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11/10/2018

00:00

Saturday's Political Agenda: General Nominations, Lech Kaczyński Monument Unveiling, and Donald Tusk's Lecture
We cordially invite you to a lecture by the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, titled: "November 11, 2018. Poland and Europe. Two Anniversaries, Two Lessons." The event is part of the Freedom Games 2018 "Battle for History." The Freedom Games are an annual forum of the Liberté! Foundation, a gathering of people curious about the world and hungry for new ideas. We are creating an alternative, cultural celebration of the 100th anniversary of independence for all individuals who share democratic values - write the organizers in the event published on Facebook. The lecture begins at **10:00 AM**. At **1:00 PM**, at the Presidential Palace, President Andrzej Duda will sign amendments to the Act on the Office of the Minister of National Defence and the Act on the Universal Duty of Defence of the Republic of Poland, reforming the command and control system of the Polish Armed Forces. The signing of the act will coincide with the ceremony of awarding general and admiral nominations to officers of the Polish Army. At **8:00 AM** and **5:00 PM**, Holy Masses will be held for the victims of the Smoleńsk catastrophe. At **6:30 PM**, the March of Remembrance will proceed to Marshal Piłsudski Square, and at **7:15 PM**, the monument to the late President Lech Kaczyński will be unveiled. At **7:30 PM**, speeches by Jarosław Kaczyński and Andrzej Duda are planned, followed at **7:45 PM** by the Independence Commemorative Appeal, and at **8:00 PM** - laying of wreaths at the monument. Also today, at **1:15 PM**, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will participate in the ceremonial unveiling of the monument to Wincenty Witos in Kielce.

08:58

Brudziński Confirms: Government Reaches Agreement with Independence March Organizers

- I confirm. Yesterday evening, discussions took place at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of National Defence, the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Mr. Michał Dworczyk, and myself. Indeed, an agreement has been reached between the government and the organizers of the Independence March - said Joachim Brudziński in an interview with Krzysztof Ziemiec on RMF FM.

- This agreement means there will be one joint march for all Poles. For all Poles, not just residents of Warsaw. We invite everyone to this shared celebration - Brudziński added.


09:10

Brudziński:

Officers on sick leave will return to duty when their health allows and their leave expires

- Officers on sick leave will return to work, to duty, when their health allows and their leave expires. I am convinced of this. Meanwhile, tomorrow there will be enough police officers on the streets of Warsaw to ensure security. We will, in accordance with the law and current regulations, utilize the support of other services - said Joachim Brudziński in an interview with Krzysztof Ziemiec on RMF FM.


09:14

Brudziński:

We Must Acknowledge that Lodz Residents Largely Supported President Zdanowska

- We want to be guided solely by the letter of the law. We also need to acknowledge, and not be afraid to acknowledge, that the residents of Lodz have, in their vast majority, given their support to President Zdanowska. This is a fact from which conclusions must also be drawn, but in a direction that attempts to organize the currently binding regulations - said Joachim Brudziński in an interview with Krzysztof Ziemiec on RMF FM.


11:22

Tusk:

Threats Are Visible to the Naked Eye
Today, we are not condemned to passively observe what is happening with geopolitics around us and Poland. We have all the tools and instruments, the potential, and the historical circumstances that allow us to influence this geopolitical luck, which favored us twice in our history, to last as long as possible in our times. The fullest expression of this geopolitical good fortune is, of course, our presence in the EU and NATO, but let's remember the warnings that were present 100 years ago, 60 years ago, 10 years ago, and will likely always be relevant. We must protect this luck with all our might, because the threats are currently visible to the naked eye - said Donald Tusk in Łódź. He added:
"Firstly, the geopolitical order on a global scale. I don't need to explain to anyone in this hall how real the Thucydides Trap has become again in human history, on a truly global scale, when a geopolitical order built on the dominance of one power begins to change before our eyes. It will be no surprise to anyone when I say that this currently dynamic balance could soon turn into a very dynamic imbalance, and today it concerns these two major actors on the global stage, namely China and the USA."
He continued:
"I want to say that perhaps for the first time in history, as far as I can remember, we have an American administration today that, to put it mildly, is not enthusiastic about a united, strong Europe. I am speaking about facts here, not propaganda declarations. I speak as a person who has the, let's say, satisfaction of quite often exchanging direct remarks with the US President. Perhaps because we share the same name, he is quite open with me. I have no doubt that on these matters which, in my opinion, are the geopolitical foundation of Polish independence, namely a strong EU, even more intense integration between Europe and the USA than today, what is the essence of the world order, i.e., the transatlantic community, that I have somewhat different views on all of this than my most influential namesake in the world."
- To this, we add the situation on our eastern border. Here too, we are dealing with a kind of Thucydides Trap; Russia, looking at the shift of power on a global scale, has reacted aggressively in Ukraine. We have a situation within the EU, most strikingly illustrated by Brexit, but also many other negative phenomena from the perspective of Europe, and therefore also of Polish national and state interest. I am referring here to the rise of nationalism and anti-European rhetoric, and not just rhetoric, but also anti-European emotions in many European capitals. This does not yet concern leaders today, but these forces are growing before our eyes - stated PDT.

