At 10:00 AM, the parliamentary investigative committee for VAT fraud will hear testimony from former government spokesperson for Donald Tusk, Minister Paweł Graś. At noon, Robert Biedroń will organize a press conference on LGBT environmental rights in front of the Presidential Palace.

At 12:30 PM, a press conference with Zbigniew Ziobro and Patryk Jaki will take place in Krakow. Following this, at 3:45 PM, another press conference by the Minister and Deputy Minister of Justice will be held in Kielce.

At 1:00 PM, in Krakow, a presentation of the European Coalition candidates' program for the European Parliament in the Małopolska-Świętokrzyskie constituency will occur. The conference will be attended by, among others, PSL President Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and PSL Vice-President Adam Jarubas.

President Andrzej Duda will be present in the Małopolska Voivodeship. At 10:00 AM, he will participate in the XI International Mountain Forum in Zakopane. A visit to Geotermia Podhalańska in Szaflary is scheduled for 1:55 PM.

The European Council meeting will commence in Brussels. During the summit, the council will focus on employment, growth, and competitiveness. EU leaders will also discuss climate change, external relations, and methods for combating disinformation. Heads of state will also address the need to protect the democratic and fair nature of European and national elections across the EU.

A meeting of the European Council members with the President of the European Parliament is scheduled for 3:00 PM, followed at 3:30 PM by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's participation in a European Council working session (Article 50), and at 7:30 PM, a working dinner of the EU heads of government and state.

"The gentlemen discussed many topics. Of course, everyone wants an agreement with the teachers and for students and parents to have peace. Our goal is for the exams to take place. The Ministry of National Education and the government are working on this. I want to reassure parents and students. These exams will happen" - said government spokesperson, Minister Joanna Kopcińska, on Radio Jedynka.

„On March 25th, there is an invitation to sit at the table in the Social Dialogue Council, also for ZNP, with representatives of the Ministry of National Education, to find the best solutions concerning not the fact that teachers' salaries must increase, because we know that, but the pace of growth, the manner, the mechanisms by which they should grow. If this is not truly a political dispute on Mr. Broniarz's part, then we should sit down and talk” - said government spokesperson, Minister Joanna Kopcińska, on Radio Jedynka.

- Here, I have absolutely no doubts [regarding the expansion of 500+]. Please look at my party's program, the earlier one, Polski Razem. We took over this element from PJN's program, which is support for young families raising children - stated Jarosław Gowin in a conversation with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- We need to consider the context, which is the alternative. The opposition says we stole their program, and secondly, that its implementation will lead to economic devastation, and thirdly, that when they come to power, they will distribute even more. Therefore, against this backdrop, as a free-marketeer, I definitely prefer the United Right to govern in Poland - he continued.

"If there were an alternative, I would probably urge my colleagues in the government to lean towards a pro-demographic direction, meaning instead of 500+ for the first child, perhaps 1000 for the third, as this is a strong pro-demographic incentive. From a free-market perspective, three of these solutions from [Kaczyński's] five do not raise my slightest objections. On the contrary, they evoke my deep enthusiasm. Lowering PIT for everyone, that lower rate, abolishing PIT for young people, and the third, most important thing for me, reducing labor costs. Incidentally, I will reveal that in discussions with Prime Minister Morawiecki, I urged that all these reliefs should be combined into the third one."

- 500+ for every child is, after all, an investment in the future. Every responsible politician considers the consequences of the entire package. There will be no problems in 2019, no problems in 2020, but whoever governs after the autumn elections will have to ask themselves about the long-term state's capacity. That is, the ability to invest in infrastructure, energy restructuring, education, science, artificial intelligence. In future terms, the focus must be on strengthening this second engine of development. One engine is consumption, the second engine is investment. In future terms, it is time for investments - emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister.  

- These solutions [from Kaczyński's Five] were announced at the PiS convention. Of course, we, I mean the two other coalition parties, were consulted on this matter. I will emphasize once again: I urged Prime Minister Morawiecki to consolidate these tax reliefs into one, specifically by lowering labor costs, meaning to invest in making it more profitable to work in Poland - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- We are one camp. Therefore, there can be no doubts here. Of course [I will vote for Kaczyński's "fifth"]. If I were considering another solution, I would be a guest of yours, Mr. Editor, as a rank-and-file MP - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Piasecki's Talk."

"Certainly, Mr. Broniarz is blackmailing [the government], because what he said is truly unprecedented. He is threatening to paralyze the education system" - said Prof. Ryszard Legutko from PiS in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

"One can give as much as one can. Such a one-time jump is very costly, and it is evident that it has a bit of an adventurous flavor. It's a policy of blackmail by those who organized it, namely primarily Mr. President Broniarz. However, a long-term plan for raises can be negotiated. I agree that teachers earn too little, they are financially undervalued. This is a common issue in Europe" - he added. 

„The previous decision of the [ECJ] Court was also before the elections. The matter is broader. It's not just about the timing. The entire matter is political from the very beginning. The dispute concerns Poland's internal affairs. The organization of the justice system is not subject to the Court's jurisdiction. The Court of Justice has nothing to do with how the justice system is organized. We have the Constitutional Tribunal for that” - said Prof. Ryszard Legutko of PiS in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

- [Teachers' and academia's salaries] are definitely too low. We are fully aware of this. As far as universities are concerned, the process of increasing salaries began in 2019. In this year's budget, the payroll fund for universities, covering all employees, not just scientists, will increase by 7%. We have a commitment that further tranches of pay rises will follow in the next two years - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Piasecki's Interview".

- A budget in fantastic shape doesn't mean we can afford everything. A political decision was made, for example, to lower taxes, and as a free-market advocate, it's hard for me not to be happy with such a solution - emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister.

