Live Feed

04/17/2019

07:32

Wednesday's Political Agenda: Ministry of Education Conference, Together Left's Slogan Reveal, President Duda and Minister Błaszczak at Pre-Easter Soldier Meeting, PM Morawiecki in the USA

At 10:00 AM - on the third and final day of the primary school exit exams - the leadership of the Ministry of National Education and the Director of the Central Examination Commission, Marcin Smolik, will hold their press conference at the ministry's headquarters.

Also scheduled for 10:00 AM is a session of the Joint Government and Local Government Commission. At 11:00 AM, the coalition committee Together Left will present its election slogan. At 12:00 PM, in Kożuchów, Minister Joachim Brudziński will hand over grants for the purchase of 17 rescue and firefighting vehicles for Volunteer Fire Brigades from the Lubusz Voivodeship.

At 11:25 AM, a press conference will be held following a meeting between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Poland and Azerbaijan, and at 1:30 PM, President Andrzej Duda and Minister Mariusz Błaszczak will meet with soldiers and military personnel on the occasion of the Easter holidays. At 12:30 PM, a press conference will be held in Krakow by Patryk Jaki.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki continues his visit to the United States. At 6:30 PM Polish time, he will participate in a Private VIP lunch in New York, at midnight in a fireside chat with Professor Joseph Weiler, at 2:30 AM at a screening of the film "Poland: The Royal Tour", and at 3:35 AM in a Q&A session.


07:50

Ochojska:

I am battling breast cancer

A few days ago, I learned that I have breast cancer. It's a huge revolution in my life – Janina Ochojska announced on Twitter. – As you know, I am running for the European Parliament, and I want to tell you that I am not withdrawing my candidacy. For me, this candidacy is a very important stage in my life, because what I have been doing at PAH (Polish Humanitarian Action) so far, I want to continue in the EP – she added.


07:59

Kluzik-Rostkowska:

The Government is Pretending to Negotiate

- One needs to make a clear distinction between parents who are already old enough that they are simply having a great time not going to school, and actually those children who require care. In the environment I move in, there is a great understanding for the strike. This strike happened to occur at a time when schools are generally working at a slightly different pace anyway, because all those classes that are not participating in exams are trying to work in a way that doesn't disturb those being examined. Paradoxically, it's a problem because of the exams, but also always a time when the school looks for other solutions so that the kids don't shout in the corridors, for example, during exams - stated Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- First of all, I would say: dear government, come to your senses. Maybe it's not close, maybe it's far, but it's the last moment for you, the government, to sit down for talks, because it's not as if teachers are striking and parents are supporting or irritated by this situation because teachers simply have a whim, but because the government has for a very long time believed that the problem doesn't exist - added the Civic Platform MP.

- The government is pretending to negotiate, because inviting them for talks once again without presenting new proposals is simply nonsense - emphasized the former Minister of Education.


08:06

Kluzik-Rostkowska:

The fact that there were protests during my tenure is the best proof that ZNP and other unions did not love the PO government, nor me

- The fact that there were protests during my tenure [as Minister of Education] is the best proof that ZNP and other trade unions did not love the PO government, nor me. The difference lay in this. Firstly, in the years 2008-2012, there were increases for teachers, and it was known from the beginning that after that time, the focus would shift to dedicating money to higher education, so there was no surprise. Secondly, there was a well-functioning system - stated Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".


08:18

Kluzik-Rostkowska:

We Are Ready to Sit at the Round Table. We Believe It Should Happen As Soon As Possible

- Yes, I am ready, or rather, we as the opposition, the social side referring to the historical round table, are ready [for talks at the education round table] - stated Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego". As she continued:

"The round table that PiS is talking about cannot be a substitute for fulfilling the demands of the striking workers. It must start with that. At the round table in 1989, there was the government side, which today will be represented by Prime Minister Morawiecki and Prime Minister Szydło; back then it was Minister Kiszczak and Ciosek, and there was the social side. We, as the social side, would be very happy to sit down together with the trade unions. This time it won't be "Solidarity," which is on the government's side. I'm speaking a bit sarcastically, because Mateusz Morawiecki was against the round table until it turned out that he really wanted to sit at it."


