Everyone Must Be on High Alert.
- Tusk Announces Alert
Hot Topic
11/28/2018
05:00
From 10:00, the Joint Commission of the Government and Local Government will be deliberating.
At 11:00, the Sejm's Public Finance Committee will return to considering the government's draft budget law for 2019. On this day, MPs will vote on amendments and most likely adopt the report – this is what the budget work schedule assumes. The second reading of the draft is scheduled for December 12, and a vote on its adoption for December 14.
Also at 11:00, a press conference by Sławomir Neumann and Iwona Śledzińska-Katarasińska titled "TVP in the Service of PiS's Election Staff" will take place.
Today also includes two meetings of the investigative committee on VAT fraud. At 11:30, MPs will deliberate behind closed doors, and at 14:00, they will interrogate the former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dominik Radziwiłł.
07:32
Błaszczak:
Schetyna Needs the NSB Convened to Exist. After All, He Has Nothing to Offer
- Schetyna needs [the National Security Bureau convened] to exist. After all, he has nothing to offer, and his government liquidated Polish army units and reduced our army's defensive capabilities - said Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Daniel Wydrych and Piotr Gocek on the program "Sygnały Dnia" on Jedynka radio.
07:37
- I would like to treat it this way. The ambassador is debuting in the role of a diplomat; she is a businesswoman who genuinely has business experience. And I would like to see it as us dealing with a certain misunderstanding, resulting from Ms. Mosbacher's lack of diplomatic experience – stated Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Daniel Wydrych and Piotr Gociek on the program “Sygnały Dnia” on Jedynka radio.
07:58
Bodnar:
Just as I addressed Frasyniuk's arrest, I would address Marek Ch.'s arrest
- I don't see the point of such a spectacular arrest. I mean, I think that if we can simply hand over a summons or call someone to the prosecutor's office or to a specific three-letter agency, it's enough to notify the person normally. There's no need to notify them at 6 AM at their home - stated Adam Bodnar in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego", commenting on the arrest of Marek Ch. He added:
"I think it's not just about the detainee themselves. It's also about public opinion. To show determination, that we are fighting, because later people are not so interested in what happens next, unless the case is very loud. But this, one could say, image or at least the information that they entered, already leaves a certain trace in human consciousness"
08:09
Bodnar:
I'm glad the Supreme Court Act was amended, but I'd return to Borowski's question: what was it all for?
– Of course, I am pleased that this act [on the Supreme Court] has been amended, but I think I would return here to Marek Borowski's question: what was it all for? This whole story. It began in July 2017, shortly after Trump left Poland, a week later a bill appeared, demonstrations and unusual emotions emerged, a tarnishing of Poland's reputation – stated Adam Bodnar in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".
08:10
Balcerowicz:
A Parliamentary Inquiry into the KNF Will Have to Be Established Sooner or Later
„We have a rider [a provision allowing banks to be taken over for a symbolic zloty]. No one admits to it. A PiS MP who introduced it doesn't know what it's about. Terlecki claims he was talking to his wife during the parliamentary proceedings for this amendment. This is outrageous. Firstly, there is such an amendment that, based on a decision by a body with significant political involvement, allows these individuals to be empowered by virtue of this amendment, or rather 'botch-up', with arbitrary power to decide whether a danger exists that would justify the takeover of banks. This is an unheard-of matter, and it will certainly have to be clarified in a parliamentary inquiry, which will have to be established sooner or later” – said Professor Leszek Balcerowicz on Poranek Radia TOK FM.
08:13
The European Commission has decided not to withdraw its complaint against the Polish Supreme Court Act from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). This decision was announced on November 27, 2018, following a tweet from TOK FM NEWS.
The Polish Supreme Court Act, which introduced changes to the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, has been a subject of contention between Poland and the European Commission. The Commission argued that the law violated the principle of judicial independence and the rule of law, and thus filed a complaint with the CJEU.
Despite ongoing discussions and attempts at finding a resolution, the Commission has maintained its stance that the Polish law is not in line with EU legal standards. This implies that the legal proceedings before the CJEU will continue, potentially leading to further legal and political implications for Poland.
08:15
- I think our government is certainly hoping to de-escalate emotions in relations with the European Commission. Even the first statement from the Commission, immediately after the adoption of the [Supreme Court] act, was very positive for the government, indicating that we accept it with satisfaction because it ultimately signifies a victory for both the Commission and European law. We need to consider whether the Commission will actually withdraw from the case. In my opinion, there are legal arguments that support not withdrawing from the case. Furthermore, yesterday Vera Jourová, one of the Commissioners, stated that she sees no such grounds, and I have the impression that Frans Timmermans is also determined - stated Adam Bodnar in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".