11:30

Tusk:

Those who oppose our strong position in a united Europe today are actually opposing Polish independence
Those who today in Poland oppose our strong position in a united Europe are, in fact, opposing Polish independence. Not by virtue of my office, but out of a deep conviction that this could bring the greatest possible political threats to my homeland once again, I also want to say today, on the eve of Independence Day, that it depends on us, here in Poland, whether politicians will lead to the breakup of the EU and Poland's exit from the EU. It depends on us whether in this somnambulistic march, I am deliberately using this phrasing, which began a few years ago in Great Britain... I call it a somnambulistic march because I remember Prime Minister Cameron, who, in his own opinion, did everything to keep Great Britain in the EU, but in fact did everything to make it leave the EU. This somewhat resembles the actions of some politicians in 1914, when World War I was beginning. I am not comparing these two events, of course, but a certain logic of consequences from the actions of politicians who cannot sensibly calculate or foresee the results of their actions. And I want to directly refer to what is happening in our country. I am ready to believe all those who today in Poland say: we do not want to leave the EU. I am more afraid of that British scenario. The more they don't want to leave the EU, the more they are leaving – Donald Tusk said in Łódź.

11:36

Tusk Cites PAD on Imagined Community and Krasnodębski on EU Referendum

- One should not be too credulous. If I hear such words from a Polish Vice-President of the European Parliament: if European politicians continue to act with such political tact, we will soon face the necessity of a referendum in Poland on remaining in the EU. This is a Vice-President of the EP nominated by PiS. The leader of tomorrow's Independence March, in which Polish authorities will also participate, here's a quote: today we say that the EU in its current form is ending, and very well so, because it's a bad project. I won't even mention the words about an imagined community - Donald Tusk said in Łódź.


11:42

Tusk:

History is Happening Before Our Eyes, and Tragedy Could Strike

- I want to tell you that in this matter, there can be no misunderstandings or jokes. These are not anecdotes, lessons, or lectures from distant history. History is happening before our eyes, and tragedy could strike before our eyes. Especially since in a few months, we will be electing a parliament in Europe. It is not out of the question that two political currents will be in a very strong position in this parliament. One, increasingly brown, unequivocally anti-European, clearly emphasizing nationalism, and opposing the EU as such. And the second current, those who want to integrate the EU only as much as possible. And in both scenarios, there may be no place for Poland if, today in Warsaw, politics that also relies on national resentments and negative scenarios for the EU dominates. This is not a matter for future decades. This is a matter of future months. In the next few, a dozen or so months, another chapter will be written. Either an optimistic or a grim chapter of European integration history. And believe me, these words and events will also directly concern our independence - Donald Tusk said in Łódź.


11:49

Tusk:

Lech Wałęsa is the Hero and Father of Our Freedom. Period.

- I want to state emphatically once again, because it will probably be very important, especially today, on the eve of the anniversary of independence. After all, Piłsudski said that a nation that does not respect its past does not deserve a good future. So let's emphasize this once more, as clearly as possible. The hero, the father of our independence is Józef Piłsudski. The hero and father of our freedom is Lech Wałęsa. And that's that. No top-down historical policy will change that - said Donald Tusk in Łódź.