We are ready to sit at this table today. We believe it should happen very quickly, but the teaching community must be treated seriously - she added.


08:25

Mazurek on Proposal to Make Belvedere Available for Education Talks: Interesting, but Let's Wait for the Prime Minister's Statement. Government's Proposal on Talks Broader Than President's Remarks
'An interesting proposal [to make Belvedere available for talks], but let's wait for what Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says on Thursday. It seems to me that the proposal Prime Minister Morawiecki spoke about is somewhat broader than what the President said, so let's wait for the details. As far as I know, the government side wants to propose round table talks in a broader formula than just RDS members. These are to include experts, parents, and non-governmental organizations' - said Deputy Marshal Beata Mazurek in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

08:27

Mazurek:

Political Party Representatives Would Also Participate in This Roundtable. I Cannot Say Whether Only Those in Parliament or Also Those Outside Parliament

We know that representatives of political parties would also participate in this roundtable. I cannot say whether only those who are in parliament or also those who are outside of parliament. We certainly know that this format is broader than the representation that is in the Social Dialogue Council. This seems right, because the topic is heated and really concerns everyone” – said Deputy Marshal Beata Mazurek in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.


08:28

Trzaskowski:

Over 80% of Teachers on Strike in Warsaw Schools. Despite Pedagogy Councils Held in Some High Schools, Maturities in Most Remain in Doubt
There are no specific figures [on how many high schools face uncertain graduations]. However, we know that pedagogy councils must be held to approve grades. Currently, it looks like it will be very difficult to conduct the maturity exams and very difficult to assess students, because over 80% of teachers are on strike in Warsaw schools. And despite pedagogy councils being held in some high schools, in most of them [the graduations] remain in doubt – stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.

When asked if it could be said that graduations are threatened in 80% of high schools, the Mayor of Warsaw replied: – They are threatened. In Warsaw, yes [in 80%], although discussions and conversations are currently taking place between headmasters and strike committees, so the situation is changing literally hour by hour.

08:29

Mazurek on OFE: PiS's Europeanism Lies in Returning Poles' Money, While the European Commission's Europeanism Was in Taking It

"The Europeanism of Law and Justice is precisely that we are returning money that belongs to Poles, while the Europeanism of the European Coalition consisted of them taking this money" – said Deputy Marshal Beata Mazurek in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.


08:38

Trzaskowski:

"In the Current Situation, It is Very Difficult to Conduct Matura Exams"

- The government has been postponing talks with teachers all along, talking about a round table, and instead of holding it immediately, because the situation is truly very serious… In a sense, we, as local governments, have already stepped in for the government in assisting with the organization of the gimnazjum and eighth-grade exams. This is not our duty; it is 100% the government's responsibility. The government, on its knees, drafted a PiS regulation that allowed people without full qualifications, such as nuns, firefighters, or other individuals, to participate in these exams. However, this can no longer be done with the matura exams. We all know this. The responsibility lies with the government. Indeed, in the current situation, it is very difficult to conduct the matura exams - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.

- We are talking to teachers, and as the Union of Polish Metropolises, we have also issued a statement urging teachers to cooperate with us, to try to organize these matura exams. However, ultimately, the responsibility is 100% the government's. If the government buries its head in the sand and postpones these talks for further weeks, the responsibility will fall entirely on the PiS government - added the Mayor of Warsaw.


08:43

Trzaskowski on the Roundtable Talks: Results Are Possible if the Government Takes Teachers Seriously. Discussions Should Have Started Much Earlier

- Results are possible [from the roundtable talks] if the government takes teachers seriously, and it should have entered these discussions much earlier. I have spoken with teachers many times, and I myself am an academic teacher. One issue is higher salaries, and we all know that these salaries will not change by 200 or 300% overnight, even though teachers should earn more. Of course, significant increases could be achieved, and the government should do that. However, besides salaries, it's also about working conditions in schools, about elementary respect and regard for teachers - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.


08:47

Trzaskowski:

Teachers in Warsaw will receive money for days they strike. We made that decision.

- Yes [teachers in Warsaw will receive money for days they strike]. We made that decision. It is in accordance with the law. We have made such a decision. Moreover, most cities in the Metropolis Union have made a similar decision, that we will disburse these funds. They will remain in the schools, and principals will be able to pay them out as bonuses within a few months - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet. The Mayor of Warsaw added that legal opinions have been prepared, which confirm that this is possible.


