At 11:00 in Łódź, the regional electoral convention of the Polish People's Party (PSL) will take place with the participation of the PSL candidate for Member of the European Parliament, Paweł Bejda, running on the European Coalition list. The meeting will also be attended by PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. A press conference will be held at 12:30. Subsequently, at 14:00 in Gdańsk, the Pomeranian convention of Civic Platform will take place.

At 16:30 in Warsaw, a European brainstorming session will be held with the participation of the Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, and Robert Biedroń. "Let's meet to talk about the future of the EU," the organizers encourage. Furthermore, as we wrote on 300POLITYCE, at 18:00, Timmermans will meet with the management of the Social Democracy of the Left (SLD) at the SLD headquarters on Złota Street. No press conference is planned after the meeting.

"At 19:00 - under immense time pressure - negotiations will take place. As Dorota Gardias informed a moment ago, the negotiations will be convened at the request of the government side," the Polish Teachers' Union (ZNP) announced on Twitter.

"The government is ready to sign an agreement. There is an offer for teachers providing for pay increases. Mr. Chairman Broniarz states that tomorrow's meeting is too late to end the strike. I am ready to talk even early in the morning," wrote Beata Szydło yesterday on Twitter.

- You won't escape the fact that the president will once again disobey his wife, who, incidentally, probably doesn't really want to participate in politics, and will listen to his boss - stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty during Dariusz Ociepa's "Breakfast at Polsat News," referring to the teachers' strike and the role of President Andrzej Duda.

- If after four months since the proposals or demands of teachers were submitted, you still don't know what it's about, then you are truly a bunch of bunglers. This government is a bunch of bunglers - stated Marcin Kierwiński during Dariusz Ociepa's "Breakfast on Polsat News".

Former Prime Minister and current MEP Beata Szydło commented on the situation surrounding the planned teachers' strike. In her opinion, the media's focus on the issue is detrimental.

"A 'bronowacz' (a slang term for someone who is vocal and perhaps aggressive in public discourse, often in a confrontational manner) in the media, before the talks even begin, predetermines the strike. This does not help," Szydło wrote on Twitter.

She added that "it's not about reaching an agreement, but about provoking."

The teachers' strike is planned for April 8th. Teachers are demanding a 30% pay rise. The Ministry of National Education has proposed a 15% increase and a bonus for teachers, which has been rejected by the trade unions.

- When you have a convention, can you really play the teacher card, because they are waiting for it, what are you saying? 500 PLN per cow, 100 PLN per pig. This is like a provocation - stated Andrzej Halicki on TVN24's "Kawa na ławę" (Coffee on the Bench).

The upcoming week in Polish politics is dominated by what appears to be the start of an indefinite teachers' strike, the anniversary of the Smoleńsk air disaster, and an extraordinary EU summit concerning Brexit.

In the latter half of the week, parliamentary sessions of both the Sejm (lower house) and the Senate (upper house) will take place. The Sejm deputies will address, among other issues, a reduction in the copper tax, while the Senate will consider the 'Emerytura plus' (Pension Plus) bill, recently dubbed 'Jarkowe' (referring to Jarosław Kaczyński).

Other topics include an update on Poland's credit rating by one of the 'Big Three' rating agencies, another regional convention hosted by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, a parliamentary committee meeting on a motion to dismiss Minister Gróbarczyk, and celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD).

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Teachers' Strike. All indications point to the start of a teachers' strike on Monday, unless an agreement is reached during Sunday's negotiations. On Friday, ZNP (Polish Teachers' Union) president Sławomir Broniarz stated that "no circumstances or premises exist that would give us the legitimacy to discuss suspending strike action on Monday."

Deadline for Election Committee Registration. While the deadline for political parties to notify the National Electoral Commission of the formation of an election committee, or for an electoral representative to notify of the formation of a coalition election committee or an voters' election committee, was April 6th, that date fell on a Saturday. Therefore, in practice, the deadline extends to Monday. The deadline for registering candidate lists is April 16th at midnight.

Smoleńsk Air Disaster Anniversary. Wednesday marks the 9th anniversary of the Smoleńsk air disaster. The main commemorations will take place in Warsaw. A Holy Mass is scheduled for 8:00 AM, followed by the 'Apel Pamięci' (Roll Call of Remembrance) at 8:41 AM, and the laying of wreaths before the monument to the late Lech Kaczyński and the monument to the victims of the tragedy at 9:10 AM. A second Holy Mass will be held at 7:00 PM, with speeches by Jarosław Kaczyński and Andrzej Duda scheduled for 8:45 PM.