12:02

Tusk:

Piłsudski and Wałęsa Faced Tougher Odds. If They Could Defeat the Bolsheviks, Why Can't You Defeat Today's Bolsheviks?
Action makes sense. The lessons of 1918, 1980, and 1988 have unequivocally shown that when we act, not complain, and believe in our own strength, we can move mountains and make the impossible possible. Truly, everything can be turned around. These can be words of hope and, of course, a warning, but that's why we don't always have a good mood today, which is understandable, as November is a dangerous time for Poles. But perhaps that's why, while honoring the heroes of our independence today and tomorrow, we should think about what will happen in the spring. After all, May is a blissful paradise for Poles. Perhaps this is the time when you, sitting here today, will form an informal committee to organize a grand, historically significant public event on May 3rd next year? And the moment will be very special. From that moment on, if there are indeed many of you, more than are here today in Łódź, then perhaps it will also depend on whether a free and independent Poland, and a united Europe, will not just be a lesson from history, but also for the future. I believe, moreover, that all this commotion we are witnessing today, who is marching, who isn't, probably doesn't make much sense. Here, I remain faithful to another hero of my youth, Jacek Kuroń, and I still remember his words: don't burn committees, create your own. Let's leave this march alone and try, without excluding anyone, by showing what Polish solidarity truly is, try in May, in the spring, to show that spring can be yours, ours, Poland's. There's no point waiting for any knight in shining armor here. Remember how it was with General Anders. There was supposed to be a general on a white horse, and we got a senator in business class. That's how that dream ended. Rely primarily on yourselves – Donald Tusk said in Łódź. Józef Piłsudski, when he defeated the Bolsheviks, thus effectively defending the community of the West, freedom, not just our homeland, from such political barbarity from the East in a political sense, not just geographically, he had a somewhat tougher situation than we do today. When Lech Wałęsa symbolically defeated the Bolsheviks, when he brought out the European, freedom-loving, and also national aspects from us, he had a much tougher situation than we do today. Listen, if they could defeat the Bolsheviks, then why shouldn't you be able to defeat contemporary Bolsheviks? – he continued. – Remember, without your, our, Polish rights and freedoms, there is no independence. Defend these rights, this freedom, and defend Polish independence. That is your task – concluded PDT.

13:36

President Duda Presents General and Admiral Nominations to Nine Polish Army Officers:

This is not a gift. It's the result of many years of service.
This is a great occasion, to receive a general's nomination on the eve of the 100th anniversary of regaining independence. To receive it in the year of the 100th anniversary of regaining independence. What a great symbol. I congratulate you wholeheartedly, because such events and such promotions are written in gold in the history of the state, the army, and indeed, in family histories. Unforgettable, this is a great state event and a great personal event. That is why I thank you gentlemen for your service thus far, which has earned you this nomination today. This is not a gift. It is the outcome, the result of many years of service. All of you are extremely experienced officers, comprehensively experienced. On the one hand, educated, on the other, experienced through your military and command history to date, as well as cooperation with allied forces on various types of missions, whether within UN missions or as part of missions in Iraq or Afghanistan. All of you have years of service behind you, but above all, you are proven soldiers of the Republic of Poland - stated President Andrzej Duda on the occasion of the ceremony at the Presidential Palace.  - We are truly at the beginning of the process of modernizing, developing, and repairing the Polish Armed Forces. A moment ago, at the start of our ceremony, I signed two laws, but in reality, they introduce one fundamental solution. A gateway to a new system of direction and command of the Polish Armed Forces - he continued. Today, President Duda promoted nine officers of the Polish Army to their first and subsequent general and admiral ranks, and also signed a law reforming the army's command and control system. https://twitter.com/MON_GOV_PL/status/1061235160820129792

14:19

Bielan on Tusk's Lecture: He Should Focus on His Work, Not Stir Up Trouble. He's a Frustrated Politician

- I don't understand why Donald Tusk is once again trying to divide Poles. He is provoking again, and doing so on the eve of Poland regaining its independence. Donald Tusk was indeed a master of this, but perhaps he should focus on his work in Brussels, rather than stirring up trouble, inciting, and dividing Poles, especially at such an important moment for all of us - stated Adam Bielan in a conversation with journalists, commenting on Donald Tusk's lecture.