“[LGBT demands] have been a battlefield of ideology for some time now. It has intensified recently before the elections, but this has been ongoing for a long time, not just in Poland, but across Europe. It concerns the family. This has become [a topic of the election campaign]. It has been named [by party leader Kaczyński]” – said Prof. Ryszard Legutko from PiS in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

- I think it's an investment in Joachim Brudziński's future, even more important role than before. But these are my speculations – Jarosław Gowin stated in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego," when asked about Joachim Brudziński's bid for the European Parliament. He emphasized that Brudziński is not a politician from his party.

- My speculations are that Joachim Brudziński is being moved to this international politics arena so that in a few years he can return and play one of the key roles in the United Right camp and in this broadly understood right-wing camp – he added.

- Invite Lukashenka primarily [to the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of WWII]. This is because there is a struggle for Lukashenka's soul as the leader of Belarus and a struggle for the soul of Belarusians is underway. For now, Putin has a significant advantage here, and if Belarus and Lukashenka remain within Moscow's sphere of influence and Putin's himself, then it's bad for us, very bad, and bad for Europe. Encourage, welcome, show him the perspective of Belarus's presence and his own in Europe – stated Zbigniew Bujak in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.

- There is someone to be afraid of. I cannot answer [whether to invite him to the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of WWII]. If I had to make the decision, I would probably think very carefully too – he added. At the same time, he emphasized that inviting Putin would be a very bad signal for our Ukrainian friends.

I see how various candidates fight to get on winnable spots and lists, for them it's probably some strong [financial] argument. For me, the starting point was what I saw at the [Spring] convention – a crowd of young people. I let myself be carried away by that enthusiasm, because similar enthusiasm carried us in 1980 when we were active in "Solidarity”. It's a similar atmosphere, similar language, openness to diversity, difference – stated Zbigniew Bujak in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.

This [Spring] is an "organic" movement. I see it in its program, also in its approach. In the program, but also in the values that Biedroń and his entire movement present to the outside world, I perceive something that I call the "atmosphere and culture of Solidarity". It's incredibly important to me that he reacted to my presence and that in this sense he is open to what I represent. The experience and knowledge I possess from the times of "Solidarity” – he continued. As he emphasized, Spring is the first movement that has so clearly shown interest in the experience and culture of "Solidarity".

I speak English well enough to communicate and get along not only with every politician but also with every public administration employee. Those who know Shakespeare's language, let them write poetry, but they should really refrain from being in the EP. I see how they show off their knowledge of Oxford English, but when I look at what their activity consists of, they're just celebrities. I don't want to be a celebrity - Zbigniew Bujak stated in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.

- Military Unit 2305 is the elite of the Polish Army. GROM commandos continue the tradition of the legendary Cichociemni, soldiers of the Home Army parachuted into occupied Poland during World War II. Modern Polish special forces command respect worldwide. Wherever Polish citizens are threatened, they are the force that will stand up for them. Vigilant as an eagle, fast as lightning, able to appear anywhere and ready for operations in all conditions: on land, in water, in the air, descending like thunder from a clear sky. The operators' service is their life's passion and mission. They gain new experiences, often thousands of kilometers from home. They are constantly improving, as their skills are the best guarantee of our homeland's security. They train to win. They use the most modern equipment, and their training system is continuously modified in response to current international threats. They effectively combat terrorism. They are a key link in the national security of the state. Their service is the strength and honor of Poland. Soldiers, Poles trust you because they know you will rise to any task. You are our pride and national glory. To you, homeland - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in a clip published by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM).

https://twitter.com/PremierRP/status/1108459439374376962

- You and the entire commission are well aware that this was not secret knowledge. The practice I am referring to has been known at least since Poland's accession to the EU. All subsequent administrations, governments, and Ministries of Finance have attempted to tighten VAT collection, to act in such a way as to minimize these losses or the VAT gap, and it was similar during the PO-PSL coalition. From the very beginning, since 2008, the ministry did everything to either eliminate, or at least minimize, this practice. As is widely known, this practice continues to this day – stated Paweł Graś during his interrogation by the parliamentary committee of inquiry into VAT.

I must agree with one thing the chairman [Horała] said last week on Polsat, that my hearing would bring nothing substantive to the work of this commission - stated Paweł Graś during his hearing by the VAT investigative committee. Following this statement, Marcin Horała announced that he had said something different – that the witness is a less substantive witness because he is most interested in the aspect of certain decisions made at a high level, given that Graś was then, among other things, the Secretary-General of Civic Platform (PO). Paweł Graś also said that the recording from the restaurant stems from a criminal activity, but it is a private conversation, not a government stance.

- I am glad that this is being shown in this way. If PiS truly wants to win us over and, in doing so, wants to pass our demands for citizens through the Sejm, as it's crudely put, then I am in favor and believe it's a very good path, because the citizen will benefit in the end. It would be worse if these attempts to win us over involved something else - stated Piotr Apel in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus, when asked if PiS is trying to appease Kukiz'15 with laws on lay judges or anti-corruption laws.

When asked if a coalition is at the end of this path, the Kukiz’15 MP replied: - If cooperation looks like this, that our demands will be realized, then it's hard not to want such a coalition. We want what's best for the citizens. We have these demands on our banners, which we try to talk about all the time, and that is our main goal, namely the realization of pro-citizen demands. If a coalition with PiS, or a future coalition with PiS, were to be the result, if the coalition were to be the fulfillment of our demands, then who would disagree?

- We have adopted the principle that our voters are, and simply are, special, exceptional voters, and for them, the entire list is more important than the number one candidate indicated by the party leader. They will choose carefully, not by picking just one candidate, but a specific name. Therefore, we want to present the entire lists [for the EP] at once, simultaneously. I think this is a matter of a few days - stated Piotr Apel in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.