PAD's Schedule. On Monday, President Andrzej Duda will visit the Lubuskie Voivodeship, where he will meet with residents of Słubice at 4:00 PM and in the Sulęcin district at 6:30 PM. On Tuesday, PAD will participate in the seventh conference in the series "Perspectives for Rural Residents" and later, at 4:00 PM, will visit Mogilno in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship to meet with residents of the Mogilno district.

Supreme Court's Disciplinary Chamber on New Supreme Court Judges' Status. On Wednesday at 10:00 AM, the Supreme Court's Disciplinary Chamber, in full session, will address a legal issue concerning the validity of the appointment of new Supreme Court judges.

Committee on Gróbarczyk's Dismissal. On Wednesday at 1:00 PM, the Sejm's Committee on Maritime Economy and Inland Waterway Transport will review and provide an opinion on the opposition's motion of no confidence against the Minister of Maritime Economy and Inland Waterway Transport, Marek Gróbarczyk. The date for the Sejm's consideration of this motion has not yet been set.

Extraordinary EU Summit on Brexit. On Wednesday at 6:00 PM, the leaders of the 27 EU member states will convene to discuss the latest developments concerning Brexit. "Following the rejection of the withdrawal agreement by the House of Commons, I have decided to convene a European Council summit on April 10th," confirmed Donald Tusk on March 29th, after the vote in the House of Commons. On March 21st, EU-27 leaders decided that if the withdrawal agreement were rejected, the Brexit deadline would be April 12th.

VAT Investigative Committee. On Thursday at 10:00 AM, the VAT investigative committee will question Tomasz Michalak, former director of the Ministry of Finance's Customs Policy Department. This is the only hearing scheduled for this week.

Senate on 'Emerytura Plus'. During a two-day session on Thursday and Friday, the Senate will consider the bill concerning a one-time financial benefit for pensioners and disability pensioners in 2019, known as 'Emerytura plus'. Earlier, on Wednesday at 12:00 PM, the Senate Committee on Family, Senior Policy, and Social Affairs will address the bill. All indications suggest that the government's proposal will be adopted without amendments and sent to the President's desk.

Sejm on Copper Tax Reduction. On Thursday at 11:00 AM, the Sejm will hold the second reading of a bill proposed by PiS to reduce the copper tax by 15%. This tax reduction was one of the conditions set by the United Poland politicians and was included in the coalition agreement with PiS. Earlier, on Wednesday at 4:30 PM, the bill will be considered by the Sejm's Public Finance Committee, and the entire legislative process could be concluded in Friday's voting block between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

Committee on Charging Kwiatkowski before the Tribunal of State. On Thursday at 1:00 PM, the Sejm's Committee on Constitutional Responsibility will, as is tradition, hold a closed session to review the evidentiary material gathered in the preliminary motion to bring the President of the Supreme Audit Office, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, before the Tribunal of State.

Poland's Rating Update. On Friday, Standard & Poor's, one of the "Big Three" rating agencies, will update Poland's credit rating. This follows a recent review by Fitch at the end of March, which affirmed Poland's existing rating with a stable outlook.

PiS Convention. We have heard that a regional PiS convention will be held in Lublin this coming weekend. This location was initially considered for the last Saturday, but the ruling party's event ultimately took place in Kadzidło, Masovia. PiS has been consistently organizing regional conventions for several weeks.

SLD 20th Anniversary Celebrations. As we reported on 300POLITYKA, on Saturday in Warsaw, celebrations will be held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD). Participants will include former prime ministers Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Leszek Miller, and Marek Belka, as well as former SLD chairmen, members of parliament, senators, ministers, and Speakers of the Sejm from the SLD.

Photo: PiS

Today marks the regional electoral convention of the PSL, with the party's European Parliament candidate Paweł Bejda, running on the European Coalition list, in attendance. The meeting was also attended by PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

https://twitter.com/nowePSL/status/1114826036494000129

https://twitter.com/nowePSL/status/1114824836281450497

“For decades, Gdańsk has always been a voice of support for those communities and groups that were excluded, humiliated, or rejected by the government. Today, a voice of support must also resound from Gdańsk for teachers. Tomorrow, they begin a strike, the largest education strike in decades. This is the result of the reform introduced by Anna Zalewska, who is fleeing responsibility in Brussels. It is also the result of the government’s arrogance, mockery, insults, and intimidation of teachers” – said Sławomir Neumann, head of the Civic Platform-Civic Coalition (PO-KO) parliamentary club and head of the Civic Platform's structures in Pomerania, during the European Coalition's regional convention in Gdańsk.

