lies and contempt. I call on our existing voters, but also on left-wing voters, those who are hesitating, and PiS voters. Even they feel that this government needs a sobering up. Let us all meet on Sunday, because Poland has a future, and Poland is in our hands - said Grzegorz Schetyna during the Civic Coalition convention.

17:35

Lubnauer:

Record Number of Women Running in These Elections

- A record number of women are running in these elections. As many as 40% of candidates on the slates are women. We are no longer satisfied with playing only supporting roles. We are active, we deserve more - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer during a convention in Chorzów.


17:40

Lubnauer:

The Stakes Are Too High to Stay Home

- Self-governing Poland will stand, it must become a bastion of Europe in our country, a stronghold of freedom and European values. Let PiS wallow in its little swamp, its contempt for Poles, its quarrels and disputes. We do not want their hatred and lies, which can infect our local governments, regions, and our small homelands. We want pride in our cities and regions, pride in belonging to the EU. Dear Poles, the stakes of these elections are high. The stakes are too high to stay home. In these elections, we must all vote - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer during a convention in Chorzów.


17:51

Kaczyński:

Many Local Governments Refuse to Cooperate with the Government. It's About the 'No Means No' Principle

- We are currently living in a special moment. A moment that, I hope, will pass in the interest of all of us, the Polish nation, and also those who dislike us, who attack us. We are dealing with a sharp political confrontation, and this political confrontation is now spilling over into the state apparatus. We are facing a situation where many local governments do not want to cooperate with the government on principles that have nothing to do with any substance. It's about the 'no means no' principle. No, because you are from PiS. This is contrary to the interests of citizens, it is contrary to our common interest. Cooperation between local governments themselves, and even that can be varied, and cooperation between local governments and the government is something that creates synergy, which simply strengthens the positive processes taking place in our country - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a convention in Zamość.


17:56

Kaczyński:

PiS's Great Local Election Victory, Reducing Completely Unnecessary Conflicts and Fostering Cooperation, is Crucial for Poland and Poles

- Had it not been for this far too sharp political confrontation, it could have been better. We could have achieved even more, precisely through cooperation. The fact that, regardless of the differences in views on various matters, ideological differences that emerge in every democratic country and are unavoidable and necessary in a democracy, one can still cooperate on certain issues - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at the convention in Zamość. The PiS leader added that in political history, there have been matters transcending divisions – such as joining NATO or the EU.

- This is a fatal formula [of total opposition] and that is why a great victory for PiS in local government elections, which will limit these completely unnecessary clashes and foster cooperation, is very much needed for Poland, for all Poles, even for those who do not particularly like PiS and who will not vote for PiS - added the PiS leader.


18:01

Kaczyński:

Our Goal is Clear and is Already Appearing on the Horizon
- Our goal is clear and is already appearing on the horizon. I have said this a few times, but I will repeat it in this extraordinary city. On the horizon, a Poland is emerging that will not yield, in terms of per capita income, to countries west of our borders. We will not achieve this tomorrow or in 5 years, but it could be a period not too long, even within a human lifetime - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at the convention in Zamość.

18:07

MFA:

ECJ Decision is Provisional and Issued Without Reviewing Poland's Stance

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the European Court of Justice's decision is provisional and was made without Poland's position being taken into account. The ministry's statement was published on its Twitter account, linked here: https://twitter.com/msz_rp/status/1053297165072846849?s=12


18:13

Kaczyński:

PiS has always opposed metropolitan policy, favoring balanced development, and will continue to do so

- Remember, ladies and gentlemen, that PiS has always been against metropolitan policy. It has always been for balanced development, for leveling differences, and that is how it will continue - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a convention in Zamość.


18:19

Kaczyński:

Claiming the Constitutional Tribunal motion is about taking Poland out of the EU is a blatant lie

- The claim that these recent events, meaning this motion to the Constitutional Tribunal, have anything to do with taking Poland out of the EU, is exactly the same kind of deception. It is a blatant lie. PiS and Porozumienie Centrum was the first Polish party to say: Poland must join the EEC, because the EU didn't even exist then, and join NATO - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a convention in Zamość.


18:22

Kaczyński:

We See No Place for Poland Outside the EU

- We see no place for Poland anywhere else than in the EU, because quite simply, such a place does not exist in Europe today. This must be realized - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a convention in Zamość.


18:23

Jaki at the Campaign Finale Concert: "Here is Strength, Here We Will Fight for an Honest Warsaw. We Will Reclaim Warsaw from this Mafia."