Reports of my conflict, ever or in any way, with General Bondaryk are complete nonsense and untrue. I don't know where such reports appeared in the media. It's classic fake news - stated Paweł Graś during his interrogation by the parliamentary committee investigating VAT fraud. - I never had any conflict with Bondaryk - he added.

„For 50 days, absolutely nothing has happened regarding this matter from the state authorities. We know that the Austrian entrepreneur's lawyers have filed a complaint about the prosecutor's inaction. Today, we are also filing such a complaint, dependent on the prosecutor's inaction in connection with our motion, which we submitted over 50 days ago. After the first publication by Gazeta Wyborcza, we filed a request regarding the potential commission of a crime by PiS officials, by Chairman Jarosław Kaczyński, providing detailed justification. For 50 days, absolutely nothing has happened with this case. We haven't even received information on whether proceedings have been initiated or if initiation has been refused” - said Marcin Kierwiński from Civic Platform at a press conference in the Sejm - „It cannot be the case that in a state of law, the prosecutor's office has effectively abdicated. The prosecutor's office is beginning to play the role of Jarosław Kaczyński's defender”.

„The CBA was established to protect Poles from corruption. The CBA was not established to defend politicians from the disclosure of corruption that these politicians commit. It is an institution of public trust that must stand guard over the observance of the law. It was not created to defend the interests of politicians. There is even a rumor circulating in the Sejm corridors that PiS politicians want to change the name of the CBA to the Central Bureau of Corruption. Because how else can one describe the fact that the central body in the state, which should be engaged in detecting corruption at the highest levels of power, has for dozens of days been unable to deal with Jarosław Kaczyński's asset declaration, despite new facts?” - added Cezary Tomczyk from Civic Platform - „The Prosecutor's Office and the CBA have ceased to function in Poland”.

„What is most shocking is the fact that in the middle of a Sejm session, on February 7, 2018, contrary to his statutory obligation, the PiS chairman, MP Jarosław Kaczyński, instead of participating in the Sejm's proceedings, participated in a development project at the party headquarters” - said Krzysztof Brejza - „The PiS state is protecting, shielding, and covering up this situation, doing everything to ensure this situation is not explained”.

The EC is afraid to defend its members with an open visor, e.g. Paweł Rabiej. This is typical head-in-the-sand behavior. If you are European, you must be so from A to Z. Cowardice? That's a strong but adequate word. Rabiej would certainly fare better in Wiosna. Of course, he would fit in with us. He has modern views. We are close to people like Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Paweł Rabiej. Formally, JSW is in Teraz!, and later it will be Wiosna, I hope. Petru in Wiosna? No. Because he is a conservative on many worldview issues. He is a liberal politician; we are a progressive movement. There is likely no such scenario - stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Michał Wróblewski on the WP program "Tłit".

- We will be in front of the Presidential Palace because the President should speak out on this matter. There is a witch hunt against a certain social group, and there are real victims in the form of hate speech. We want to appeal to the President to speak out, to stand on the side of minorities and human rights. We will present the 'Spring's Five'. We will draw a rainbow for him under the Palace, on the pavement, because he doesn't want to talk to us - stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Michał Wróblewski on the WP program "Tłit".

„We are beginning the process of adopting a programmatic agreement. We will likely do this next week. The National Council is on Saturday. We will all be preparing, presenting lists, representatives of Civic Platform (PO). We are optimists. We managed to build a broad coalition” - said the PO leader, Grzegorz Schetyna, in Brussels - „We want to be a co-leader of European policy in Brussels again. We are ready for this”.

„Fidesz has been suspended from membership rights, not expelled from the EPP, by mutual agreement. It is clear that Viktor Orbán has calculated the situation. He is ready for discussion. He prefers to remain in the EPP, even under scrutiny, rather than find himself on the margins of European integration like PiS. It was not an easy decision. The indulgence for breaking the rule of law has ended, but we lobbied to give Orbán one last chance” - added the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski.

In a new spot, first published by 300POLITYKA, PiS is debunking Grzegorz Schetyna's current promises regarding teacher salary increases by contrasting them with the Civic Platform's (PO) time in government. The clip recalls statements made by Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska in 2015. The then-Minister of Education stated that nearly 60% of teachers earned 5,000 PLN, and that the state budget had no further funds for 2016.

- In the entire discussion about the teachers' strike, many forget how PO treated teachers and their demands. We want to remind and expose PO's hypocrisy - says one of PiS's key strategists in an interview with 300POLITYKA. As our interlocutors emphasize, this is an official campaign spot that will be presented at a press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubM0U-uxhpM

- As you know, for several days politicians in Poland have been engaged in a futile, hopeless, and completely non-substantive, unreliable dispute regarding LGBT individuals. Jarosław Kaczyński has deludedly, foolishly of course, decided to harness hatred towards homosexual people and stereotypes about LGBT individuals during the election campaign to gain social support. He will be mistaken. Jarosław Kaczyński has overplayed his hand. He will lose this fight because Polish women and men know that in 2019, you cannot scare people with LGBT individuals, gays, lesbians, transgender, or bisexual people. You cannot. This is partly because they know people like me, and many other public figures, and they know that these are ordinary people. Neither better nor worse than the rest of society. But we, as Wiosna, do not want to participate in this futile dispute. We do not want to engage in these emotions, which have reached their peak today and solve nothing in reality. Therefore, today we present five postulates for LGBT people, finally addressing issues that have not been resolved by any political party for many years - stated Robert Biedroń at a press conference in front of the Presidential Palace. He added:

"We, as Wiosna, have concrete postulates and we call on all political parties, including PiS and Platforma, and other parties, to adopt a stance on this matter. Not to bury their heads in the sand. We are saying 'we are checking' what you are proposing for this community. How you intend to improve the situation of LGBT people, so that no Kaczyński in the future, no PiS, will ever again intimidate LGBT people. That is why today we are proposing five points for LGBT people, and the symbol of this initiative will be the marriage equality act, which Wiosna will submit to the Sejm this autumn. We want the Constitution of the Republic of Poland to finally be implemented in 2019. And the Constitution states that no one can be discriminated against in Poland, in our country. This is what Article 32 of the Constitution says, and Article 1 states that the Republic of Poland is a common good of all citizens, without exception. And if that is the case, then we demand the adoption of this marriage equality act."