08:56

PM:

Thank you, Mr. President, for trying to help and patronize in finding a proper solution to the dispute with teachers
I sincerely thank the President [Duda] for also trying to help and patronize in finding a proper solution to this dispute [with teachers]. I also thank all the teachers who contributed to the fact that these exams, previously for middle schools, and now in primary schools, have been proceeding virtually without any hindrance. I also have a great request to those who are still hesitating regarding the upcoming matriculation exams, concerning their admission, to set aside those doubts. I would like the matriculation exams to proceed just as calmly – stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the USA.

10:00

Zalewska on Tomorrow's Talks with Unions: We Never Refuse Any Meetings

Indeed, tomorrow the government has been invited to the Dialogue Council by two unions: ZNP and the Forum of Trade Unions. We are coming because we never refuse any meetings” – Minister Anna Zalewska said on Jedynka radio.

We hope that tomorrow we will convince the unions, because it was the trade unions who invited us, for example, to suspend the protest and sit down at a round table, to suspend the protest, and to calmly conduct the upcoming exams, the matura exams, because this is another group that has started to get worried. I am reassuring them: look, we managed to conduct the exams after the eighth grade or the gimnazjum” – she added.


10:56

Mucha:

President Already Partially Acts as Mediator in Government Talks with FZZ and ZNP

- In my opinion, the President is already partially fulfilling the role of a mediator today [in the talks between the government and FZZ and ZNP], because the President's message is very strong. On the one hand, the President says: of course, yes, when it comes to considering the demands and increasing teachers' salaries. Teachers should earn a decent living. On the other hand, the President appealed for engagement in the exams, both the junior high school exams and the eighth-grade exams. Today, these exams are being conducted. This is a big success. The President thanked all those who got involved, those who broke off the protest, the volunteers, and the catechists - stated Paweł Mucha in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.


10:57

Mucha on "Emerytura plus": Specific announcements and information can be expected next week

- I think specific announcements and information on this matter can be expected next week. However, it is a principle that I try to adhere to, that presidential ministers do not anticipate the president's decisions. But here, one probably shouldn't expect any surprises. One can expect good news for Polish pensioners - stated Paweł Mucha in a conversation with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.


11:04

Kaczyński to Make Statement at 1:00 PM

Jarosław Kaczyński will deliver a statement to the media at 1:00 PM – as informed by PiS spokesperson Beata Mazurek.

https://twitter.com/beatamk/status/1118439859750952960


11:05

Bill to Expand 500+ Program to First Child Sent for First Reading

Yesterday, after adopting the draft law expanding the 500+ program to include the first child, the government swiftly sent it to the Sejm. Today, the government's proposal already has its Sejm print number and has been directed for its first reading. As we wrote on 300POLITYKA, Sejm work on these regulations is planned for next week, and the project will be processed and adopted within a few hours.


11:15

Zalewska:

Two Examination Cycles - After Junior High and Eighth Grade - Generally Proceeded Without Disruption, According to Procedures and Law

Two cycles of examinations, that is, the examination after junior high school and after the eighth grade, generally proceeded without disruption, in accordance with procedures, in accordance with the law. Only on the first day, during the junior high school examination, did we have a problem in three schools” - said the Minister of Education Anna Zalewska at a press conference - „A total of over 720,000 students took the examinations. Congratulations to the students and parents”.


11:20

Mucha:

Responding to the Question of Inviting Trump to Poland on September 1st, I Say: We Have Invited Him

- When asked if we invited President Trump to Poland on September 1st, I respond: we have invited the President. We are counting on an increasing number of confirmations from world leaders. This is because we want to remind everyone that September 1st marks the beginning of World War II and that the aggression, from one side German, and from the other, a moment later, Soviet, against Poland, initiated World War II. And Polish-American relations today, with data released last week regarding economic turnover being the largest in history, are very good. It is true that discussions are ongoing in various formats and at different levels regarding the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces, bilateral relations, or other issues – stated Paweł Mucha in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus. As the presidential minister emphasized, discussions with the Americans on serious matters and significant decisions are underway, and they hold good promise.