08:21
Bodnar:
The KRS's Status is the Most Fundamental Issue Currently
- In my opinion, [the rule of law procedure under Article 7] should continue, because we still have fundamental problems with the independence of the judiciary, concerning the functioning of common courts, the disciplinary branch, the KRS, and also the Constitutional Tribunal, and this requires further clarification, dialogue, and pressure - stated Adam Bodnar in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".
- I would rather not withdraw and try to influence, using various means, for these changes in the judiciary to be permanent and comprehensive, and not to concern only the most symbolic body, which is the Supreme Court. It seems to me that the status of the KRS is the most fundamental issue here at the moment - added the Ombudsman.
08:41
- The President is not speaking publicly on this matter. The President maintains contact with the American Embassy, with Madam Ambassador, with the administration; we have excellent Polish-American relations and I would approach this with less emotion - said Paweł Mucha in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia Zet".
08:47
- I would expect statements from Chairman Schetyna and others, who of course have the right to comment as they wish, saying, yes, we support the Polish president's stance, we support the Polish government's stance. Yes, President Andrzej Duda rightly said, we will support this matter, all of us as Poland are consistent - Paweł Mucha said in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia Zet".
08:47
Czarnecki:
It's normal for the US Ambassador to care about her country's companies, but she crossed the line
- It's normal for the American ambassador to look out for her country's companies. The point is not to cross certain boundaries. I have the impression that the ambassador has crossed those boundaries. The ambassador was not previously a member of the American diplomatic corps and has no experience. This isn't about showing the USA a yellow card, because we don't do that, but about showing the ambassador that she acted unfairly, inelegantly, improperly, and factually wrongly – stated Ryszard Czarnecki in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News' "Polityczne Graffiti".
- What the ambassador doesn't know? That we Poles don't like external interventions and we are stubborn. We treat this type of interference in internal affairs very badly, and the effect is generally the opposite. This isn't a matter for the Prime Minister, because these things are far below his level – added the PiS MEP.
08:51
- I believe that a parliamentary inquiry commission is not needed in this matter. I don't know if the Law and Justice party would have any reasons to fear a commission. In my opinion, no. However, it seems to me that looking at the statements of the opposition leaders, we would be dealing with a political brawl here - said Paweł Mucha in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the "Gość Radia Zet" program.
09:00
Błaszczak:
Government Spokesperson to Issue Statement Today Regarding Ambassador Mosbacher's Letter
- Regarding [Ambassador Mosbacher's] letter, as far as I know, today the government spokesperson, Minister Kopcińska, will issue a statement on the matter, and we will learn the details. I cannot specify the exact time, but such a statement will be released today - stated Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Polish Radio.
10:00
Paruch:
Mosbacher's Letter Received Exceptionally Negatively. Ambassador Stepped Outside Her Role, Acting as a Defender of Private Station Interests. Letter Concerns Strange Content
"The letter was written, it was made public, but the Prime Minister's reaction is not entirely necessary. This letter is circulating online. The question is how much it aligns with the factual content of the letter. The reception [in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister] is exceptionally negative. The Ambassador has stepped out of her role as an ambassador. She has stepped out of the role of an ambassador representing an allied nation. The letter concerns strange content. The Ambassador is acting as a defender of the private interests of a station. It relates to a matter that is unclear. There are many ambiguities there. This matter certainly needs to be clarified," stated Prof. Waldemar Paruch in a conversation with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.
10:03
Kopcińska:
We do not intend to directly address the content of Ambassador Mosbacher's letter or the fact of its publication in the media
https://twitter.com/PR24_pl/status/1067703744463278080
https://twitter.com/PR24_pl/status/1067703787689844736
https://twitter.com/PR24_pl/status/1067703839237779457
10:03
„Let's not exaggerate. She is an ambassador. She is solely an ambassador. Let's not exaggerate. The letter is written very awkwardly, in a very specific style. Let's not exaggerate in assessing this letter. Let us remember that in Poland there is a clear resentment regarding ambassadors overstepping their role” - said Professor Waldemar Paruch in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus, when asked if the current dispute with Ambassador Mosbacher would negatively affect Polish-American relations.
10:07
Paruch:
I'm a Pessimist and Don't Expect the European Commission to Stop Interfering in Polish Affairs and Judicial Reforms Before the EP Elections, as This Interference is Politically Motivated
"The current Polish authorities are moving towards an agreement with the European Commission to resolve the conflict, regardless of how we assess this intervention by the European Union, whether it complies with the Treaty of Lisbon or not. In my opinion, at this stage, the issue of the Supreme Court should close the matter. I am a pessimist and do not expect the European Commission to stop interfering in Polish affairs and judicial reforms before the May 2019 elections, because this interference is politically motivated and has nothing to do with any protection of the rule of law in Poland" - said Prof. Waldemar Paruch in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.