Wiosna's postulates include the introduction of registered partnerships and marriage equality, protection against hate speech and hate crimes, as well as sexual and anti-discrimination education, and a gender recognition act.

You might ask why I am here, in front of the Presidential Palace. This is not by chance. The president is the guardian of the Constitution, a person who holds the highest office in the state. But for several days now, Andrzej Duda has been passively observing this witch hunt against LGBT people. He has done nothing, said nothing, to change it. Imagine if such a witch hunt were waged against Poles in some country. Imagine if such a witch hunt were waged against Catholics in Poland, Jews in Poland. Would the President of the Republic of Poland remain silent in such a situation? He would not remain silent. He would certainly speak out immediately. He would take a stand, condemn this type of witch hunt. But President Duda is silent on this matter. Is he afraid of Jarosław Kaczyński? Is he afraid that Jarosław Kaczyński will summon him to his residence in Żoliborz, or to Nowogrodzka Street, and tell him what he tells his PiS government ministers and prime ministers every day? This must change. That is why I expect President Duda to be the president of all Poles, without exclusion, and to speak out on this important matter. That he will also stop the shameful witch hunt against LGBT people – stated Robert Biedroń at a press conference in front of the Presidential Palace.

"They are cynically exploiting the teachers' strike to attack the government, to sow discord, and to introduce chaos. Teachers will never hear from us that there is no money and there won't be any. I will remind you that the government is currently implementing reforms regarding changes in the teachers' remuneration system. We are implementing raises. This year marks another stage. Personally, in 2016, I declared that there would be raises for teachers. This process is ongoing," said Deputy Prime Minister Beata Szydło at a press conference.

"We realize that these salaries should be higher. As Prime Minister Morawiecki says, he would like a certified teacher to earn around 6,000 PLN, and this is our declaration that we want to talk about this. We are constantly open to dialogue. I deeply believe that the teaching community will accept this proposal for talks, that we will sit down at the table, and that we will be able to calmly establish a schedule of changes and further proposals that will emerge," she added.

I expect a clear stance from the opposition, the European Coalition, on what they will do specifically, so that no future Kaczyński says the words he says today, so that no future PiS does what it does towards LGBT people. I expect repentance from PiS and Jarosław Kaczyński, because the road from hate speech to hate crimes is very short - stated Robert Biedroń at a press conference in front of the Presidential Palace.

„Kraków, Małopolska, Świętokrzyskie are particularly close to my heart. I was born in Kraków, and for many years I was a politician, a Member of Parliament and a Member of the European Parliament for the Kraków region. I care deeply that this land has a truly outstanding, very effective, and capable representative in the European Parliament, that Poland has an effective and competent representative. Such a person is Minister Patryk Jaki, my deputy, about whom I can only say superlatives when it comes to his competence, commitment, and diligence” - said Minister Zbigniew Ziobro at a press conference in Kraków.

„I would like to present an offer for the residents of Lesser Poland and the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. If you choose me in this election, with all my conviction, strength, and determination, I will fight for values that are very close to you. First and foremost, Christian civilization in Europe is currently in retreat because the European Parliament invests very large funds in ideology and bureaucracy. As a result, Europe has ceased to be economically competitive. This will be the element I will definitely strive for” - said Deputy Minister Patryk Jaki.

„There is no strong Poland without a sovereign judiciary, and there is no citizen security if we are not treated equally with other EU states. Poland cannot be treated as a vassal state. We have the same rights and obligations as other EU countries. I will want to remind everyone of this if I receive a mandate” - added Jaki - „I will want to do everything so that the residents of these two regions can acquire the largest possible funds, so that these regions can develop. I have shown many times that I can fight with strength, determination, and character and repay the residents who choose me”.

„[Looking] at the example of our proposals, with all due respect, there is no comparison. There are a lot of names that mean nothing to anyone. They haven't been presented or accepted yet. It's all still happening. We will wait for all the lists of the Wiosna party. We'll see. They are certainly not people with political experience. Secondly, they have absolutely no European experience. I assess more that it will be a tough test for the political effectiveness, the political idea that Robert Biedroń presents. They are not the favorites of these elections. All signs point to a clash of two major blocs” - said the PO leader, Grzegorz Schetyna, in Brussels.

I would say the same if I were in his place. No words. If he [Grzegorz Schetyna] heard the names we have, if he heard that Zbigniew Bujak supports us, Monika Płotek, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Sylwia Spurek. Many well-known, respected names, experts, are running with Spring. People who have energy, who know languages, who, when they enter the EP, will start working immediately, they will all be stunned. They have no words – stated Robert Biedroń at a press conference in front of the Presidential Palace. – Usually, Grzegorz Schetyna doesn't lack comments and bon mots, but here he did – he continued. He added:

"I hope not [that Schetyna is not an opponent]. We are walking alongside each other. It's important to remove PiS from power, but it can't be like it was. This is also a list of shame and disgrace [Spring's five points] for previous governments, because these are demands that were on the agenda, non-governmental organizations have been appealing for years to solve them. There would be no Kaczyński today if the Civic Platform and previous governments had solved these issues. If there were proper sex education, no Kaczyński would be able to scare people with another person"

As the leader of Spring emphasized, due to the Civic Platform's lack of courage, we do not have registered partnerships, because these projects existed, they were put to a vote, but they were rejected.

