The Sejm will commence its three-day session at 10:00 AM. Initially, new MPs will take their oaths, filling the mandates of parliamentarians who secured new offices in the local government elections. Following this, at 10:05 AM, the first reading of the government's draft bill concerning the "correlation of tax rates with the state of public finances" will take place. In practice, this means that next year there will be no reduction in VAT from 23% to 22%, as stipulated by current law. At noon, the Sejm will address the amendment to the Bank Guarantee Fund Act. 

At 9:00 AM, the Sejm's investigative committee on VAT fraud will question former Deputy Minister of Finance, Elżbieta Chojna-Duch. A closed session of the committee on Amber Gold will be held at 10:30 AM. At 3:00 PM, the Sejm's constitutional accountability committee will question Marian Cichosz, a former employee of the Supreme Audit Office, summoned as a witness in the preliminary motion to bring the President of the Supreme Audit Office, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, to constitutional accountability before the State Tribunal – a continuation of proceedings.

At 11:00 AM, the three-day session of the Senate will begin. During this session, among other matters, amendments to certain laws aimed at strengthening oversight of the financial market and protecting investors will be considered. This is commonly known as the "bank takeover" act for banks experiencing financial difficulties. The agenda also includes information on the state of compliance with freedom and human and civil rights in 2017, and the activities of the Commissioner for Human Rights.

Government members have scheduled their press conferences: at 9:30 AM, Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin; at 10:00 AM, Minister Jerzy Kwieciński. At the same time, Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz will participate in a debate on entrepreneurship. At 1:00 PM, Minister Henryk Kowalczyk has announced his meeting with journalists.

At noon, President Andrzej Duda will present the Crosses of Merit for Bravery and the Medals for Self-Sacrifice and Courage. At 5:00 PM, the Presidential Couple will join the "Noble Package" initiative. Additionally, today will see the first sessions of the regional assemblies in the Silesian, Lublin, and Opole voivodeships.

„No, at the moment there is no such need [to establish a parliamentary inquiry committee on the KNF]. Inquiry committees are formed when normal state bodies fail. For now, it is too early to make such an accusation. On the contrary, I believe that the very decisive actions that led to Marek Chrzanowski's resignation from a position from which he could not have been removed without changing the law, from the role of KNF head, these actions are proof that there will be no sacred cows and that we will want to get to the bottom of this matter, regardless of how painful it may be for us” – said Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin on the air of Polskie Radio 1.

"If someone attacks Mariusz Kamiński at this moment, it is because they fear his honesty, his uncompromising nature. This is the affair of a specific individual who has failed the trust not only of us who designated him to this position, but has failed the trust of all Poles. The more we learn about the whole matter, the more polarization is evident. On one side, a man who has failed, who has violated at least ethical, and perhaps also legal standards. On the other side, efficiently functioning institutions," said Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin on Radio Jedynka.

„No reconstruction [of the government] is planned. In conversations with any United Right politician, I haven't heard any ideas for early elections. We made a contract with Poles for 4 years. We want to fulfill this contract, and then Poles will assess whether we deserve to be entrusted with the mission of leading Poland's affairs again” – said Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Jedynka radio.

„We have presented certain proposals [regarding the Supreme Court] to the European Commission. I can say that these are the premises for an amendment, but whether such an amendment will occur will be decided by our dialogue with the EC and the argumentative dispute before the CJEU. We are ready for certain changes. In my opinion, these are far-reaching changes, addressing the EC's and the CJEU's concerns. On the other hand, we do not accept such an interpretation of EU law, which is being attempted to be imposed on Poland and all EU countries, that CJEU rulings are directly binding” - said Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin on Radio Jedynka.

- I think that life will force PiS to appoint [an investigative committee on the KNF scandal]. It's very simple. It's evident that this scandal, which they thought for a while would quickly fade away and was just a minor issue concerning one Mr. Chrzanowski, is currently escalating. So many new elements are emerging within this scandal that, realistically speaking, it is increasingly capturing public attention. There are the latest polls, which already indicate that 58% want this investigative committee. At a certain point, there will be a feeling that either they want to clarify this and appoint an investigative committee, or they have something to hide - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- The entire problem lies in the fact that PiS, thanks to the rule of Jarosław Kaczyński and his vision of the state, which, by the way, has gone bankrupt – that is, a party-controlled state – has led to a situation where all state institutions have been taken over by the party and somehow demolished. This also concerns the prosecution service and the services – stated Katarzyna Lubnauer in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- Indeed, the institutions are failing to cope [with the KNF affair] because the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA) entered the KNF half a day later. Thus, Mr. Chrzanowski cleaned out his entire desk. We don't know how many notes were there - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- The CBA entered the office half a day later, and Mr. Chrzanowski's home five days later. And now we are learning, this is precisely the party-state that allows the takeover of all institutions, that the son of Mr. Kamiński, responsible for the services, works at the World Bank with a nomination given to him by Mr. Glapiński - continued the leader of Nowoczesna.

- It is difficult for me to comment on Prime Minister Gliński's words, but a different wording could certainly have been used. There is no doubt about that - said Błażej Spychalski in an interview with Piotr Kraśko on "Poranek TOK FM".

- Don't you think that such a system, one could say, shows the bankruptcy of Jarosław Kaczyński's party-driven approach to the state? In this regard, it is Kaczyński's affair because he allowed all these institutions to be connected in such a way, connected to the party that is PiS - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- If we see, we learn, the question is whether Jarosław Kaczyński will decide whether there will be a government reconstruction, if we hear that Kaczyński did not know that Kamiński, as we see, we are all focusing on Jarosław Kaczyński's position - she continued.

"I know undoubtedly that in the sense that it was Jarosław Kaczyński who decided, wanting to change the elites, as he called it, to more moral ones, he decided that people, politicians from PiS or associated with PiS, would take leadership in all state institutions, starting with the Constitutional Tribunal, he wanted to do this with the Supreme Court as well, he succeeded in doing it with KNF, NBP"

The leader of Nowoczesna, when asked, if she would apologize to Jarosław Kaczyński for her words regarding the KNF affair: - I have the impression that this is a form of intimidation [Beata Mazurek's statement]. No. I will not apologize. Because I believe that what I said is exactly the truth. 