- Here is strength, here we will fight for an honest Warsaw. We will reclaim Warsaw from this mafia. Thanks to you, thank you very much. Who does Warsaw belong to? Not to these interest groups, not to this reprivatization mafia. Warsaw will finally be yours. We are going for Warsaw - said Patryk Jaki during the concert concluding the #100iMyPodBlokiem campaign.


18:25

Kaczyński on Motion to the Constitutional Tribunal: Certain Matters Must Be Clarified

- Certain matters must be clarified. They have been clarified in other countries, for example, the same problem has been clarified in several rulings of the German Constitutional Court, and there are no reasons why we should not clarify this. I repeat only: this is imposing on people and deceiving people, shamelessly deceiving people - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a convention in Zamość.

- Do not believe such claims in the slightest. It is simply grasping at straws by those who are drowning. All polls show our great victory - added the PiS leader.


18:33

Kaczyński:

The ECJ Decision is Preliminary. We Will Appeal It

- There is a question about what will happen, because very preliminary decisions have been made in the Luxembourg court. Well, we are members of the EU and we will abide by EU law, but we will of course also exercise our rights. We also have the right to appeal. This is a preliminary, single-judge decision by the vice-president. We will appeal it, we will do everything that normal European states defending their interests do in such a situation. But within the framework of European law and on the assumption that European law is binding on all member states of the EU - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a convention in Zamość. - We signed the treaties, we will abide by them, but I repeat: we will also defend our interests - he added.


18:39

Jaki:

Warsaw's Love for the City and its People Driven to Defend Each Other
- If any of you, any of you Varsovians, who are wondering how to vote and think this: okay, if they get away with it, I never had anything to do with reprivatization, it never affected me, do you really think that if these people treated the weaker, the elderly, the disabled like that, then when you come to the office, they will treat you differently? It's a matter of values. Warsaw was one of the bravest cities in Poland. Varsovians, who during the Warsaw Uprising could have decided, let's stay home, let's make sure nothing happens to us, but no, they massively took up arms. And do you know why they massively took up arms? Because they loved Warsaw, but also because they always wanted to stand up for their neighbors. They always wanted to stand up for their fellow human beings. Today we stand before a similar choice. If we want to stand up for all those people humiliated for 12 years in Warsaw, we must throw the Civic Platform's system into the dustbin - said Patryk Jaki during the concert concluding the #100iMyPodBlokiem campaign.

18:52

Jaki:

Civic Platform Must Finally Be Punished for What It Did

- We will be the judges. Will Warsaw lead to a crime without punishment? Civic Platform must finally be punished for what it did - said Patryk Jaki during a concert concluding the #100iMyPodBlokiem (100 and Us by the Block) campaign.


19:23

PMM:

We've Already Greatly Improved Poland, But We Want to Continue Making it Better for All Poles

- We are facing a great matter, a great choice, and to continue changing Poland, we must rely on the three words that have brought us to this point: Courage, Hope, and Trust. It is this trust that has brought us here today. You have trusted us, all of you, and we are repairing Poland. We have already improved it to a great extent, but we want to continue making it better for all Poles, throughout Poland. Because the chances and opportunities for people here in Pułtusk must be the same as in Warsaw - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a rally in Pułtusk.


19:25

PMM:

We Kept Our Word, Because Credibility is the Foundation of Our Actions

- We kept our word, because credibility is the foundation of our actions. The fact that we are trustworthy, that if we kept our word in government, we will also keep it in local government. This is our next great task - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a rally in Pułtusk.


19:28

Trzaskowski:

The Government and President Must Withdraw from the Provisions. If They Don't, It Will Lead to Treaty Termination and Poland's Exit from the EU

- The government and the president must withdraw from the provisions. If they don't, it will lead to the termination of treaties and Poland's exit from the EU - said Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Onet.

- The government and the president should refrain from any further actions. This is a prelude to the CJEU quickly resolving this matter, and one can expect the ruling to be unfavorable for the PiS government. Then the government will have to withdraw from these provisions – Trzaskowski continued.

- If PiS complies with the CJEU's decision and doesn't try to undermine it, I think a way out of the impasse will be found, but this requires the government's will and a clear declaration that they will comply with this decision and the CJEU's ruling – added the candidate for the capital's mayor.


19:29

PMM:

Let's Not Let the Thieves of Our Dreams Steal Poland

- There is no Poland A and Poland B. We are trying to break through what was a Polish curse, and we are succeeding. For the good of all Poles. Our dreams are where our courage lies. Let's not let the thieves of our dreams steal Poland. Cynicism or villainy cannot prevail. We want to break through the despair that was visible in many places, and we are doing this through all our social actions, but also through the fight against this thievery, against VAT mafias. That's where the money was, which was supposed to be nowhere. We dug it up there, for the people, for all Poles - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a rally in Pułtusk.