This coming Tuesday at 4:30 PM, the parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Accountability will convene. The agenda includes a point concerning "an assessment of the evidence gathered in the preliminary motion to bring the President of the Supreme Audit Office, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, before the State Tribunal," as well as current matters. The session will, as is tradition, be closed to the media.

I want to emphasize that I still hope for an exit of Great Britain [from the EU] that will not be based solely on World Trade Organization agreement, but on an agreement between the EU and Great Britain, meaning a soft, calm exit of Great Britain, and we will of course discuss this today and I will present this position. I will also warn against those risky appeals that very much shorten the deadline to March 29th, and that's practically in a week. Thus, they are creating a situation of enormous pressure, putting Great Britain against the wall. I think it's worth compromising to give our British friends a few months to leave the EU, and this will be in the interest of the EU, Poland, and Great Britain - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki before the European Council summit in Brussels. As the head of the Polish government emphasized, this could be an additional 2-3 months.

Ahead of us are the European elections, a battle for Polish affairs in Brussels, and we all know that to win battles, you need truly brave and professional warriors. Without a doubt, such a person, a professional, excellently prepared, competent individual who has already gained experience in Polish politics and has managed tasks in the Ministry of Justice brilliantly, is my deputy, Patryk Jaki. I asked him to represent the Świętokrzyskie and Małopolska regions in the European Parliament. Because let's remember that one of the front lines affecting Poland, our country, but also influencing the future of Europe, is the front concerning justice. It's a battle for the opportunity for individual states, including Poland, to reform their judiciary and prosecution services. We would very much like states to be able to effectively reform their justice systems, so that Poland is not limited here. And who better to handle the dispute, which will undoubtedly also be a hot topic in Brussels, than the Deputy Minister of Justice, who knows this subject inside out? There in Brussels, we will also need representation that will effectively advocate for important Polish economic interests, for financial resources, because we, Poles, must realize that we are not a minor EU country that has to beg on its knees with its tail between its legs for mere pennies from the European table - stated Zbigniew Ziobro at a press conference in Kielce. No, we are a proud nation with a great European tradition and one of the largest countries in the EU. And for that reason, we also have our rights. We contribute significant funds to the common budget. Through our enormous domestic market, we provide opportunities for the development of companies from various wealthier EU countries, which earn fortunes, for instance, by building Polish roads, highways, and large infrastructure projects. Therefore, we must have representatives there who will convey this to the Eurocrats, pointing out that we have no complexes, but we have the right to expect real financial support within the framework of the principles established during the creation of the EU. Without a doubt, Minister Jaki is also such a person who will articulate this competently, consistently, and courageously. That is why, with full conviction, being unable to run myself as I am the Minister of Justice and wish to fulfill this role and complete the tasks entrusted to me, I asked Patryk Jaki to take on this task - added the Minister of Justice.

- I would like to very cordially ask for your vote in the upcoming elections. There are three most important areas in which I will want to represent the residents of the Świętokrzyskie and Małopolskie Voivodeships with dignity. The first of these is, of course, the area of security, viewed in two dimensions. The first dimension is the fight against organized crime and corruption. Today, a very broad discussion on this topic is also taking place in European institutions. I am convinced that in the future, the Świętokrzyskie and Małopolskie Voivodeships may also receive more funds precisely so that you feel safer. But there is, of course, the second dimension of security. That is, broadly understood migration policy. You have seen many times what is happening in Western countries that have opened their borders very wide and were unable to wisely defend the security of their citizens. Unfortunately, in the future, Poland will face such a threat, and I want to declare to you that if I receive a mandate in these elections [to the European Parliament], I will defend Poland against the introduction of this unwise migration policy in this area as well, because soon it may turn out that we will have problems similar to those of Western countries, where something is exploding all the time – stated Patryk Jaki at a press conference in Kielce. He added:

"And there is a third, very important area. Namely, a fight of a civilizational nature. Today, unfortunately, Europe, which – I recall – has rich Christian traditions, and the EU itself was created, one can refer to Schumann's statements, was created based on Christian values, and today it turns out that a lot of European money is being invested to fight Christian values. Do you know that in the previous European Parliament term, there were 250 votes concerning LGBT? 250. Of course, very often the funds allocated were for these organizations, which is something completely contrary to what the creators of the EU built the community around. Therefore, I want to speak loudly about this, remind people, and these are the three areas where the fight will take place over the next 5 years. Of course, there will also be a fight for money for Poland, there will be a new budget perspective, and therefore it is very important to choose people who will vote in accordance with Polish national interest, which will also benefit the Świętokrzyskie and Małopolskie Voivodeships."

- My direct opponent is Róża Thun, who has repeatedly voted against Poland's position and national interest. And one could ask the question: why is she chosen then? During this election campaign, I will remind and show what the fundamental difference between us is. That is, on one side, the United Right and the firm defense of Polish interests, because let us remember that the EU area is also a struggle of nation-states, and on the other side, the PO-KO club and people like Róża Thun, who votes against Polish national interests – emphasized the Deputy Minister of Justice. He noted that he wants to provide a guarantee that he will fight decisively and with determination for Polish interests, as well as for those of these two regions in the European Parliament.