Michał Dworczyk, a prominent politician from the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has commented on the political landscape in the Silesian Voivodeship. He suggests that after a long period of 17 years, the right-wing political forces now have a genuine opportunity to assume leadership and govern the region. This statement likely refers to upcoming regional elections or a significant shift in political power dynamics within the voivodeship, where the right-wing, represented by PiS, aims to secure a mandate for governance. The tweet, linked above, is expected to contain further details or context regarding Dworczyk's specific remarks and the political situation he is referencing. The phrasing implies a long-standing desire or ambition for the right to govern Silesia, which is now perceived as within reach.

The draft is not yet available, but – according to the description on the Sejm's website – it concerns amendments to regulations regarding the retirement of Supreme Court judges and Supreme Administrative Court judges upon reaching a specific age of 65; and enabling them to continue holding their judicial office if the interested individual obtains the appropriate consent from the indicated executive authority (the President of the Republic of Poland).

- As far as I know, Platforma plans to submit [the motion for a constructive vote of no confidence] this week. A vote of no confidence motion requires a specific number of signatures, and among the opposition clubs, only Platforma has enough signatures. I will definitely sign [this motion] in terms of the idea. If there is an opportunity, I will also sign it - stated Katarzyna Lubnauer in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

Responding to the statement that there are grievances within the Civic Coalition, but not to such an extent, she replied: - Not to such an extent. In general, I believe that the Civic Coalition performed very well in the local elections. KO performed very well in the local elections. It achieved a significantly higher result than anyone expected. Therefore, there are no grievances.

- I know Kacper Kamiński, we are of similar age. He is well-educated, knows foreign languages. Kacper Kamiński has worked for many years, he is a lawyer, he specialized in economic law. In my opinion, he has the competence to be where he is - said Błażej Spychalski in a conversation with Piotr Kraśko on "Poranek TOK FM".

As informed by the Director of CIS on Twitter, the chairman of the PiS parliamentary club has approached the Marshal of the Sejm to assign a print number and add to the agenda of the 72nd session of the chamber (November 21-23) a point concerning the consideration of this draft.

https://twitter.com/MichalOlech/status/1065146490644045824

- The matter of finally closing the reform of the Supreme Court is naturally taking place in the context of the discussion we are having with the Court of Justice of the European Union - said Krzysztof Szczerski in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM's "Morning Interview".

- Professor Gliński has explained the intentions behind his words, and I understand that the party which expressed its sensitivity here should accept these explanations. Secondly, this is a lesson for everyone that indeed, using certain comparisons can create greater problems than the speaker's intention - said Krzysztof Szczerski in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM's "Morning Conversation".

According to the justification of the draft amendment to the Act on the Supreme Court, the primary goal is to enable judges of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court who have retired based on the 2017 Act on the Supreme Court to return to performing judicial functions, as well as the functions of the First President of the Supreme Court and the presidents of chambers of the Supreme Court.

The PiS proposal also deprives the executive branch of the power to decide whether a given judge can continue to actively perform their duties after reaching a certain age and removes "the state of uncertainty regarding the moment a judge transitions to retirement due to reaching a certain age".

The draft also gives "restored" Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court judges the possibility to declare their wish to remain retired. Such a judge will be entitled to their full salary ("in the amount of the remuneration received in their last held position").

https://twitter.com/MichalOlech/status/1065152405954879488

- Let's start addressing this issue through lower-level means, so to speak. A parliamentary inquiry is the last resort. Of course, if all these matters don't get cleared up, then a parliamentary inquiry – said Paweł Kukiz in an interview for "Sygnały Dnia" on Jedynka radio.

“[The name of the new head of the KNF will be revealed] when there is conviction that the candidate who is to take this position is the right candidate and will properly ensure the functioning of this institution. There is no rush here. The KNF is operating, an acting head of the KNF has been appointed, the banking system is secure, well-supervised, Poles' money is safe, therefore haste is not advisable here. It must indeed be a person chosen who, firstly, will guarantee that they have grown into this position and can perform it well, and secondly, that this supervision will actually operate efficiently,” said Minister Jacek Sasin in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet. 

The first reading of the parliamentary bill amending the Supreme Court Act will take place at 12:00 PM – this decision was made by the Presidium of the Sejm. Marek Kuchciński shared this information on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/marekkuchcinski/status/1065164446274867200?s=12

- It is indisputable that in Poland, we have an unfavorable situation in the media sector from the perspective of capital concentration. French or German law does not allow for this. We would like to introduce such standards. The problem is that European law does not make this very easy for us. It's like a ladder pulled up. Media is a very special type of market because it influences politics and human choices, so it should be subject to very strict control when it comes to concentration. This is not the case in Poland, and we want to introduce it. We will introduce it when there are appropriate political opportunities, and when we agree with our European partners on the possibility of proceeding with such matters. I hope the EU would want media order in Poland similar to what exists in other countries. We will not pick a fight in the media sector now; we need to calculate politically - stated Piotr Gliński in an interview with Marek Kacprzak on WP's "Tłit" program, when asked about media deconcentration.

- It was an analysis of our public life from the perspective of the language used. Any other conclusions drawn from my statement are improper. However, I should not have given room for interpretation in any way. Because someone played on it, it wasn't that the embassy immediately issued a statement. Several political players wanted to amplify it, lie, manipulate - stated Piotr Gliński in an interview with Marek Kacprzak on the WP program "Tłit," when asked about his interview for "Wprost." He added:

"Today I wouldn't repeat those words, as I don't want to get into unnecessary interpretation conflicts. I should not have given an opportunity for someone to interpret my statement in a completely unjustified way, in bad faith or for other reasons. I have been accused of antisemitism in connection with this - that's a madhouse."