- I think he is a frustrated politician who wants to get back into the game. It's unfortunate that Tusk is trying to present these divisive theses of his precisely on the eve of the centenary - added the Deputy Speaker of the Senate. As he emphasized, we have once again seen Tusk's wolfish eyes.


16:57

Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz: Now the Full Responsibility for Securing the March Rests with the Government

The Mayor of Warsaw comments on the court's decision to dismiss the appeal of the Warsaw City Hall regarding the Independence March.

Warsaw's Mayor, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, has stated that the full responsibility for securing the upcoming Independence March now lies with the ruling government, following a court's decision.



The Warsaw City Hall had appealed a previous court ruling concerning the organization and security of the Independence March. However, the appeal was dismissed, placing the burden of ensuring public safety and order during the event squarely on the shoulders of the government.



Gronkiewicz-Waltz's statement, shared via Twitter, indicates a shift in responsibility and potentially a critique of the government's approach to managing such large-scale public gatherings. The Independence March has historically been a focal point for both nationalistic sentiment and, at times, controversial gatherings, making its security a matter of significant public interest.





18:39

Tomorrow Morning, the Polish Prime Minister on Polsat with Dorota Gawryluk

On Sunday at 8:00 AM, Polsat will air a special interview by Dorota Gawryluk with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, conducted on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of regaining independence. The conversation will include, among other things, the Prime Minister's appeal for celebrating above political divisions and his personal memories of celebrating November 11th.


20:09

President Duda in his address: May the centenary of Poland's regaining independence be a celebration for all of us Poles
May the centenary of Poland's regaining independence be a celebration for all of us Poles. These are the hundredth birthday of our freedom – stated President Andrzej Duda in his televised address. - Let us all celebrate together tomorrow, because a hundred years ago something great happened: a free Poland, our common homeland, was reborn! Let us sing loudly and joyfully: "Poland has not yet perished as long as we are alive”. This is our anthem – the anthem of Independent Poland! – continued Agata Kornhauser-Duda. - Let the white and red flag fly on every Polish home. Let the national colors be with us everywhere. Let them fill us with pride for victory – both then, in 1918, and in the war of 1920 against the Bolsheviks, as well as for the victory of "Solidarity" over communism, thanks to which we have our own sovereign, democratic state today. And also for all our daily victories – professional, social, and personal successes. Because they too build an independent Republic – the Poland of the next century – said PAD. - See you at tomorrow's celebrations! – concluded the Presidential Couple. https://youtube.com/watch?v=0E4sta1dpfU

20:18

PJK:

Lech Kaczyński Deserves Monuments and a Museum for His Service to the Homeland

- Without Lech Kaczyński, there would have been no Good Change. There would have been no attempt to make the Polish state just, more effective, well-developing, and sovereign. That is why he should have a monument, he should have monuments, there should be a museum, because he served the homeland well, very well – said Jarosław Kaczyński during the ceremony of unveiling the monument to Lech Kaczyński.


20:24

Duda:

Lech Kaczyński dedicated his entire adult life to a mission for his homeland and ultimately died for it

- We are in a free, independent Poland. A Poland that is sovereign, that is growing stronger. A Poland that is increasingly prosperous, where people are living better lives. Someone might ask why. Well, the answer is very simple. In large part, thanks to this man. Thanks to the President of the Republic, Mr. President Lech Kaczyński, who dedicated his entire adult life to a mission for his homeland and ultimately died for it - said Andrzej Duda during the ceremony to unveil the monument to Lech Kaczyński.


20:29

President Duda: Poland Hasn't Had Such a Great Leader Since Marshal Józef Piłsudski. Only Lech Kaczyński Was That Great. That's Why This Monument Exists.
- I think it's no accident, and I say this with full responsibility, that this monument is precisely here, in this extremely important place. He was a politician at the head of the state who had a vision for its development and a vision of how this Poland should look – said Andrzej Duda during the ceremony to unveil the monument to Lech Kaczyński. - Since the time of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, Poland has not had such a great leader of the Polish state. Only Lech Kaczyński was that great. That is precisely why this monument exists – added the president.