19:34

PMM:

We Will Not Deviate from the Path of Reforming the Republic of Poland
- Poland must be fought for on all fronts. Both abroad, in foreign capitals, and in every municipality, every county. That is why these elections, which will take place the day after tomorrow, are so crucial. We urgently need your votes for PiS there, so that Poland can be a proud, strong, and beautiful country - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a rally in Pułtusk. - Today, this mobilization is very necessary because we are fighting against evil, against many matters that are not functioning as they should, that do not look as they should. But we have a plan, determination, knowledge, and we will not step away from this path of reforming the Republic of Poland, we will not deviate - PMM added.

19:35

PMM:

We Must Not Be Ashamed of Poland. Poland is the Most Beautiful
Poland is one, in every corner of our country, in all local governments. We must create opportunities for all Poles. And one more thing. Poland is beautiful. We must not be ashamed of Poland. Poland is the most beautiful. We love Poland, we do not apologize for Poland, and for the most wonderful Poland, such a beautiful, proud, happy, and prosperous one, we will fight and we will win - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a rally in Pułtusk.

19:39

PMM:

We Focus on What Can Be Done for Poland and Poles

- We don't look at the polls, the charts, the ratings. They please us if they are this good. We look at what can be done for Poland, for Poles. This is our only benchmark, our path, our principle of operation - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a rally in Pułtusk.


20:20

Trzaskowski:

If you want Warsaw to be an open, European city, vote for Civic Coalition

This is the moment to mobilize everyone to go to the polls. An incredibly important moment. Despite very good polls, nothing is decided. The fight continues until the last moment, which is why we are spending this day so intensively – said Rafał Trzaskowski during a briefing in Prague.

If you want Warsaw to be an open, European city, a city where the values that are most important to us are constantly protected, then cast your vote for Civic Coalition and, above all, go to the polls on Sunday – added Trzaskowski.


20:30

PM Morawiecki on PSL: They Sold Off Many Enterprises

- For 16 years, they [PSL] ruled Poland for 25 years. They sold off many enterprises during that time, processing plants, fruit and vegetable businesses, thereby causing farmers to be at the mercy of intermediaries today. This is the work of the PSL. The ban on retail trade – that is also the work of the PSL. I know it's hard to believe, but in 2011, a farmer could have been fined from that time on. We abolished that – stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in a conversation with Michał Adamczyk on TVP Info's "Gość Wiadomości". - The raised retirement age by 12 years for women and 7 years for men. I think voters will settle the score with the PSL in various places – he added.


20:40

PMM:

Anyone Talking About Poland Leaving the EU Harms Poland
These are some kind of hallucinations, delusions of the Civic Platform, which is floundering. They can't discuss the program, what they have and what we are proposing to residents. We proposed a concrete program to residents six months ago, consisting of five points. All five points are either implemented or are in the process of implementation. Then, at the beginning of September, the local government 'five' and it's going full steam ahead - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in an interview with Michał Adamczyk on TVP Info's "Gość Wiadomości," when asked about accusations of Poland leaving the EU. Anyone who talks about Poland leaving the EU harms Poland. The Civic Platform is only harming Poland in this way, because our relations within the EU are developing excellently. We are not only a very good member state of the EU, but they are starting to listen to us in the context of refugees - he added.

20:47

PM on the EU Budget: Bieńkowska Said It Was the Last Such Perspective. Well, We'll Wait and See. I Believe the New Perspective Will Surprise Us Very Positively
- This is not a real threat [that Poland will receive less money from the EU budget]. These are groundless fears. With the EU budget, the new one, which will only be invested in a few years, it will be very good, because I have had further talks now, in Brussels, with many countries. Not only the Visegrad Group, but also with the Prime Ministers of Spain and Italy - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in an interview with Michał Adamczyk on TVP Info's "Gość Wiadomości". - We are acquiring funds now for the new perspective, where they said, the commissioner today, and earlier Minister Bieńkowska said: that perspective will be the last such large perspective, there will certainly not be as many funds in the new perspective. Well, we'll wait and see. Because I believe that the new perspective will surprise us very, very positively - added PMM.

20:55

Urgent Meeting: Emilewicz Meets with US Deputy Ambassador on Pork Trade

Minister of Entrepreneurship and Technology Jadwiga Emilewicz met this evening with the Deputy Ambassador of the United States, E. F. Green, to clear up misunderstandings surrounding pork trade with the USA – 300POLITYKA has learned. During the meeting, Minister Emilewicz and the Chief Veterinary Officer provided the American side with clarifications regarding procedures for determining zones where restrictions related to the occurrence of ASF are in force. According to our interlocutors, they explained that the meat that reached the American market met all veterinary regulatory requirements, including those of European law. According to information from the Chief Veterinary Inspector, a mistake was made in determining the status of the places from which the exported meat originated. Detailed information has already been formally transmitted to the relevant institutions in Washington.