- Madam Ambassador, I didn't say a word about the Holocaust. Goebbels' propaganda is from the 1930s, when the Holocaust was still being prepared. I'm talking about certain techniques that were developed then. I have a remark regarding the Israeli embassy's statement – it should not be based, in friendly Polish-Israeli relations, on quoting a false version of a statement - he continued.

"It is a problem in Polish public life that such propaganda language is used. Terms like sanitary cordon, locusts. These are references that we should fight against. I would appeal for this statement to be understood as an appeal not to use methods that belong to the realm of pure evil. These are actions that destroy Polish democracy, the Polish community."

- I eagerly await the discussion. Knowing our opposition, it will again be on an emotional level, with insults, etc. It is the opposition's right to submit no-confidence motions. I haven't noticed any interesting programmatic proposals from the opposition over the last 3 years - stated Piotr Gliński in an interview with Marek Kacprzak on the WP program "Tłit".

- I know nothing about government changes. I know nothing about the early election scenario. I don't think it's a scenario seriously considered on our side. I am a proponent of the idea that democratic life should be reasonably predictable - he continued.

- The KNF is not connected to the government at all; these are independent institutions. The Prime Minister has no direct influence over the KNF. The irresponsible behavior of the former head of the KNF is certainly not beneficial for us (PiS). It was a breach of standards - added the Deputy Prime Minister. When asked if the KNF affair would undermine confidence in the "good change" [referring to the ruling party's political program], he replied: - It's possible, and that worries me.

My party is Silesia. My obligations are to my voters, who voted for me, and they primarily expect effectiveness. Hence my decision to support a good program, good solutions for Silesia - said Wojciech Kałuża during a press conference.

At 12:00 PM, the first reading of the bill amending the Act on the Supreme Court will take place, and at 9:30 PM, the second reading will commence – according to the Sejm session schedule seen by 300POLITYKA. A vote on the adoption of the bill could occur as early as tomorrow morning; a 15-minute slot is scheduled for 9:00 AM.

The changes to the law on the Supreme Court might seem like a capitulation – especially for the PiS electorate – or a repeat of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) Act, but in reality, these are just appearances. Although Małgorzata Gersdorf will remain the First President of the Supreme Court, and the purge will be reversed (especially compared to the original draft), the ruling camp is still achieving at least some of its intended goals regarding judicial changes. However, several questions still arise in the dispute over Polish judiciary – primarily whether the Polish proposals will satisfy the EU.

The amendment to the act on common courts (described by Małgorzata Gersdorf as the worst law), the Disciplinary Chamber in the Supreme Court and the extraordinary appeal, the new National Judicial Council (KRS) appointed by the Sejm, or the Constitutional Tribunal earlier – all these changes, at least for the moment, will be maintained, and it is difficult to expect PiS to be capable of further concessions. The so-called judicial reform, in at least some part, will be implemented according to PiS's wishes. Małgorzata Gersdorf will complete her term, but it ends in eighteen months.

Taking a step back, although it may indeed appear as a prestigious defeat – after all, ruling party politicians have been talking about the former First President of the Supreme Court for months – is a sign of political pragmatism. "I wouldn't die for President Gersdorf's removal," Jarosław Gowin recently stated. This statement accurately reflects the ruling camp's tactic – the position of the First President of the Supreme Court is not so crucial as to risk worsening relations with the EU, which could impact the upcoming European Parliament campaign. Besides, even if PiS had further plans for judicial changes, their implementation before the European Parliament elections would not be possible anyway.

In the immediate future, over the coming hours and days, the European Commission's reaction will be crucial – whether the proposed changes will be acceptable and whether this front will be closed. The "reinstated" Supreme Court judges will not have to go through any procedure and may even submit a declaration of their wish to retire while retaining their full salary. One could even risk stating that on the eve of the electoral marathon and the European Parliament campaign, extinguishing this particular dispute with the EC is in the interest of the ruling party, as it limits accusations of intending to lead Poland out of the EU. Moreover, after a potentially unfavorable verdict for the EC from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), everything would likely be reversed anyway.

Another matter concerns the remaining judicial changes proposed by PiS. It's a somewhat forgotten issue that the preliminary questions sent by the Supreme Court concern not only this court but also the KRS. "The Supreme Court is considering whether the method of appointing judges to the KRS is consistent with the Polish constitution and European standards. The problem lies, among other things, in the fact that the Constitutional Tribunal, having ruled on this matter twice, once ruled that judges-members of the KRS should be elected by judges, and the second time the Constitutional Tribunal ruled that the procedure currently provided for in the act – meaning that judges of the KRS are nominated by parliament – is consistent with the constitution," Michał Laskowski said at a briefing in September.

"When the CJEU rules that it is not consistent with the standard, then the question arises about the status of judges appointed by the new KRS, formed in this particular way. The question is whether these are judges properly appointed to their positions," emphasized the Supreme Court spokesperson. He added, "if the CJEU rules that the KRS is appointed improperly, then broader consequences will need to be considered."

If the European Commission is not satisfied with the real concessions made by the government regarding the Supreme Court and decides that Poland should continue to be scrutinized, the situation could become very difficult for PiS. Especially since Frans Timmermans seems to question the KRS in its current form, as well as the Disciplinary Chamber. Unless, of course, he deems the mentioned concessions sufficient.

Photo: Sejm

- The systemic changes moving from the Sejm to the Senate today signify the rulers' determination to continue Mr. Zdzisław's plan, which is the plan to subordinate or take over private institutions by state institutions, in this case, banks. This means nothing other than an attack on private property in Poland. Today banks, tomorrow companies, the day after tomorrow the savings of every citizen - said Bogdan Klich during a press conference in the Sejm.

The Member of Parliament Krystyna Pomaska has shared information about a conversation with the US Ambassador to Poland, Georgette Mosbacher. According to Pomaska, Ambassador Mosbacher inquired whether a new law concerning media was being prepared.