„For months, they've been telling teachers there's no money for raises, that the budget isn't elastic, that they can't give them raises. Instead of respect, dialogue, or a willingness to talk, they receive increasingly provocative proposals. Yesterday, they could have learned that if they want a raise, they should buy a cow. This is the arrogance and hypocrisy of this government. Yesterday, Jarosław Kaczyński didn't even mention the problems in education, or how to resolve this conflict, but he talked about the 'Cow+' program, he spoke of 500+ for every cow, not to mention 100 złoty for a pig. I warn the farmers. Check if it's really for every cow, because maybe it's for every second one. This is pitting people against each other, pitting groups against each other. You can't divide Poles like this” - said Sławomir Neumann, head of the Civic Platform-KO parliamentary club and head of Civic Platform's Pomeranian structures, during the regional convention of the European Coalition in Gdańsk.

“A week ago in Gdańsk, Jarosław Kaczyński spoke a great deal about freedom. We quickly found out how he understands this freedom. For him, this freedom is the face of Mr. Guzikiewicz, [and] Drelich, who forbid Poles from celebrating together on Solidarity Square on June 4th. This is how these people understand freedom. Gdańsk and Pomerania will manage. They have dealt with worse. Thousands of Poles will be here with us on June 4th, led by Lech Wałęsa, to celebrate the anniversary of those elections. It will be a special celebration, a very joyful one, because it will be a few days after Poles make a great choice on May 26th. They will choose Poland's future” - said Sławomir Neumann, head of the Civic Platform-Civic Coalition (PO-KO) parliamentary club and head of the Pomeranian structures of PO, during the European Coalition's regional convention in Gdańsk.

„Grand words must be restored to their true meaning. Two weeks ago, Jarosław Kaczyński arrived here and promised freedom as an addition to his electoral pledges. I want to clarify something for President Kaczyński. Freedom in Gdańsk was won under the leadership of Lech Wałęsa, Bogdan Borusewicz, many wonderful people of Solidarity, everyone who risked their lives to gain it for Poland. For centuries, successive generations have shed blood for freedom” – said the Civic Platform leader, Grzegorz Schetyna, in Gdańsk during a regional convention of the European Coalition.

„No politician will give us [freedom] or take it away, just like that, because an election campaign is underway. No one has that right or power. Regardless of anyone's whims, a free Poland is and will be, and no one will ever erase the memory of Gdańsk, of the great August 1980. It was a great victory for Polish women and men” – he added.

„The ruling party confuses the freedom of power with the arbitrariness of power, but we will explain it to them. We will repeat it until they understand. In a democracy, it is the power that should be limited and controlled, and the people free, not the other way around” - said the Civic Platform leader, Grzegorz Schetyna, in Gdańsk during the European Coalition's regional convention.

„They [teachers] are accused of greed, spat upon, and efforts are made to hound and humiliate them. We must all show them solidarity today. They deserve to work in better conditions, they deserve respect, to be listened to, and higher salaries. Let them hear words of encouragement and solidarity from us. We stand with them today” - said the Civic Platform leader, Grzegorz Schetyna, in Gdańsk during the European Coalition's regional convention.

- Kaczyński is not introducing any '500+ for a cow' program, #CowPlus. He won't spend anything on farmer aid. He simply dangled bait on a hook. Now, he's probably watching with a smile as the indignant protest against 'scandalous PiS handouts'. It's this very indignation that's driving voters to him. Cost: 0 PLN - wrote Adrian Zandberg on social media.

https://twitter.com/ZandbergRAZEM/status/1114898105894412288

- What am I doing here? Why am I asking you, dear residents of my native Pomerania, my beloved Gdańsk, wonderful Sopot, and beautiful Gdynia? My most magnificent hometown of Słupsk, the strong Kartuzy - so strong that people like Andrzej Wroński are born there, Starogard Gdański - one of our oldest cities and the capital of wonderful Kociewie, amazing Tczew where people lived 3,000 years before Christ, Wejherowo with its modern Kashubian Philharmonic, ambitious Pruszcz Gdański - which was an important river port even in the Roman Empire, the beautiful and dynamic Chojnice that can be an example of development for all of us, charming Puck with its Sea Cap' guarding the port, Kwidzyn with its magnificent castle... and let all of Poland finally remember that life in Kwidzyn is wonderful, not in Kwidzyń - stated Magdalena Adamowicz during the Pomeranian convention of the European Coalition. She added:

"Why am I asking you, dear residents of the forest-scented Bytów with its fairy-tale Teutonic castle, proud Kościerzyna with descendants of the blacksmith's son who saved the inhabitants from a bear immortalized in its coat of arms, Lębork, where people lived 11,000 years ago and hunted reindeer, Malbork with the most magnificent castle in the world, beautiful Człuchów with probably the only Official Lake in Poland - but its residents are wonderfully relaxed, Sztum regaining its splendor, worth visiting for knightly tournaments and plein air painting in the castle courtyard, Nowy Dwór Gdański located on the beautiful river Tuga, and all other smaller and larger cities and towns, villages, and settlements of our Pomerania... Why am I asking you all to vote? Because a great choice lies ahead."