21:05

Election Day Picture: PiS's Fearmongering Mocked 7 Years Ago, Pączki Diplomacy in Gdańsk, Skórzyński on Krakow's Apathetic Candidates
-- PMM ON TWITTER: Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko is a unique figure for me. I've known his family since the 1980s. I remember after working on the harvest with his brother, Stanisław, the late Marianna, Father Jerzy's mother, would invite us for lunch and tea. A strong, wonderful woman full of love.

-- 300POLITYKA LIVEBLOG:
PMM: Whoever talks about taking Poland out of the EU harms Poland.
PMM on the EU budget: Bieńkowska said this was the last such perspective. Well, we'll wait and see. I believe the new perspective will surprise us very positively.
PMM on PSL: They sold off many enterprises.
Trzaskowski: If you want Warsaw to be an open city, a European city, then vote for Civic Coalition (KO).
PMM: We will not abandon the path of repairing the Republic of Poland.
PMM: Let's not let the thieves of our dreams take Poland away.
Trzaskowski: The government and the president must withdraw their provisions. If they don't, it will lead to the denunciation of treaties and Poland's exit from the EU.
PMM: We kept our word, because credibility is the foundation of our actions.
PMM: We have already repaired Poland to a great extent, but we want to continue improving it for all Poles.
Jaki: PO must finally be punished for what it has done.
Kaczyński: The CJEU decision is preliminary. We will appeal it.
Kaczyński on the motion to the Constitutional Tribunal: Certain matters need to be clarified.
Jaki at the campaign-ending concert: Here is the strength, here we will fight for an honest Warsaw. We will take Warsaw back from this mafia.
Kaczyński: The claim that the motion to the Constitutional Tribunal has anything to do with taking Poland out of the EU is brazen deceit.
Schetyna: I advise you all well, let's slap their hands while there's still time.
Jaki: We no longer want to divide Warsaw into the left and right banks of the Vistula.
https://300polityka.pl/live/2018/10/19/
*****

POLSAT NEWS

-- THE COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS SUSPENDED THE APPLICATION OF PROVISIONS ON THE RETIREMENT AGE OF SUPREME COURT JUDGES - announcement.

-- IF THE EU COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN THE DISPUTE, AND THE CURRENT RULING WERE NOT IMPLEMENTED, IT COULD LEAD TO A SITUATION WHERE ALL RULINGS ISSUED BY THE SUPREME COURT WITH A CHANGED COMPOSITION IN THE FUTURE ARE DECLARED ILLEGAL - Dorota Bawołek from Brussels.

-- THE LEADERS OF THE RACE FOR WARSAW'S MAYORAL SEAT ARE USING THE LAST 24 HOURS BEFORE THE ELECTION SILENCE DOWN TO THE SECOND, LITERALLY - announcement.

-- ONE CANNOT LOSE EVEN A MINUTE IN THE FINAL STRETCH - Magdalena Cenker.

-- IN A REPORT ON THE ELECTION MARATHONS OF PATRYK JAKI AND RAFAŁ TRZASKOWSKI.

-- THE LOCAL ELECTION MAP SHOWS THAT AN EXTREMELY FIERCE BATTLE WILL UNFOLD IN GDANSK.

-- THE FINAL OF THE GDANSK COMPETITION IS A BIG UNKNOWN - Dariusz Ociepa.

-- PIS SURPRISED THE OPPOSITION WITH A SPOT, AND IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT ITS DELIVERY - Ociepa continues: At the end of the campaign, one could expect a message to the undecided voter. Meanwhile, PiS winked at its core electorate.

-- AT THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN, THE PIS CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS DECIDED TO SUE THE PEASANTS' PARTY - Ociepa.
*****

TVN FAKTY

-- In Warsaw, no one is slowing down, and the two main candidates fought for votes even at night. And there could be a lot of these votes, as the capital city might break a turnout record this coming Sunday. In a poll for "Fakty," 82 percent of respondents say: we are going to vote.

-- TWO FAVORITES CAME OUT TO WARSAW RESIDENTS, EVEN WHEN WARSAW RESIDENTS WERE ASLEEP - Jakub Sobieniowski.

-- I WANT TO SHOW DETERMINATION WITH MY LAST STRENGTH - Patryk Jaki.

-- NOT EVEN CANDIDATES IN OTHER CITIES CAME CLOSE TO WHAT HAPPENED IN WARSAW - Sobieniowski.