The revelation came via a tweet from Pomaska's official Twitter account:

https://twitter.com/pomaska/status/1065197113234067456?s=21

The context of this inquiry, particularly in relation to potential changes in media ownership or regulation in Poland, remains a subject of public interest and political discussion.

Jakub Chełstowski has been appointed the new Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship. The decision was announced following the latest political developments in the region.

As 300POLITYKA has learned, PiS plans to vote on the draft amendment to the Supreme Court Act at 1:30 PM. Łukasz Schreiber, on behalf of the PiS parliamentary group, has submitted a motion to proceed to the second reading immediately after the conclusion of the first, without referring the bill to committee.

Such a procedure – without sending the bill to committee – can be carried out based on the Sejm's regulations. The amendment to the Institute of National Remembrance Act was processed in a similar manner. Originally, the second reading was scheduled for this evening. If there is political will, the bill could be passed today, even within tens of minutes.

- The candidate, once again put forward by PiS, does not meet the legal requirements this time. A candidate for the Children's Ombudsman, in addition to higher education, an impeccable reputation, and no criminal record, should possess 5 years of work experience with children or for their benefit. Mikołaj Pawlak's CV lacks this 5-year period, as acting as a lawyer specializing in divorces cannot be considered as such. Here, the rights and well-being of the child are certainly not the main reason for professional activity. It is also difficult to find 5 years, even if one insists that holding the position of director of the department for families and minors constitutes action for the child's benefit, because this activity lasted from 2016, meaning only two years - stated Magdalena Kochan at a briefing in the Sejm.

- How can a lawyer not read the basic requirements for fulfilling this role? How do the Marshal and the party putting forward this candidacy, i.e., PiS MPs, approach legal requirements, the law? - the MP asked. Civic Platform has proposed postponing the decision regarding the Children's Ombudsman and jointly agreeing on a new candidate.

Today at 4:00 PM, two Sejm committees are scheduled to provide an opinion on the motion concerning the appointment of the Children's Ombudsman.

- This law means Poland is still in dispute with the EU. I will remind you: the CJEU stated unequivocally. The law you passed on the Supreme Court is not in effect. Therefore, no amendment is necessary. This is what 'safeguard' means. Secondly, it's hard not to get the impression that this charade is intended to cover up the scandal surrounding the KNF - stated Ryszard Petru in the Sejm, during the first reading of the draft amendment to the law on the Supreme Court. He added that PiS's proposal is a capitulation to the EU.

- It turns out that the opposition's scaremongering about Polexit was manipulation of public opinion. From the very beginning, representatives of my political grouping denied this, stating that the government had no such intentions. We are a member of the European Union and want to remain one, but we want to be treated as a subject - stated Stanisław Piotrowicz in an interview with w Polityce.pl.

- We know perfectly well that effectiveness matters in politics, and sometimes you need to take one step back to take two steps forward - added the PiS MP.

Beata Mazurek stated that Jarosław Kaczyński spoke with Mariusz Kamiński yesterday. She emphasized that the Law and Justice (PiS) leader has complete confidence in Kamiński and is convinced that Kamiński did not exert influence over his son's hiring.

This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions and scrutiny surrounding the employment of Mariusz Kamiński's son.

„The bill, concerning the precautionary measures [of the TSUE], was unnecessary, but it seems to aim to change something for the future. I will wait for the adopted law. I don't know what plans the authorities have for the future. The authorities have various ideas, and things could go in different directions,” said President Małgorzata Gersdorf.

- This is a constitutional act [amendment to the SN act]. You are changing the provisions of the SN act for the seventh time. It would be appropriate to approach this seriously. Legislative errors were the reason your Constitutional Tribunal overturned your act. You need to approach this seriously - said Sławomir Nitras in the Sejm. - Why are you afraid of debate in committee? This is probably the first case where such an important act is adopted without work in the justice committee. Unless this is a vote of no confidence in Piotrowicz - added the PO MP, proposing to first dismiss Piotrowicz and then proceed with the project in committee.

- The law that is the subject of amendment is consistent with the Polish Constitution, European standards, and falls within all the assumptions aimed at reforming the Polish judiciary. But at the same time, our government, our environment of good change, has consistently emphasized that we are in the EU and respect its principles. Contrary to what Mr. Petru and his colleagues have been saying here, contrary to what you would like to hear, we are saying today that we are consistent. That while disagreeing with the jurisprudence of the Luxembourg Court, while not sharing the decision that was issued, we consistently adhere to our previously made commitments to uphold the rules. That is why we are submitting this amendment, fully supporting the validity of the changes we have adopted. We also support and consistently implement all other extensive changes in the justice system that we are introducing, and against your will, we will continue to implement them, because Poles deserve fair and swift principles - stated Zbigniew Ziobro in the Sejm.

Lawmakers have decided that work on the amendment to the Supreme Court Act will continue immediately, without sending the provisions for discussion in committee.

The second reading of the amendment is currently underway in the Sejm. The parliamentary work on it will conclude today.

- We know courts of your making. We know those courts that took calls, like Judge Milewski. We know those heated judges who were ready to deliver verdicts against honest people, like CBA officers who exposed your scandals, those who, sweating here in this parliamentary hall, claimed they were at a cemetery and a gas station. The truth hurts you - stated Zbigniew Ziobro in the Sejm, responding to shouts of "KNF".

The truth and our consistent actions regarding the KNF will also hurt you. We will burn out pathologies with pain, like a hot iron. This is the current state of the prosecution service of the good change, as well as the special services. It will not be like in your times, when a notification from the KNF itself concerning Amber Gold waited 900 days, 2.5 years before an investigation was launched. Subsequent major economic scandals occurred, and Poles lost hundreds of millions of zlotys, while the prosecution service, which you reformed so much, did not initiate proceedings. Months, years passed, and here it took 3 days. 3 days, 1000 days. Do you see the difference? It's worth seeing - stated Zbigniew Ziobro in the Sejm.