Platforma is responding to today's PiS spot on the same day. The new spot utilizes statements from President Duda and Krzysztof Szczerski, as well as Beata Szydło and Mateusz Morawiecki. - Under the Platform's rule, teacher salaries increased by an average of 44%. Let's return to normality. On May 26th, let's vote for the European Coalition - says the narrator.

https://twitter.com/Platforma_org/status/1108776534586867712

As 300POLITYKA learns, on the first Saturday of next month – April 6th – the European Coalition plans to hold a joint election convention. As our interlocutors emphasize, the individual parties forming the coalition still need to approve their candidates – Platforma will do so this coming Saturday during a meeting of its National Council.

The Peasants have already begun promoting their candidates; Adam Jarubas was presented today, and the presentation of another candidate is scheduled for tomorrow. The SLD, in turn, will approve its lists on March 31st. Earlier, it was rumored that the convention would take place at the turn of March and April, but this morning, Tomasz Siemoniak suggested on Polish Radio that it would occur in the first decade of April.

As 300POLITYKA has learned, on the first Saturday of next month – i.e., April 6th – the European Coalition plans to hold a joint election convention. As our sources emphasize, the individual parties within the coalition still need to approve their candidates. This coming Saturday, Civic Platform will do so at a National Council meeting.

The Peasants' Party has already begun promoting its candidates; Adam Jarubas was presented today, and the presentation of another candidate is scheduled for tomorrow. The Democratic Left Alliance, in turn, will approve its lists on March 31st. Earlier, it was suggested that the convention would take place at the turn of March and April, but this morning Tomasz Siemoniak indicated on Polish Radio that it would occur within the first decade of April.

- I remember during the 2015 election campaign, when Prime Minister Szydło was touring Poland, she said this would be a team that would not only hear but also listen. Today, Prime Minister Szydło is starting her election campaign in Krakow, presenting lists for the European Parliament. I haven't heard a single activity from Prime Minister Szydło, despite her dealing with social affairs in the government. I think Prime Minister Szydło, even though she's escaping to Brussels and will soon have a salary in euros, should remember that for now she has a salary in zlotys and is paid by the Polish government, the Polish taxpayer, to resolve these kinds of conflicts - said Cezary Tomczyk in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

„Everyone has the right to build a formation, especially if they are convinced that it represents a significant part of public expectations. Today we have a special situation. For me, what will be more important is whether Mr. Biedroń's party, after the European elections which will serve to form a faction and take stock, will be able to strengthen the unified front, a common list of the pro-democratic and European opposition, before the national parliamentary elections. Then every common vote will count” - said former president Bronisław Komorowski in an interview with Piotr Marciniak on „Fakty po Faktach” on TVN24.

- I want to say this very clearly. President Trzaskowski also spoke about this. We will always stand on the side of minorities. These minorities are not just people of a different sexual orientation. They are also seniors, people with disabilities. These are groups that PiS has been fighting against over the last three years - said Cezary Tomczyk in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" on Polsat News.

“We all would like [the teachers' protest] to end with some agreement, with concessions towards the teachers from the government. We all know very well that teachers are poorly paid in Poland. Efforts to improve the financial status of teachers translate into endeavors for the standard of Polish schools,” said former President Bronisław Komorowski in a conversation with Piotr Marciniak on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach" (Facts after Facts).

- Spring has come. People are thinking about love, about other things. Not about politics. Let it be - said Robert Biedroń in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

- A month ago, your party had 13, 14, 15% in the polls, in several of them. Today it has 6, 7%. So you've dropped - the journalist observed.

- That's not true. You are quoting the CBOS research center, which conducts such surveys for the government - replied the leader of Wiosna.

- There are three other polls that say exactly the same thing. You are below 10%.

- The last average of polls calculated from February is 11%.

- We are in March.

- But there isn't an average yet.