-- I AM NOT TRZASKOWSKI OR JAKI - Wassermann.

-- THIS IS CLOWNING AROUND - Majchrowski.

-- THE FIGHT FOR THIRD PLACE: Our ambition is a double-digit result," say the Peasants' Party, and the Together party will be happy with any mandate. These are not elections for two figures or two parties. The race for third place, for relevance, or for a return to the political game is equally interesting.

-- 7% PSL, PO 6 INDEPENDENTS, SLD, KUKIZ - THE POLL DOES NOT INDICATE A CLEAR FAVORITE FOR 3RD PLACE - Arleta Zalewska.

-- A DOUBLE-DIGIT RESULT IS OUR AMBITION AND IS WITHIN OUR REACH - Kosiniak.

-- THESE ARE THE FIRST LOCAL ELECTIONS THAT TOGETHER IS PARTICIPATING IN, AND WE WILL BE HAPPY WITH EVERY MANDATE - Zandberg.

-- THE THIRD PLACE NATURALLY POSITIONS SUCH A PARTY AS A POTENTIAL COALITION PARTNER - Zalewska.

-- THIS IS A RUMBLE BETWEEN TWO ACTORS, AND THIS IS ABOUT THE PROGRAM - Zandberg.

-- GLUSMAN AND WOJCIECHOWICZ in the report.

-- PIS AND PO MUST COUNT ON A THIRD FORCE - Wojciechowicz.

-- 4 YEARS AGO, SMOG DID NOT EXIST IN PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS - Glusman.

-- I AM DISSATISFIED THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF POLAND, MY COUNTRY, MY HOMELAND, DID NOT DO THIS EARLIER - Małgorzata Gersdorf in Knapik's report on the CJEU's interim measures.

-- I AM NOT GOING TO THE MOON NOR ARE WE LEAVING THE EU - Zbigniew Ziobro.

-- INSTEAD OF FRIGHTENING WITH AN ENEMY AT THE GATES, THE UNION HAS SEALED THOSE GATES: The wave of migrants is ceasing to flow into the European Union. According to the latest Frontex report, the number of people illegally crossing EU borders is decreasing. Although according to experts, the immigration crisis is over, this topic still influences public debate in many EU countries.

-- THE RIVER OF IMMIGRANTS HAS TURNED INTO A STREAM - Katarzyna Sławińska.

-- A DOUGHNUT EXCHANGE IN GDANSK.

-- A SITUATION ALMOST UNTHINKABLE IN WARSAW - Krzysztof Skórzyński: WHERE THE LEADERS DID NOT SPARE THEMSELVES FROM START TO FINISH.

-- TODAY, FEW REMEMBER THAT TRZASKOWSKI STARTED IN FEBRUARY AND JAKI AT THE END OF APRIL - Skórzyński.

-- THE CAMPAIGN IN KRAKOW CAN BE SUMMED UP LIKE THIS: THE MAIN CANDIDATES DID NOT BOTHER THEMSELVES WITH EACH OTHER OR THE VOTERS - Skórzyński.

-- IT COULD HAVE GIVEN THE IMPRESSION THAT THIS WAS A FIGHT FOR PARLIAMENT, NOT REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES - Skórzyński.

-- THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POINT OF THE CAMPAIGN; THE LOUDER PIS SAID THAT A PRESIDENT WITH A VERDICT HAS NO CHANCE OF BEING PRESIDENT, THE HIGHER HANNA ZDANOWSKA'S POLL NUMBERS ROSE.

-- THE ELECTION RESULTS WILL SHOW THE IMPACT OF THE TAPES, WHETHER THE OPPOSITION WAS HARMED BY THE CANDIDATE CHANGES IN WROCŁAW, OR BY THE FEARMONGERING THAT IF TRZASKOWSKI WON, THERE WOULD BE NO MONEY - Skórzyński.
*****

TVP WIADOMOSCI

-- AT THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN, A SERIES OF GOOD NEWS FOR POLES - on the main screen.

-- WHO HAS A BETTER OFFER FOR POLES? - banner.

-- SOME TALK ABOUT CONCRETE ACTIONS, OTHERS MAKE PROMISES: This is the final stretch of the election race. Politicians of all stripes are trying to win votes from residents of cities, towns, and villages until the last moment. Some talk about concrete actions, boasting about what has already been achieved. Others make promises that are meant to bring them success and secure them a mandate for a five-year term in local government.

-- THE RESIDENTS OF RADOM HAVE WAITED FOR THIS MOMENT FOR YEARS - Marcin Szypszak on the opening of the Radom bypass.