„There used to be such a thing as the principle of decent legislation. Now, not only is there no decent legislation, but you also lack decency. You didn’t invite the First President of the Supreme Court, you didn’t invite parliamentary legislators, so that anyone could substantively comment on it. Today, the legislative path should look like this: directly from Nowogrodzka to the Journal of Laws. Neither the Sejm, nor the Senate, nor the president – nobody is needed. You want to send it straight for publication from Nowogrodzka. That’s the legislative system we have. And you talk about the dignity of the Sejm? This is degrading the Sejm. Don’t you see this? What are you doing to the Polish Chamber of Deputies?” – said Robert Kropiwnicki from Civic Platform (PO) during a parliamentary discussion.

“*Nobody is afraid of you [Minister Ziobro]. You said you know judges by phone. We also know your names, and I promise you that if you lose the elections in 2019, you will all be sitting where you should be sitting. You are not even the Law and Justice party anymore. You are a party called Pride and Sinecures*” - said Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus from Teraz! during a parliamentary debate.



“*There is, of course, no MP Kaczyński, who is a coward and is afraid to appear here every time and listen to what we have to say*” - she added.

"The amendment, submitted by the Law and Justice (PiS) club, serves to end all legal disputes concerning the employment of judges of the Supreme Court (SN) and the Supreme Administrative Court (NSA) who were placed on retirement by the presidential law, by operation of law. In this situation, the amendment confirms the fact that they are legally returning to work in the Supreme Court. I would like to ask Prime Minister Morawiecki, who has repeatedly stated that the previous law was intended to exclude judges who issued shameful verdicts during martial law from the Supreme Court. Are you ready, do you have the honor and courage, to apologize after all these calumnies?" - Jacek Protasiewicz of the Polish People's Party – United Conservatives (PSL-UED) asked during a parliamentary debate.

After 4:00 PM, MPs voted to pass the draft amendment to the Act on the Supreme Court, submitted by PiS. The amendment aims to reverse the so-called pension purge in the Supreme Court, including the reinstatement of the First President of the Supreme Court, Małgorzata Gersdorf. Furthermore, the Sejm rejected all opposition amendments, while adopting one PiS amendment. The amendment will now be considered by the Senate – almost certainly this week, as the session is already underway.

- Today, in fact, it was a display of cowardice from Law and Justice. They are running away from responsibility. They know that an absolute defeat awaits them in the ongoing proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union – said Arkadiusz Myrcha during a press conference in the Sejm.

- Today, at this express pace, Law and Justice has once again shown arrogance to Poles who are closely observing what is happening – added Myrcha.

- I am convinced that this amendment [on the Supreme Court] ends the dispute with the EC. It seems that this should even be the basis for the EC to withdraw the motion pending before the CJEU – stated Marek Ast in an interview with Marcin Zaborski on RMF FM. Asked if this was the last amendment to the Act on the Supreme Court, the PiS MP replied: - I think that in the scope of this dispute – yes.

https://twitter.com/BZdrojewski/status/1065270512941756417

- PiS faces one important task: How to explain to its voters, primarily the hardline electorate, why it is abandoning these key reform elements - said Krzysztof Łapiński on TVN24. - At such crucial moments, for the electorate of Law and Justice, or a significant part of it, what the president will say will be important. He will come out and explain in an interview or a speech why this happened. I believe there is such an expectation from the people, the PiS electorate, to be told why we are doing this, and there will be acceptance – added Łapiński.

- A year ago I voted, but I wasn't happy [regarding the Supreme Court]. Today I voted and I was happy, because I believe this dispute was unnecessary for us. It's good that we've closed it - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News.

- I hope so [that this is the final resolution of the dispute with the EC], because any other doubts raised by foreign, EU institutions, the CJEU, in my opinion, are now completely unfounded - added the Deputy Prime Minister.

- In politics, it's not individual battles that matter, it's wars. If we want to reform the judiciary in the long term, we must win the upcoming parliamentary elections. If the United Right were - God forbid - removed from power, you are perfectly aware that not a stone would be left upon a stone of our reforms - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News.

- Who spoke of a step back? I would rather call it a step aside. We avoided a head-on collision - added the Deputy Prime Minister.

- I voted, I wasn't happy, I predicted what would happen a year ago [regarding the Supreme Court]. I warned. However, politics is a team game. I take full joint responsibility for decisions - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News.

- When asked about the idea of reforming the courts in this way, the Deputy Prime Minister replied: - This was a collective decision of the United Right leadership.

- I wouldn't call [the KNF matter] a crisis. [Jadwiga Emilewicz] meant a violation of certain ethical standards by a specific individual, for whom we bear joint responsibility. He was designated for that position by us - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News.

- There is no reason for snap elections. We made a four-year commitment to Poles. As for a government reconstruction, Prime Minister Morawiecki would have to be invited here, but to my knowledge, no changes in the government will occur this year, and I suspect not even before the parliamentary elections - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News.