APRIL 6TH: EUROPEAN COALITION CONVENTION - we write on 300POLITYCE. https://300polityka.pl/live/2019/03/21/6-kwietnia-wspolna-konwencja-koalicji-europejskiej/ -- LIVEBLOG 300POLITYKI: Biedroń on Wiosna's weakening polls: Spring has arrived. People are thinking about love, about other things. Not politics. Komorowski: We would all like the teachers' protest to end with some agreement, with concessions from the government. Tomczyk: We will always stand on the side of minorities. Komorowski on Wiosna: What is more important is whether a unified front, a common list of the pro-democratic opposition, will be strengthened after the European elections. Tomczyk on the teachers' protest: I haven't heard a single activity from Szydło, even though she deals with social issues. She should remember that for now, she has a salary in zlotys and is paid by the Polish taxpayer. "Under the Platform's rule, teachers' salaries increased by an average of 44%." PO responds to PiS's ad. Jaki: On the one hand, the United Right and the firm defense of Polish interests, and on the other hand, the PO-KO club and people like Thun, who votes against Polish national interests. Ziobro on EP elections: Unable to run myself, as I want to complete the tasks entrusted to me, I asked Patryk Jaki to undertake this task. PMM: It's worth giving our British friends a few months to leave the EU on a compromise basis. Next week, the Sejm committee will again discuss impeaching the President of NIK before the State Tribunal. PO: This week we will submit the lex Kuchciński bill, a bill on the transparency of flights of key state officials. https://300polityka.pl/live/2019/03/21/ ***** POLSAT NEWS EVENTS -- THE TEACHERS' PROTEST IS INTENSIFYING, ON MONDAY THE SOLIDARITY UNION OCCUPYING THE MAŁOPOLSKA CURATORIUM WILL START A HUNGER STRIKE - announcement. -- SOLIDARITY DEMANDS A 15% INCREASE THIS YEAR AND 15% NEXT YEAR - Grzegorz Kępka. -- ON MONDAY, THE RESULTS OF THE STRIKE REFERENDUM ORGANIZED BY ZNP, WHICH WANTS A 1000 PLN INCREASE THIS YEAR, WILL BE KNOWN - Kępka continues. -- SOLIDARITY DOES NOT SUPPORT THE STRIKE, BUT ITS AUTHORITIES DO NOT HIDE THAT MANY TEACHERS BELONGING TO THE UNION MAY STRIKE - Kępka. -- THE PRESIDENT AND THE PRIME MINISTER DISCUSSED TEACHER PROTECTION FOR TWO HOURS YESTERDAY - Kępka continues: No statement was released after the meeting. -- AS WE UNOFFICIALLY LEARNED, NO ACTIONS WERE AGREED UPON THAT WOULD PREVENT THE TEACHERS' STRIKE - Kępka. -- A LAST CHANCE MEETING IS ALSO PLANNED FOR MONDAY AT THE WARSAW DIALOGUE CENTER - Kępka continues. -- UNDER WAWEL CASTLE, PATRYK JAKI COULD COUNT ON THE SUPPORT OF HIS BOSS TODAY - announcement. -- ZBIGNIEW ZIOBRO, WHO ALWAYS HAD A GREAT ELECTORAL RESULT IN KRAKOW, IS HELPING THE DEPUTY MINISTER IN THE EUROPEAN RACE IN THIS WAY - Bartosz Kurek. -- IF BEATA SZYDŁO FEARED PATRYK JAKI RUNNING FROM THE SAME LIST, THAT'S WHY - Dariusz Ociepa: It is no secret that in the elections Jaki would like to reverse the order [Jaki is running from 3rd place, Beata Szydło from 1st]. Today he received support from his superior and promoter. -- ZBIGNIEW ZIOBRY'S SUPPORT IS VALUABLE BECAUSE ZIOBRO ACHIEVED THE GREATEST ELECTORAL SUCCESSES IN KRAKOW - Ociepa continues. -- HALF AN HOUR AFTER JAKI'S CONFERENCE IN KRAKOW, SZYDŁO ORGANIZED HER OWN IN WARSAW - Ociepa. -- THE SZYDŁO-JAKI FIGHT WILL CERTAINLY BE INTERESTING, ALTHOUGH IT WILL LARGELY TAKE PLACE UNDER THE TABLE - Ociepa continues. -- WITH THE CURTAIN OPEN, PiS CANDIDATES WILL FIGHT THE EUROPEAN COALITION - Ociepa. -- THE EUROPEAN COALITION, LIKE PiS, IS STARTING TO PROMOTE CANDIDATES, BUT IT IS HARD NOT TO GET THE IMPRESSION THAT THIS TEMPO IS SLOWER THAN PiS - Ociepa continues. -- WIOSNA IS ACCELERATING - Ociepa: Robert Biedroń presented his 'Five for LGBT' today. -- ROBERT BIEDROŃ DREW A RAINBOW FOR PRESIDENT DUDA AND EXPECTS HIM, AS THE PRESIDENT OF ALL POLES, TO STAND UP FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY - Ociepa continues. -- THE EUROPEAN UNION IS CURRENTLY DECIDING WHETHER TO POSTPONE BREXIT. -- STATE BUDGET IN THE RED, THE BUDGET DEFICIT HAS BEEN GROWING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. ***** TVN FACTS -- THE PRESIDENT IS SILENT, THE PRIME MINISTER IS LEAVING, THE FINANCE MINISTER IS SINKING INTO THE GROUND, BUT THE SPOKESPERSON HAS KACZYŃSKI'S FIVE FOR THE TEACHERS - Anita Werner. -- IF THE TEACHERS WERE COUNTING ON PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT, THEY WERE DISAPPOINTED TWICE TODAY - Krzysztof Skórzyński: The president's silence dispels the hopes of teachers who were counting on Andrzej Duda's involvement after he discussed their demands with the prime minister for two hours yesterday. -- SINCE THE AFTERNOON, KRAKOW HAS BEEN THE FLASHPOINT ON THE TEACHERS' PROTEST MAP - Skórzyński continues. -- THE MORNING STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON, WHO, WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE WAGE INCREASE DEMAND, REPLIED: "AFTER ALL, THERE IS THE KACZYŃSKI PACKAGE," INFLUENCED THE TEACHERS' MOOD - Skórzyński. -- ACCORDING TO OUR INFORMATION, THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARING A SCENARIO OF PLAYING FOR TIME AND CREATING DIVISION - Skórzyński continues. -- IN THE AFTERNOON, THE SITUATION BECAME COMPLICATED FOR THE GOVERNMENT - Skórzyński. -- IF NO