10:11
Paruch:
Conflict with the EC Harms Poland and its Interests, Weakening its Position in EU Budget Negotiations
„It is certainly necessary to reform the justice system, as there is societal expectation and support for it. On the other hand, a conflict with the European Commission is not needed. It doesn't matter what motivates it. It harms Poland, Polish interests, and it harms not only in current politics but generally harms Poland's interests in the context of EU budget negotiations. This weakens Poland's position, and it certainly needs to be resolved as soon as possible” – said Professor Waldemar Paruch in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.
10:23
Kopcińska:
The PiS Government Will Never Allow a Repeat of Past Situations, Such as Attempts to Influence Editors and Publishers to Fire Critical Authors
- We do not intend to directly address the content of Ambassador Mosbacher's letter or the fact of its publication in the media. In our opinion, diplomacy requires calm and consideration. Poland and the United States maintain very good relations, and one incident will not change that. Poland, just like the USA, values freedom of speech and in no way restricts media freedom. The media market in Poland is pluralistic, and the media present a full spectrum of opinions - wrote government spokesperson Joanna Kopcińska in a statement sent to the media.
11:30
Witczak:
We are asking NIK to urgently verify the justification of PFN's spending of public funds
12:12
Petru:
I've asked the Prosecutor General to declassify testimony from Czarnecki and Ch.
- I would like to point out that in this KNF affair, so far, a person who is a frontman has been detained, and the frontman did not act alone. The frontman did not push the law through parliament, nor did he invent Zdzisław's plan. The public should, as soon as possible, learn the testimony of both Mr. Czarnecki and Mr. Ch., because this is the biggest financial scandal in the Republic of Poland. Therefore, I have asked Prosecutor General Zbigniew Ziobro to declassify the testimony of both gentlemen. The Prosecutor General has this possibility. I would like this to be conveyed, at least in a confidential form, to MPs, because if PiS does not want to establish a parliamentary investigation committee, then at least it should show that it has nothing to hide in this matter - stated Ryszard Petru at a press conference in the Sejm.
12:20
- I would like to know from the Prime Minister, at the next Sejm session, what actions his ministry took when he was Deputy Prime Minister regarding Leszek Czarnecki's two banks. Regulations were created in his ministry that specifically targeted only two banks – Idea Bank and Getin Bank. I would also like to hear the Prime Minister's opinion on how he assesses the actions of the prosecution and services in this matter, meaning how he assesses Zbigniew Ziobro's work – stated Ryszard Petru at a press conference in the Sejm. He added:
"We actually have no information about the true involvement of the NBP and BFG in this affair, where the famous Zdzisław's plan originated. The role of Mr. Bierecki, the head of the Senate Finance Committee, is also very important. The head of the CBA, Mariusz Kamiński, should suspend his oversight of this affair, because in his case, we suspect nepotism, as I remind you that the President of the NBP recommended his son for a position at the World Bank.”
13:00
Anna Krupka has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Sport. This announcement was made via the official Twitter account of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism (@msit_gov_pl).
14:12
"A motion to the prosecutor's office, a notification of the possibility of committing a crime - this motion was adopted by the committee, though not unanimously. Opposition MPs voted against this motion. They very much invited me to speak about this, to note it, so I note it - opposition MPs were against this notification. The notification concerns 4 circumstances, 4 possible crimes that may have been committed, primarily by Mr. Jan Vincent Rostowski as Minister of Finance, and one of these four by Mr. Sławomir Nowak," said the chairman of the parliamentary committee investigating VAT fraud, Marcin Horała from PiS, at a press conference in the Sejm.
https://twitter.com/polsatnewspl/status/1067759042599231488?s=12
15:58
This coming Monday, December 3rd at 12:00 PM, the parliamentary committee on rules, deputy matters, and immunities will consider Stanisław Gawłowski's statement regarding the Sejm's consent to his criminal prosecution. The committee will also address requests concerning Sławomir Neumann and Andrzej Halicki.
Originally, the Sejm was scheduled to vote last Friday on the request for consent to criminal prosecution and the application of a pre-trial detention measure. However, at the last moment, MP Gawłowski renounced his immunity. Consequently, the request has been returned to the committee for an opinion.
https://twitter.com/MichalOlech/status/1067793882493128704
16:45
The United States Ambassador to Poland, Georgette Mosbacher, has highlighted the strong relationship between the two countries, emphasizing freedom of speech and the media as core values. This sentiment was conveyed via a tweet from the official Twitter account of the US Ambassador to Poland, referencing a specific post on November 27, 2018, with the ID 1067804305141481472.