-- TRAFFIC JAMS IN RADOM END TODAY, WE MANAGED - Wojciech Skurkiewicz, candidate for Mayor of Radom.

-- BŁASZCZAK IN RADOM WITH AN ARMS CONTRACT.

-- THE GOVERNMENT IS AMENDING THE LAW ON COAL DEPUTIES - in the report.

-- J. BRUDZIŃSKI ALSO SPOKE ABOUT FULFILLED PROMISES, OPENING LIQUIDATED POLICE STATIONS - Szypszak.

-- THIS IS THE RESULT OF EFFECTIVE FIGHT AGAINST TAX MAFIAS - Szypszak.

-- POLITICIANS OF THE UNITED RIGHT ARE CONVINCED THAT MUCH DEPENDS ON THE COOPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT - Szypszak.

-- SCHETYNA IN CHORZÓW.

-- THEY DID NOT TALK ABOUT A PROGRAM FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BUT THERE WAS FEARMONGERING ABOUT PIS AND THE ALLEGED POLEXIT - Szypszak.

-- IN M. MASZENDA'S REPORT ABOUT TRZASKOWSKI NOT HAVING PERMISSION FOR AN ELECTION MEETING AT OKĘCIE.

-- According to the latest pre-election poll for Wiadomości, Law and Justice (PiS) can count on the greatest support in Sunday's local elections. In many cities, mayoral contests will almost certainly only be decided in the second round.

-- JAKI HAS CAUGHT UP IN THE POLLS - Maszenda.

-- HE WAS AT LEAST ONE STEP AHEAD OF HIS MAIN COMPETITOR IN THE CAMPAIGN - Maszenda.

-- POLITICAL COMMENTATORS AND EXPERTS PRAISED HIS COMMITMENT AND IDEAS - Maszenda.

-- WAŁĘSA IN THIRD PLACE IN THE GDANSK POLLS - Maszenda.

-- WASSERMANN HAS CLOSED IN ON MAJCHROWSKI - Maszenda.

-- HATE SPEECH - banner.

-- Exactly eight years ago, PiS activist Marek Rosiak was murdered in cold blood in his parliamentary office in Łódź. The motive, as his killer admitted, was political hatred. Hatred that some politicians are still fueling today.

-- HATRED THAT SOME POLITICIANS ARE STILL FUELING TODAY -

-- JANUSZ WOJCIECHOWSKI'S TWEET ABOUT MAREK ROSIAK.

-- CYBA, A FORMER MEMBER OF PLATFORMA - in the report.

-- HE KILLED OUT OF HATRED, 7 MONTHS BEFORE ROSIAK'S DEATH TUSK THREATENED PIS POLITICIANS: YOU WILL GO EXTINCT LIKE DINOSAURS - Maciej Sawicki.

-- PLATFORMA HAS NOT CHANGED ITS RHETORIC, DESPITE 8 YEARS HAVING PASSED SINCE ROSIAK'S MURDER - Sawicki.

-- SCHETYNA ON THE LOCUSTS.

-- HITLER'S PROPAGANDA METHODS WERE USED, FURGO LINKED A NAZI POSTER WITH THE FACES OF PIS POLITICIANS - Sawicki.

-- THE ARGUMENT OF FORCE APPEARS WHERE THERE IS NO FORCE OF ARGUMENTS, THE TRUE PICTURE OF PO-PSL WAS REVEALED BY THE TAPES AND YOU CAN HEAR WHAT THE TRUE PICTURE OF THE STATE WAS - Sawicki.

-- INACTION - THIS WAS TUSK'S GOVERNMENT, WHICH EVEN PLATFORMA ACTIVISTS MOCKED - Sawicki.

-- ANOTHER DAY, A MOMENT OF SILENCE FROM SCHETYNA WHEN ASKED WHAT THE PO-PSL GOVERNMENTS DID.

-- A notification of a potential crime committed by Grzegorz Schetyna and two other Civic Platform (PO) activists has been filed with the prosecutor's office. The whistleblower is Norbert Wojnarowski, a former politician of the Lower Silesian Civic Platform. Five years ago, during an internal struggle within PO, he was recorded by a PO activist. According to him, Grzegorz Schetyna, among others, allegedly commissioned the illegal recording of political opponents. The information was reported by the TVP INFO portal.

-- NORBERT WOJNAROWSKI CLAIMED THAT SCHETYNA ORDERED THE ILLEGAL RECORDING OF HIS POLITICAL RIVALS - Jakub Wojtanowski.

-- THE RECORDINGS WERE ALLEGEDLY TO BE USED BY SCHETYNA IN HIS FIGHT FOR LEADERSHIP OF THE LOWER SILESIAN PO - Wojtanowski.