11:29

The Prime Minister Outplays an American Journalist in a Game of Ping-Pong. PBS Premieres a Series of Films Promoting Poland:

There You Go.

The premiere of the production "Poland: The Royal Tour" took place in Los Angeles on Monday. The documentary series was directed by journalist Peter Greenberg and produced by PFN for the American public television network PBS. Subsequent screenings are taking place in Chicago and New York with the participation of Mateusz Morawiecki. The premiere of the documentary on PBS is scheduled for April 22nd.



"Our host will be a man who knows Poland's history perfectly" - informs the narrator in the promo spot for the documentary. "As an 11-year-old, he fought for freedom in the opposition underground; as a 19-year-old, he was repeatedly beaten and arrested by the secret police" - the Polish Prime Minister is presented.


12:00

Civic Platform Warns of 'Kaczyński's Ten' - New or Increased Taxes. Nitras: Government Unveils New 'Uncle Jar' Gifts at Conventions, But Not How They'll Be Funded
"We cannot wait for a reliable presentation of information about the state of the nation's finances, but fortunately, a government document reveals the sad truth. We learn that the result of 4 years of the PiS government and the last year of Prime Minister Morawiecki's government is a huge budget deficit. The PiS government has led to the creation of a huge budget deficit, which is to be filled with new taxes, 'Kaczyński's Ten', ten new taxes, and increases to current taxes," said PO spokesperson Jan Grabiec at a press conference. "We learn about this from documents required by European law. If Poland were not a member of the EU, Polish taxpayers would not know about the tax increases the government is planning. When the government unveils new gifts from 'Uncle Jar' or someone else at conventions, it doesn't mention the other side – where the money will come from, how it will be financed," added Sławomir Nitras from PO. https://twitter.com/MKierwinski/status/1118452136709427200

12:01

Kantar for TVN: PiS Leads in EP Elections, Wiosna on the Podium

Here are the results of the Kantar European poll conducted for TVN:

PiS - 38%
KE - 35%
Wiosna - 10%
Kukiz'15 - 6%
Konfederacja - 5%
Lewica Razem - 2%

2% of respondents chose the option "don't know/hard to say/haven't decided yet," and another 2% refused to answer.

The Kantar telephone poll was conducted on April 15-16, 2019, on a nationwide, representative sample of individuals aged 18 and over. The sample size was 1004 people.


12:22

CBOS:

PiS Leads EU by 14 Points

Here are the results of the latest CBOS survey:

PiS - 41%

KE - 27%

Wiosna - 4%

Kukiz’15 - 3%

Konfederacja - 2%

Lewica Razem - 1%

The survey was conducted from April 4th to 11th on a representative random sample of 1064 adult residents of Poland.


13:28

Kaczyński:

Sent a Declaration Draft to Schetyna and Kukiz Aiming to Guarantee No Euro Adoption Until Poland Reaches Western Economic Levels
- I have just sent a draft declaration, which I have already signed myself, to the leaders of the most important parliamentary formations, i.e., to the leader of the European Coalition, Mr. Schetyna, and to Mr. Kukiz. This is a declaration by parties, a supra-political coalition, one might say, transcending political divisions, which relates to the financial interests of the state and Polish citizens. The point is for all these formations, including our own of course, to guarantee that the euro will not be introduced in Poland before Poland reaches the economic level of the countries to the west of our borders. The reference point here is primarily Germany. And I hope that this declaration will demonstrate the maturity of the political class, because in this case, it concerns the obvious interests of our country and its citizens. This interest is completely consistent for this reason: the zloty protects us from shocks, ensures faster development, and it is known that the euro sphere is currently a sphere of stagnation and, at the same time, it protects the already achieved standard of living and enables its increase through both economic development and proper state policy. Therefore, from a political point of view, of normal political divisions in a democracy, it seems uncontroversial - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at Nowogrodzka Street.

14:13

Gowin:

Kukiz'15 is a Natural Coalition Partner
I have said many times that for me, the Kukiz’15 movement, while somewhat heterogeneous, which is obvious – but with many very libertarian elements in its program – is a natural coalition partner. Just as Robert Gwiazdowski’s FairPlay movement would be a natural coalition partner – stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Marek Kacprzak on the WP program "Tłit".