16:56
Miller:
The Result is Truly Catastrophic and It's Hard to Be Happy About It. I Think the Alliance Will Try to Establish Some Contact with the Together Party
- The result is truly catastrophic and it's hard to be happy about it. Furthermore, resolutions from various organizations, from Warsaw, from Poznań, are appearing – said Leszek Miller in an interview with Andrzej Stankiewicz on the program “Onet Opinie”.
- A climate of dissatisfaction is developing, and this naturally weakens the leadership of the SLD. As for what happens next. I think the Alliance will try to establish some contact with the Together party and form some alliance for the elections – Miller added.
18:54
Spychalski:
Poland's EU Membership is a Foundation, Our National Interest. The Supreme Court Amendment Stems from Conflict.
- We must await the President's decision. However, it should be remembered that this act is in fact the implementation of a ruling issued by the CJEU, so here we have another aspect that is, of course, extremely important and significant, there's no point in hiding that - stated Błażej Spychalski in an interview with Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz on Wyborcza.pl.
- Cooperation is necessary, there is no doubt about that. We cooperate with various bodies at the European Union level. For us, Poland's presence in the European Union is a foundation, it is our Polish raison d'état, we have spoken about this many times. If a certain type of conflict has arisen here, that is why this amendment has appeared - added the presidential minister.
- Various matters are of course consulted with the President, the government consults various matters. This one, of course, was consulted. This resulted, among other things, from the fact that the government informed the President about the proceedings before the Court of Justice. This is a normal procedure - Spychalski continued.
18:58
Spychalski:
If the President deems it appropriate to convene the National Security Council, he will certainly do so. There is no such decision today.
- Of course, it is very serious. However, please note the formats in which the Republic of Poland cooperates within Europe and the world today. We have, of course, the matter of the European Union, and this matter was raised at the level of the European Union. The matter was also raised directly at the NATO level. And the matter was, of course, raised at the UN Security Council level. So, these are all formats in which we cooperate and in which we develop common positions - stated Błażej Spychalski in an interview with Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz for Wyborcza.pl.
- It seems that this is definitely the appropriate level to react to this matter. If the President deems it appropriate to convene the National Security Council, he will certainly do so. As of today, there is no such decision - added the presidential minister.
19:56
Kamiński:
This is my personal opinion, but also that of my small but spirited party. There should be a joint list for the European elections.
- This is my personal opinion, but also the opinion of my small but spirited political party. For the European elections, which I personally am not interested in, we believe there should be a joint list - said Michał Kamiński in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" on Polsat News.
19:59
Miller:
Total Defeat in Warsaw, No Wonder Warsaw's SLD Demands Consequences
- In terms of mandates, it's a tragedy, because when it comes to the deficit in regional assemblies, it's less, over 60% of mandates. In Warsaw, it's a total defeat, and it's no wonder that Warsaw's SLD is demanding consequences - stated Leszek Miller in an interview with Grzegorz Kajdanowicz on TVN24's "Fakty po faktach".
20:02
- I think it's bad that we are not respected by the United States, that even the US ambassador doesn't deem it appropriate to learn the names of our leaders. It's bad that Americans don't respect Poland today - said Michał Kamiński in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" on Polsat News.
20:06
Miller:
I Notice a Tendency in Czarzasty to Rewrite SLD's History, Selectively and Repeatedly
20:07
HEADLINE:
TVP: Declarations from Poland and the US Conclude the Letter Issue, Rymanowski: It's Heading Towards Quieting Down, Fakty: PiS Miscalculated with the CJEU, Services Discuss the VAT Scandal
20:07
20:30
- Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will have to answer difficult questions before the parliamentary committee regarding the regulation of May 25, 2017, which changed the weights for mortgage loans. When these weights jumped from 100% to 120%, then to 150%, and Polish banks began to experience perturbations, this law and amendment were introduced. The next question goes to Marshal Terlecki. Where did the famous amendment allowing for the takeover of banks come from? The question will also be posed to you (T. Cymański – ed.), because Marek Ch. mentioned you, saying you were in the KNF president's office and discussed, among other things, the law – said Bartosz Arłukowicz in an interview with Monika Olejnik on the TVN24 program “Kropka nad i”.
20:34
- If the opposition acted as quickly as we do today, they'd still be in power. Do you understand? That's how it looks. You can take it as a joke, but you can criticize that it's bad, that it's not right, but there's no leniency or pity here. We act quickly – said Tadeusz Cymański in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's program "Kropka nad i".
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