300POLITYKA has seen part of the programmatic assumptions being developed by Robert Biedroń's associates. The introduction of gender quotas, a public pool of candidates for all managerial and supervisory positions, hearings in parliamentary committees for 30 key companies, and the appointment of heads of the KNF, Civil Service, and the presidents of URE and UOKiK by the Sejm for 6-year terms – these are the main proposals being developed by Biedroń's associates concerning state-owned companies and administration. The proposed solutions demonstrate a revolutionary approach to state governance, as some proposals involve previously unintroduced, though partially considered by Jan Krzysztof Bielecki's Economic Council, self-limitations of politicians' influence on administration and state-owned companies. "In all supervisory boards, each gender must be represented by at least 40%, and in management boards by at least 30%" – we read in the programmatic document created by Biedroń's associates. The authors of the "Depoliticize the State" package plan to create a public personnel pool: "We will establish new rules for employment in supervisory boards and company management boards. We will create a public pool of candidates for all managerial and supervisory positions. Entry into the pool will occur after passing an exam. Individuals who have: completed a preparatory course, have a minimum of 5 years of management experience (new law on competitions for positions and personnel pool) will be eligible to take the exam." Biedroń's associates write about the Competency Council: "We will establish a Competency Council composed of representatives from all professional self-governments, trade unions operating in State Treasury companies, employer unions, experienced managers, and the Polish Academy of Sciences. Its task will be to prepare exams for the personnel pool and ongoing administration of the pool. Furthermore, the Council will oversee the work standards in State Treasury companies." In Biedroń's program elaboration, we also read about special conditions for filling positions in 30 key companies: "For 30 companies crucial to the economy, an additional element of the competition procedure will be hearings in the relevant parliamentary committees, with public participation and online broadcasts. After the hearing, the committee will issue an opinion, which will form part of the candidate's assessment." We also read about the special status and selection of heads of regulatory offices: "Supervision over the civil service must be strengthened. The Head of the Civil Service will be appointed by the Sejm for a 6-year term (like, for example, the President of NIK) and will receive additional competences – overseeing work standards in public administration. (...) A special status will be granted to the Chairman of the Financial Supervision Authority, the President of the Energy Regulatory Office, and the President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, who will be appointed by the Sejm from among several candidates selected through a competition." "As a result of the proposed changes, individuals associated with party politics will no longer have an advantage in selection to the management boards of State Treasury companies. Higher official and managerial positions will be depoliticized. The public sector will begin to attract the best. Companies will be managed by more competent individuals, which will positively impact their operations and financial results. A process of raising work standards in government and local government administration, associated with increased professionalization and salary levels, will begin. All of this will improve the functioning of the state" – we read in the summary of the "Depoliticize the State" program section. The closest associate of Biedroń, Marcin Anaszewicz, a doctor of social sciences and a lawyer with extensive experience in both administration and state-owned companies, is responsible for preparing the program section concerning the depoliticization of the state within public administration and state-owned companies. photo. Łukasz Kohut

- We passed a law that we considered correct. We still consider it correct. We will fight in the Court of Justice of the European Union so that we can implement the type of solutions we intended. It will depend on the ruling. Perhaps after this law, the case will be withdrawn from the court. In light of this law, there is no longer a subject of dispute – said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Monika Olejnik on the program "Kropka nad i" on TVN24.

- I believe he did not live up to the position he held. He certainly exceeded his competencies and behaved unprofessionally. Whether he broke the law, the prosecution will determine – said Jacek Sasin in a conversation with Monika Olejnik on the TVN24 program "Kropka nad i".