BREAKTHROUGH OCCURS, THE STRIKE WILL BEGIN ON APRIL 8TH AND IS TO LAST INDEFINITELY - Skórzyński continues. -- "I HANDED OVER THE ENVELOPE, AND MR. KACZYŃSKI ENTERED HIS OFFICE WITH THE ENVELOPE" - THESE ARE THE WORDS FROM THE INTERROGATION AND THE ACCOUNT OF AN AUSTRIAN BUSINESSMAN FROM A MEETING WITH THE HEAD OF PiS - announcement. -- IT IS ALREADY KNOWN WHAT DID NOT IMPRESS THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE - Jakub Sobieniowski: For example, the fragment of Gerald Birgfellner's testimony published by "Gazeta Wyborcza." -- FRAGMENTS OF THE GW PUBLICATION. -- THESE TESTIMONIES, GIVEN UNDER PENALTY OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY, DO NOT IMPRESS THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE - Sobieniowski. -- HOWEVER, THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE ALSO HAS DOCUMENTS AND RECORDED CONVERSATIONS OF JAROSŁAW KACZYŃSKI - Sobieniowski continues: It has an invoice, it has proof of money transfers, and there are even recordings of the then head of NFOŚ, who was also involved in planning the construction of two towers, although it was not his responsibility. -- ALL OF THIS, AS IT SEEMS, DOES NOT IMPRESS THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, FOR WHICH THE ENTREPRENEUR'S LAWYERS HAVE FILED AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT, BUT RATHER WITHOUT MUCH HOPE - Sobieniowski. -- ZBIGNIEW ZIOBRO IS CRITICIZING THE AUSTRIAN BUSINESSMAN AND HIS LAWYERS TODAY - Sobieniowski continues. -- BREXIT MAY BE DELAYED - report by Maciej Sokołowski. -- PAWEŁ GRAŚ BEFORE THE VAT INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE. -- THIS SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE DID NOT CONCERN THE VAT GAP ITSELF, BUT THE RECORDINGS FROM THE SOWA AND FRIENDS RESTAURANT AND WHAT PAWEŁ GRAŚ SAID REGARDING VAT - Maciej Knapik. -- FRAGMENTS OF THE INTERROGATION. -- GRAŚ HAD LITTLE TO DO WITH VAT, EVEN PiS ADMITS THIS - Knapik. -- THE OPPOSITION PROTESTS: PiS CANNOT FIND MAREK FALENTA, WHO SHOULD ALREADY BE IN PRISON FOR THE RECORDINGS, BUT IS SUMMONING AND INTERROGATING HIS VICTIM - Knapik continues. -- THE SUMMONS OF GRAS IS JUST A PRELUDE TO TUSK'S INTERROGATION - THE OPPOSITION SAYS - Knapik. -- BIEDROŃ'S TEAM, INCLUDING BUJAK, PŁATEK, SCHEURING-WIELGUS - announcement. -- ROBERT BIEDROŃ ENSURED THAT THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING - HERE IN WARSAW, IN FRONT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE - WAS ASSOCIATED PRIMARILY WITH HIS SPRING - Arleta Zalewska. -- ROBERT BIEDROŃ'S TEAM, ASSOCIATED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY WITH HIM, HAS JUST BEGUN PRESENTING THE REMAINING CANDIDATES FOR THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - Zalewska continues. -- ANY RESULT ABOVE THE ELECTORAL THRESHOLD WILL BE A SUCCESS FOR BIEDROŃ - Zalewska: Not obtaining a mandate negates his chances in the autumn elections. -- TO PUT IT PLAINLY, MAY 26TH IS JUST THE FIRST ROUND OF ELECTIONS FOR THEM, AND A FIGHT FOR WHETHER A SECOND ROUND WILL EVEN TAKE PLACE - Zalewska continues. -- IN A REPORT ABOUT WIOSNA'S FIVE FOR LGBT. -- FIDESZ SUSPENDED IN THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE'S PARTY. -- STEFAN W. SENT FOR PSYCHIATRIC OBSERVATION. ***** TVP NEWS -- KACZYŃSKI'S FIVE IS DRIVING THE ECONOMY - banner. -- POLAND IS THE ONLY ONE OF 20 COUNTRIES FOR WHICH FITCH HAS RAISED ITS GDP GROWTH FORECAST FOR THIS AND NEXT YEAR - announcement. -- ACCORDING TO FITCH, THE POLISH ECONOMY WILL GROW BY 4% THIS YEAR, AND BY 3.5% NEXT YEAR, DESPITE THE SLOWDOWN - Karol Jałtuszewski. -- ACCORDING TO THE AGENCY, THESE RESULTS WILL BE CAUSED BY KACZYŃSKI'S FIVE - Jałtuszewski. -- THE EXPANSION OF 500+ TO INCLUDE THE FIRST CHILD IS PROCEEDING ACCORDING TO PLAN - Jałtuszewski. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR TEACHER RAISES - Jałtuszewski. -- NEW PiS AD REGARDING TEACHER RAISES. -- SZYDŁO APPEALS NOT TO USE THE TEACHERS' PROTEST FOR POLITICAL DISPUTE - Jałtuszewski. -- FIDESZ SUSPENDED IN EPP MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS. -- KACZYŃSKI'S TALKS WITH ABASCAL. -- "IT WAS NOT SECRET KNOWLEDGE," SAYS PAWEŁ GRAŚ ABOUT VAT FRAUD. INTERROGATION BEFORE THE INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE. -- WHEN DONALD TUSK WAS IN POWER, WHOSE SPOKESPERSON WAS PAWEŁ GRAŚ, VAT CRIMES WERE NOT DETECTED AND PROSECUTED - Bartłomiej Graczak. -- GRAŚ KNEW THE PROBLEM WELL - Graczak: Today he was not as verbose as on the Sowa i Przyjaciele tapes. -- THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL PRESENTED INFORMATION ON THE TRIBUNAL'S ACTIVITIES IN 2018 IN THE SENATE. -- ROBERT BIEDROŃ, JOANNA MUCHA, AND RÓŻA THUN ARE SHOWING OFF PICTURES IN VARIOUS SOCKS ON THE INTERNET, A SYMBOL OF SOLIDARITY WITH PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME. ALL OF THEM ARE KNOWN FOR SUPPORTING PROPONENTS OF LEGAL ABORTION OF SICK CHILDREN - Konrad Wąż. -- "THIS IS INSOLENCE" - THIS IS HOW PATRYK JAKI SPEAKS ABOUT THE KILLING OF UNBORN SICK CHILDREN - Wąż. -- POLITICIANS ARE DEMANDING INCREASINGLY GREATER RIGHTS FOR LGBT INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO ADOPT CHILDREN FOR HOMOSEXUAL COUPLES, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME WANTING TO GET RID OF CHILDREN WHO DO NOT MEET THEIR EXPECTATIONS - Wąż.