-- WOJNAROWSKI WANTS TUSK AND GRASIEWICZ TO BE QUESTIONED - Wojtanowski.

-- POLAND WAS, IS, AND WILL BE IN THE EU - banner.

-- "We do not see Poland anywhere other than in the European Union" - with these words, the leader of Law and Justice (PiS) put an end to speculations by opposition politicians who, just before the local elections, are scaring Poles with the prospect of our country leaving the Union. According to experts, the narrative of the alleged Polexit fits into the strategy of fearing PiS and is intended to distract voters from the opposition's problems.

-- PIS POLITICIANS ASSURE THAT THE DISPUTE DOES NOT AFFECT OUR RELATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY - Konrad Wąż.

-- THE OPPOSITION IS FRIGHTENING WITH THE NARRATIVE OF AN ALLEGED POLEXIT - Wąż.

-- FEARMONGERING ABOUT PIS IS THE HALLMARK OF PO, WHICH THE CABARET MORALNEGO NIEPOKOJU HAS BEEN MOCKING FOR 7 YEARS - Wąż.

-- [BEFORE THE ELECTIONS, PO WAS SCARED THAT PO WOULD RUIN THE ECONOMY, SIMILARLY THE THREAT OF POLEXIT WILL BE REALIZED, IN REALITY PIS IS PRO-EUROPEAN - Wąż.

-- JOINING THE EU WAS ONE OF THE PRIORITIES OF POROZUMIENIE CENTRUM - Wąż.
-- THE ONLY ANTI-EUROPEAN FORCE WAS GIERTYCH'S PARTY, WHO TODAY IS ON THE SIDE OF PLATFORMA AND IS ALSO A DEFENDER OF TUSK, WHO HAS REPEATEDLY ACTED AGAINST POLISH GOVERNMENT POLICY ON MIGRATION - Wąż.

-- THE OPPOSITION'S LIE ABOUT POLEXIT IS A DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO MOBILIZE THE PLATFORMA ELECTORATE - Wąż.

21:25

Trzaskowski with his wife at campaign summary: We promise Warsaw residents that Warsaw will continue to be great in its character, its resilience, that it will be great in diversity and openness

- First and foremost, it's about values. It's about value, because these elections are so important, as they will decide the future of our, my city. They are a prelude to what comes next. Every election is about something. They are about defending what is most important, about defending values. Starzyński also spoke about this when he said he saw a great Warsaw, because he spoke of its indomitable spirit. He spoke of the things that matter most. He spoke of openness, of courage, of not succumbing to pressure. This is precisely what we wanted to present over these past few days. Me and the whole team that supported me. We promise all Warsaw residents that Warsaw will continue to be great in its character, its resilience, that it will be great in diversity and openness. These are matters that are most important to me and to all of us – said Rafał Trzaskowski, summarizing the local government campaign.


22:20

Patryk Jaki Publishes Video Endorsed by Zofia Pilecka-Optułowicz, Daughter of Captain Witold Pilecki
- My name is Zofia Pilecka-Optułowicz. Daughter of Captain Witold Pilecki. I support Mr. Patryk Jaki for the mayor of Warsaw - she says in a clip published on social media. https://twitter.com/patrykjaki/status/1053371729492537344?s=12

22:26

Saturday GW Cover Headline:

Vote, You Know How

This is what the cover of the weekend edition of "Gazeta Wyborcza" looks like.


22:35

Trzaskowski Broadcasts from a Bus En Route to Nowe Miasto: 'We Need Full Mobilization and Above All, We Must Go to the Polls. Listen, We Will Win This'
Hello from aboard this bus that has served us for 23 hours. As you can see, I'm starting to lisp, but 23 hours on this bus, with just an hour, a little over an hour of work left. We need full mobilization, and above all, we must go to the polling stations on Sunday. Listen, we will win this. We are heading into the final hours of work and I greet you all – said Rafał Trzaskowski during the broadcast.

22:45

PM in Winnica to Volunteer Firefighters: "I Want Your Service to Be Appreciated as Much as Possible"

- You are brave, heroes of our time. You often save people and their possessions from very difficult situations, not hesitating to risk your own lives and health. You also fulfill an educational role. Very often, where would young boys, girls, probably especially boys, be if they didn't join the Volunteer Fire Service? I want your service to be appreciated as much as possible, for us to cooperate with the State Fire Service, but also with our entire state, which has more and more to offer. Specifically in terms of equipment, various accessories as well, but also fire trucks, so that you have the best possible conditions for your operations - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at the Volunteer Fire Station in Winnica.