The provided text consists of links to Twitter posts. Without the content of these posts, a direct translation of an article is not possible. However, based on the title and the common context of such events, the article likely discusses a meeting or discussion involving Polish politician Robert Biedroń and Frans Timmermans, a prominent figure in European politics, possibly related to European affairs or policy discussions in Warsaw.

To provide a full translation, please provide the actual content of the tweets or the article they refer to.

- The government is ready to sign an agreement. We have a good offer that has been presented to the trade unions. We are currently awaiting the unions' stance and their decisions. It is important for us to reach an agreement and sign it so that the exams can proceed normally, without added stress for the youth and students, beyond the stress naturally arising from the exams themselves. We are keen for there to be a possibility, from the unions' side, to mitigate any form of protest if they maintain their will to protest, but I will encourage and urge the social partners to sign the agreement today. On the table, among other things, is an offer that stipulates a 15% increase in teachers' salaries this year. I believe this is a good proposal. In addition, there is a shortening of the traineeship period, acceleration of professional advancement, and all those expectations that the unions have also voiced, and the second part of this agreement, namely a new social contract - stated Beata Szydło at a briefing at the RDS.

- We want teachers to truly have a working standard and earnings at a European level, but we have to start somewhere - added the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Senate committee will convene on this matter on Tuesday, with the election expected to take place during a two-day session commencing on Thursday.

https://twitter.com/MichalOlech/status/1114970816796446720

- We have concluded today's talks on the situation in education, the proposals that were prepared by the government for the teachers' trade union centers. These were neither easy nor short talks. The government presented several proposals. Unfortunately, and I say this with great regret, these proposals were rejected by two trade union centers. However, I am very pleased that "Solidarity" accepted the government's proposal. This is a good agreement, because it is a good proposal for teachers - stated Beata Szydło at a briefing in the RDS.

Broniarz: Od jutra zaczynamy strajk
https://twitter.com/Broniarz/status/1114977036584607745

- I am very pleased that this agreement will be signed by "Solidarity" and by the government at this time - stated Beata Szydło at a briefing at the RDS. She added:

"This is a success because we have shown that an agreement can be signed that offers a good chance and a future perspective. It is a pity that we are not signing this with the other trade union centres at this moment, but the government is ready, if the trade union centres approach us with a proposal for such talks, it is ready to continue this dialogue further, because it is needed primarily by Polish schools"

A peculiar statement from Krzysztof Tomczyk, a Polish politician and a Member of Parliament for the Civic Platform (PO), has caused a stir in the political landscape. In a tweet on April 8, 2019, Tomczyk declared, "PiS signed an agreement with PiS." This statement, seemingly paradoxical, has been interpreted in various ways, sparking debate among political commentators and the public.

The Law and Justice (PiS) party, currently in power in Poland, is a single political entity. The assertion that PiS would sign an agreement with itself suggests an internal maneuver, a self-serving deal, or perhaps a cryptic commentary on the party's internal dynamics and decision-making processes. Given the political context in Poland, where PiS has been a dominant force, such a statement from an opposition figure points to potential internal contradictions or a critique of the party's perceived self-sufficiency.

Some analyses suggest that Tomczyk's statement could be a sarcastic jab at the perceived lack of genuine opposition or compromise within the ruling party. It might imply that PiS is operating in isolation, making decisions that benefit only itself, without engaging in meaningful dialogue or negotiation with other political actors. The phrase "agreement with PiS" could therefore be a metaphor for an internal consensus or a closed-door deal that circumvents broader public or parliamentary scrutiny.

Another interpretation is that the statement highlights a situation where different factions or branches within the PiS party have reached an understanding, effectively operating as separate entities despite belonging to the same political formation. This could point to internal power struggles or strategic alliances being formed within the party.

The tweet, which links to a Twitter post from Tomczyk's account (https://twitter.com/CTomczyk/status/1114990385481289729), has not been accompanied by further explanation from the politician himself, leaving the public to speculate on its precise meaning. Regardless of the exact intent, the statement has successfully drawn attention to the intricacies of Polish politics and has become a talking point, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny and debate surrounding the ruling party's actions.