-- PiS TAKES A STEP BACK ON JUDICIAL CHANGES, BUT ACHIEVES SOME INTENDED GOALS, WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE KRS AND DISCIPLINARY CHAMBER IN THE BACKGROUND - we write on 300POLITYCE https://300polityka.pl/news/2018/11/21/pis-robi-krok-w-tyl-ws-zmian-w-sadownictwie-ale-osiaga-czesc-zamierzonych-celow-w-tle-pytania-o-przyszlosc-krs-i-id/ -- Introduction of gender quotas, a public personnel database for all supervisory positions, competitions, appointment of heads of regulators: KNF, UOKiK, and URE by the Sejm - 300POLITYKA has seen the program assumptions of Biedroń's emerging formation https://300polityka.pl/gospodarka/2018/11/21/wprowadzenie-kwot-plciowych-jawny-zasob-kadrowy-na-wszystkie-stanowiska-nadzorcze-konkursy-powolywanie-szefow-regulatorow-knf-uokik-i-ure-przez-sejm-300polityka-widziala-zalozenia-programowe-b/ -- 300POLITYKA LIVEBLOG: Sasin on Chrzanowski: He was not up to the function he held. He certainly exceeded his authority, behaved unprofessionally. Sasin: We will fight in the CJEU to ensure that we can still implement the solutions we intended. It will depend on the verdict. Perhaps after this law, the case will be withdrawn from the court. Gowin: There is no reason for early elections. Gowin on KNF: I wouldn't call it a crisis. Gowin on the Supreme Court: A year ago, I predicted what would happen. I warned. However, politics is a team game. I take full co-responsibility for the decisions. Gowin on the amendment to the Supreme Court Act: I would call it more of a step aside. We avoided a head-on collision. Gowin: Today I voted and was happy, because I believe this dispute was unnecessary for us. Łapiński: What the party leader says will be important for PiS's electorate. I think people expect us to explain why we are doing this, and there will be acceptance. Zdrojewski: I have the impression that a man like councilor Kałuża, instead of a deputy marshal's seat, should end up in prison. Ast: I am convinced that this amendment ends the dispute with the European Commission. This should be grounds for withdrawing the EC's motion from the CJEU. Myrcha on the amendment to the Supreme Court Act: It was a show of cowardice from PiS. They know they face an absolute defeat in the ongoing proceedings before the CJEU. The Sejm adopted the draft amendment to the Supreme Court Act. Protasiewicz to the Prime Minister: You have often said that the previous Supreme Court Act was to exclude judges who issued disgraceful verdicts during martial law from the court. Are you ready, do you have the honor and courage, to apologize now? https://300polityka.pl/live/2018/11/21/ -- TODAY IS THE BIRTHDAY OF Katarzyna Kolenda-Zaleska and Tomasz Serwański. Best wishes from Obraz Dnia! ***** Polsat Events -- IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A REVOLUTION, BUT IT'S A REVERSAL - Dorota Gawryluk. -- THE SEJM AMENDED THE SUPREME COURT ACT IN EXPRESS SPEED TODAY. -- THE AMENDMENT TO THE SUPREME COURT ACT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE SEJM JUST AFTER 8 AM - Grzegorz Kępka: The amendment was a surprise even to some PiS MPs. -- THE OPPOSITION CRITICIZES THE PACE OF WORK - Kępka. -- MAŁGORZATA GERSDORF IS WAITING FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY WORK TO BE COMPLETED - Kępka continues. -- THE AMENDMENT MEANS THAT THE 6-YEAR TERM OF OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT, GUARANTEED BY THE CONSTITUTION, WILL NOT BE INTERRUPTED - Kępka. -- THE OPPOSITION REMINDS THAT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION HAS MORE RESERVATIONS ABOUT CHANGES IN THE POLISH JUDICIARY - Kępka continues. -- THE MANDATORY THREE READINGS OF THE DRAFT TOOK MPS LESS THAN 4 HOURS - Kępka: Now the law will go to the Senate. -- THE CIVIC COALITION UNEXPECTEDLY LOST POWER IN THE SILESIAN SEJMIK. -- IT WAS ALL DUE TO A SENSATIONAL VOLTE - Gawryluk. -- IT WAS AN UNEXPECTED VOLTE - Agnieszka Milczarz: Wojciech Kałuża changed his political colors just before the first session of the sejmik. -- KAŁUŻA BECAME DEPUTY MARSHAL OF THE VOIVODESHIP - Milczarz. -- IN THE CORRIDORS, IT WAS WHISPERED THAT KAŁUŻA WOULD GET A POSITION IN KGHM - Milczarz continues. -- CIVIC COALITION POLITICIANS BELIEVE THAT A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED - Milczarz. -- KAŁUŻA'S DEFECTION TO PiS IS A PROBLEM FOR NOWOCZESNA - Milczarz continues: He ran for elections from the first place on their recommendation. -- PiS HAS GAINED ITS EIGHTH SEJMIK - Milczarz. ***** TVN Facts -- A STEP BACK: Three readings in a few hours and the amendment to the Supreme Court Act was passed in the Sejm on the same day it was submitted. The law is a step back in the matter of the Supreme Court reform. The law is to reinstate judges of the Supreme Court whom the previous law sent into retirement. This includes the First President, Prof. Małgorzata Gersdorf. -- NO COMMITTEE WORK, NO OPPOSITION AMENDMENTS, NO EXPERT OPINIONS - ALL IN 3 HOURS 27 MINUTES - Maciej Knapik on the proceedings of the draft. -- THE LAW - AND PERHAPS IT WAS ADOPTED SO QUICKLY - WAS A STEP BACK FOR PiS - Knapik. -- THE CHAIRMAN POINTED A FINGER AT SIARKOWSKA - Knapik. -- THEY WANT TO SHOW BEFORE THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS THAT PERHAPS THEY MADE SOME MISTAKES, BUT THEY ARE STILL ON THE GOOD SIDE, BUT THEY ARE NOT - Grzegorz Schetyna. -- It's expensive, and it will be even more expensive. Energy companies are requesting permission to increase electricity prices. And even if the government - as it promises - compensates individual customers for drastic increases, it will not do so for businesses. So sooner or later, customers will have to pay anyway. -- INCREASES WILL HAPPEN, BUT IT'S NOT YET KNOWN HOW BIG THEY WILL BE, AND THEY WILL BE COMPENSATED FROM THE BUDGET - Paweł Płuska. -- TCHÓRZEWSKI IS FLOUNDERING ON THIS MATTER - Ewa Kopacz. -- "Traitor," "betrayer," "shame" - among such shouts, Law and Justice took power in Silesia. The main character was councilor Wojciech Kałuża. He won his mandate running on the Civic Coalition list, but unexpectedly supported the ruling party and became deputy marshal. -- THIS IS A SILESIAN POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE - Dariusz Prosiecki. -- ONE TRANSFER COMPLETELY CHANGED THE BALANCE OF POWER, GIVING PiS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GOVERN INDEPENDENTLY - Prosiecki. -- THE FIGHT FOR SILESIA WAS IMPORTANT FOR THE RULING PARTY, WHICH IS BEST EVIDENCED BY THE PRESENCE OF MINISTERS TOBISZOWSKI AND DWORCZYK - Prosiecki. -- President Kaczyński learned about the World Bank employment of Mariusz Kamiński's son from the media. He met with the minister, and they cleared up the matter - informs the spokesperson for Law and Justice. Even if the matter subsides, the government spokesperson's statement about politicians' "young, capable, and educated" children will go down in history. -- IT DEPENDED ENTIRELY ON THE PRESIDENT OF THE NBP - ARLETA ZALEWSKA: The fact that Kacper Kamiński became the candidate for Polish advisor at the World Bank depended entirely on President Adam Glapiński. There is no open recruitment or competition for this position. The selection of advisors is a matter for member countries. The management has nothing to do with it - informs the World Bank in Poland. -- TADEUSZ CYMAŃSKI ON KOPCIŃSKA'S WORDS: - It's foolish to say that. Because emphasizing "ours" would imply "only ours." -- PiS HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH EXPLANATIONS - Zalewska: PiS politicians have a serious problem explaining why relatives of their politicians ended up in state-owned companies, for example. This was the case with the son of Ryszard Czarnecki, or the son of Minister Tchórzewski. The problem is that similar cases that occurred under the previous government were criticized by the current ruling party. -- Each of these careers had a different path, but in most cases, the problem was the lack of competition and transparent procedures. In each case, PiS politicians defended themselves by saying that their relatives had the appropriate experience and qualifications for the new position - Zalewska. -- IT WAS NOT AN ACCIDENTAL STATEMENT, BUT AN INTERVIEW: It was not an accidental, hallway remark. It was a press interview for the weekly "Wprost." Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Gliński said that PiS is treated by the opposition "like Jews by Goebbels." His statement had to cause outrage, criticism, and questions about his intentions. -- IT SEEMED THAT SENSITIVITY TO SPOKEN WORDS HAD INCREASED - KKZ: It seemed that after the crisis in Polish-Jewish relations caused by the Institute of National Remembrance Act, sensitivity to spoken words had increased. However, the words spoken by the Polish Minister of Culture in a press interview for "Wprost" have again caused controversy. -- Minister Gliński seems surprised by the sharp reaction from Jewish circles and the embassy's statement. As he wrote on Twitter, he received it with sadness and assures that he did not intend to offend anyone. He explains his words by saying that the phrase "Goebbelsian language" is commonly used to describe hostile propaganda, and he was only talking about language - KKZ. -- JEWISH CIRCLES ARE MOVED - KKZ: Jewish circles are extremely moved because specific words were used in the interview with the Minister of Culture and Deputy Prime Minister of the Polish government, such as being treated "like Jews by Goebbels." -- NOW GLIŃSKI'S UNFORTUNATE WORDS ARE AGAIN IMMEDIATELY IN THE MEDIA IN ISRAEL AND THE USA - KKZ: At the beginning of the year, Polish-Israeli relations deteriorated significantly. It was all due to the Institute of National Remembrance Act, which abroad was interpreted as censorship of historical research. The situation was not improved by the unfortunate statements of government representatives, such as Mateusz Morawiecki's about "Jewish perpetrators." In the end, PiS withdrew the law in one day. Now, Deputy Prime Minister Gliński's unfortunate statements have again appeared immediately in the media in Israel and the United States. -- THE DUBIENIECKI TRIAL IS BEGINNING: He is accused of defrauding over PLN 14 million from the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons. Marcin Dubieniecki and eight other people face up to 10 years in prison. There are hundreds of volumes of files and hundreds of witnesses. The trial will likely be long. ***** TVP Info -- TAX LAW DURING THE RULE OF THE PLATFORM AND PSL WAS SUPPOSED TO BE WRITTEN UNDER THE DICTATION OF LOBBYISTS, AND A CLOSE COLLABORATOR OF DONALD TUSK, SŁAWOMIR NOWAK, HAD PERSONAL, INFORMAL POWER OVER THE CREATION OF THIS LAW INSTEAD OF THE MINISTER OF FINANCE - announcement: This is according to the testimony of former Deputy Minister of Finance, Elżbieta Chojna-Duch, before the parliamentary investigative committee on VAT. -- THEORETICAL STATE IN PRACTICE - Karol Jałtuszewski: Chojna-Duch revealed shocking information about tax law during the PO-PSL governments. -- ACCORDING TO THE TESTIMONY, IT WAS NOT THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE THAT DECIDED THE DIRECTION OF CHANGES - Jałtuszewski: Final decisions were reportedly made by Sławomir Nowak at informal meetings in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. -- NOWAK'S NAME IS NOT APPEARING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE CONTEXT OF IRREGULARITIES REGARDING TAXES - Jałtuszewski. -- THE INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE IS PREPARING TWO MOTIONS TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF COMMITTING OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT BY JACK ROSTOWSKI AND SŁAWOMIR NOWAK - Jałtuszewski. -- THE TUSK GOVERNMENT DID NOT SUFFICIENTLY COMBAT TAX MAFIAS, ALTHOUGH ONE OF THE PRIME MINISTER'S CLOSEST COLLABORATORS HAD KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCALE AND MECHANISM OF THE FRAUD - Jałtuszewski: A recorded conversation of Nowak confirms this. -- IT IS NOT EXCLUDED THAT TUSK WILL HAVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE ON AMBER GOLD ONCE AGAIN - Jałtuszewski. -- POLITICAL BREAKTHROUGH IN SILESIA. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, PiS IS GAINING POWER THERE - announcement: One of the councilors left the ranks of Nowoczesna. The opposition speaks of political corruption, and the councilor speaks of effective development of Silesia. -- THE SESSION OF THE SILESIAN SEJMIK TURNED OUT TO BE A POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE TODAY - Magdalena Wierzchowska. -- THANKS TO THE AGREEMENT WITH WOJCIECH KAŁUŻA, WHO RAN ON THE CIVIC COALITION LIST, PiS OBTAINED A MAJORITY - Wierzchowska. -- THE CHANGE IN THE BALANCE OF POWER IS A SHOCK FOR THE OPPOSITION, WHICH WAS PREPARING TO GOVERN FOR ANOTHER TERM - Wierzchowska. -- BORYS BUDKA ANNOUNCED THAT HE WILL FILE A NOTIFICATION TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF COMMITTING POLITICAL CORRUPTION - Wierzchowska. -- KAŁUŻA IS ANOTHER LOCAL OFFICIAL WHO, AGAINST THE WILL OF THE OPPOSITION LEADERS, HAS ESTABLISHED COOPERATION WITH PiS - Wierzchowska: All of them have faced severe party consequences. -- PiS WILL GOVERN IN 8 VOIVODESHIPS, COALITION TALKS ARE STILL UNDERWAY IN 2 - Wierzchowska. -- THE AMENDMENT TO THE SUPREME COURT ACT WAS ADOPTED BY THE SEJM AT BREAKNECK SPEED - announcement: All judges who went into retirement under last year's amendment will return to work. -- THE AMENDMENT TOOK ONLY 4 HOURS TO IMPLEMENT - Bartłomiej Graczak. -- IT IS A RESPONSE TO THE POSITION OF THE CJEU - Graczak. -- THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT SUPPORTED BY PO AND NOWOCZESNA MPS, ALTHOUGH IT CHANGES PROVISIONS THAT THE OPPOSITION HAS BEEN CRITICIZING FOR THE PAST YEAR - Graczak. -- THE CHANGES MEAN THAT MAŁGORZATA GERSDORF WILL RETURN TO HER POSITION AS FIRST PRESIDENT - Graczak. -- AFTER THE REFORM OF THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, COMMON COURTS, AND KRS, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FURTHER CHANGES - Graczak. -- THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION DOES NOT CRITICIZE THE FACT THAT THE GERMAN JUDICIARY IS DEPENDENT ON THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH - Graczak: The double standards of Brussels are recognized by Germans themselves. -- THE POLISH GOVERNMENT STATES CLEARLY: ALTHOUGH THE EU POSITION IS WRONG, IT WILL BE RESPECTED - Graczak. -- THE PRESIDENT PRESENTED STATE DECORATIONS FOR HEROISM AND COURAGE - no material.