23:12

Trzaskowski at the Campaign's Close: Let's All Go Vote, Nothing is Decided. Remember that the Decisive Moment Will Only Come on Sunday.

- The time has come to thank everyone. Warsaw residents for these hundreds of hours spent on the streets of our city. For the conversations that formed the basis of our program. Thanks to this fantastic team, part of whom are behind me, who supported me over these past months. Thanks to my family, thanks to my friends. Above all, an appeal to all of you who are listening to me. Let's meet on Sunday at the polling stations. These elections are incredibly important, complete mobilization is needed. This vote will be incredibly important because it will determine the future of our city. So let's all go to the polls, nothing is decided. Remember that the decisive moment will only come on Sunday. Let's meet on Sunday, cast your vote for Civic Coalition, for list number 4 - said Rafał Trzaskowski during a briefing in Nowe Miasto.


23:22

Schetyna:

We Call for Mobilization on Sunday. We Believe in Victory in These Elections

- I wanted to thank all those who were involved in this campaign. The KO candidates, who fought in all districts, voivodeships, and cities, built lists, and led this campaign. I want to thank Barbara Nowacka and Katarzyna Lubnauer because we ran this campaign together. It was very intense, with our participation and presence. I know that it will also be the case in the second round, but what we managed to build, i.e., KO, these mutual relationships based on trust, goodwill, and such a desire for victory, is something that is certainly a great value - stated Grzegorz Schetyna at a briefing. He added:

"We want to thank the thousands of people, Poles, residents of villages and cities, who supported us so much, cheered us on, and got involved in this election campaign. They helped everywhere; we felt such good emotions and support. We thank you very much for that, because it was very necessary for us and gave us great opportunities for even greater engagement. We did as much as we could today. We are asking for mobilization on Sunday, to remember from the first minutes, right after 7:00 AM, that we all need to be at the polls, to vote, that all our work will make sense when it meets such an open, large, emotionally good response from Polish women and men. We deeply believe that this will happen. We believe in victory in these elections. We believe that this is a new beginning, that after 3 years of night comes day, dawn, and that on Sunday we will all be proud and happy that we won these elections.


23:41

PMM:

The Change Achieved Across Poland is Also Possible at the Local Government Level
- The most important elections are approaching, the local government elections, on October 21st, a very significant act of choosing our hosts. Hosts who are meant to serve our small homelands. Just as we showed what can be done by truly changing Poland through our social policy. We have restored elementary justice. The 500+ program, programs for seniors, the starter pack, Good Start. These social programs have restored dignity to many people. But we also took up the gauntlet thrown down by VAT mafias. It was a cancer that was destroying the body of our state. In an invisible way, it deprived millions of families of income. Competent, honest, professional, effective people have confronted this hydra, this terrible evil that prevailed in the Polish state, and we are achieving victories, at least to a significant extent. That's where the money is. As our predecessors used to mock, buried. The money that was supposed to be gone, that was supposed to cause bankruptcy here. We have extracted this money and given it to the people - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Winnica. - Another thing we have changed is restoring elementary historical justice. For our heroes, calling evil evil and good good, a declaration we signed, which restores historical truth, and finally, also an independent, sovereign foreign policy, in our own interest. Which is achieving enormous success at the European Council - he continued. - We have restored the steerability of the state's foreign policy - PMM stated. - We must choose good, effective, honest hosts, because the change that has proven possible across Poland is also possible at the local government level, in regional assemblies, because regional assemblies and marshal's offices are very important partners for the government, for changing our local reality. And that's what it's all about, raising the standard of living of Poles to a European level - the head of the Polish government continued.

23:43

End of the Campaign: It Was a Truly Grueling Election Campaign. Thank You for Enduring to the Very End

- I would like to thank you all very warmly. To all of you, and to those of you who do not agree with us. Thank you for being here, because that is precisely what democracy is about. First and foremost, I want to thank all the people who have brought us to where we are today. It was a truly grueling election campaign. Thank you very much for enduring to the very end - said Patryk Jaki during a meeting at Castle Square.


23:52

Trzaskowski Before Election Silence: Thank You for Your Meetings, Thank You for Everything You've Told Us About Warsaw. Our Program Was Born from These Conversations
We have worked very intensively over the past eight months, or rather, over the year. And in the last 24 hours. Thank you very much for your meetings, thank you for everything you have told us about Warsaw. Our program was created thanks to these conversations. Above all, the most important thing is that mobilization is needed – said Rafał Trzaskowski during a briefing in front of the Sejm. When we started this campaign 24 hours ago, it feels like at least two weeks ago, but before the election silence, see what the most interesting fragments looked like, these 24 hours, and see you on Sunday – Trzaskowski added.