14:51

Sejm Ready for Swift Passage of Bill Expanding 500+ Program

Next Thursday, the Sejm will consider the expansion of the 500+ program to include the first child – this is one of the elements of Kaczyński's "fifth" package of proposals. As we reported on 300POLITYCE, the amendment is to be voted on at an express pace, within a few hours. Today, two meetings of the Sejm's Committee on Social Policy and Family have been convened, which will allow for such rapid progress.

The first reading will take place in the plenary hall at 10:00 AM, after which the bill will be sent to the aforementioned committee, which will convene at 1:00 PM. The second reading is scheduled for 3:45 PM, followed by a committee meeting to consider amendments proposed during it – at 5:30 PM. At the end of the day, between 6:15 PM and 8:15 PM, a block of votes will be held, during which the bill will be adopted.


15:06

Parliamentary Schedule Suggests Swift Passage of 'Lex Uber'

Next Wednesday, two parliamentary committees will consider the government's draft amendment to the Road Transport Act, commonly referred to as 'Lex Uber', during the first reading. The following day, Thursday, at 2:15 PM, the second reading is scheduled to take place in the plenary hall.

Such rapid consideration of the government's proposal by the Sejm indicates a desire for a swift vote on the bill – theoretically, even on the same day, although this is not entirely certain, as a committee meeting should follow the second reading if amendments are proposed.

The voting block will occur on Thursday evening, with the next Sejm session scheduled for May 15-17. The government's bill was originally intended to come into effect from 2020, but the vacatio legis will likely be shortened.


15:11

Kukiz:

We're Going for a Europe of Equal Chances and Equal Homelands

The Kukiz’15 committee has registered candidate lists for the European Parliament in all 13 electoral districts. Over 200,000 signatures were collected for the lists – the party announced.

- I would like to share some joyful news for us. We have registered the Electoral Committee of Voters Kukiz ’15 and candidate lists for the European Parliament in all districts. I thank everyone who collected signatures of support and everyone who signed our lists. I thank our allies from Prawica RP, Demokracja Bezpośrednia, and the Association Stop Bank Lawlessness. We are going for a Europe of equal chances and equal homelands – stated chairman Paweł Kukiz at a press conference in front of the National Electoral Commission (PKW) headquarters.


18:11

Mazurek:

Instead of addressing the declaration on adopting the euro, which concerns all Poles, PO is once again personally attacking JK

https://twitter.com/beatamk/status/1118537647218221057


19:38

Kukiz:

My Wife is Striking and Will Continue to Strike, but I Believe the Form of the Strike, Combined with the Politicization of This Event, Will Bring No Good

- My wife is striking, and she will continue to strike, but I have believed from the very beginning that the form of the strike, combined with the politicization of this entire event, will bring nothing good - stated Paweł Kukiz in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News' "Wydarzenia i opinie".


19:41

Kukiz:

I've appealed from the very beginning for teachers to rise above party disputes

I am truly surprised and from the very beginning, I appealed to, among others, my wife [referring to the teacher's union leader, who is a woman] for teachers to rise above party disputes, because it's known that Mr. Broniarz is – to put it colloquially – caught up with Civic Platform. The system has caught him in such a system. Youth speak this way. On the other hand, we have Mr. Proksa, who – I got the impression – is fighting for the top spot on the Law and Justice lists through his subservience – stated Paweł Kukiz in a conversation with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News' "Wydarzenia i opinie". – This protest has been taken over by political options – he added.


19:47

Kukiz:

Broniarz Reminds Me of Kijowski Without the Ponytail. What's Needed is a Real, Charismatic, Passionate Teacher Leader

- It's one of the greatest tragedies that they took a guy who has been participating in these trade unions for 20 years, practically since the communist era - stated Paweł Kukiz in a conversation with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News' "Wydarzenia i opinie" (Events and Opinions). - Mr. Broniarz reminds me of Kijowski without the ponytail. To put it very briefly. What's needed there is a real leader, a genuine and charismatic, passionate teacher - he added.


19:57

Kukiz:

I Declare I Will Sign the Declaration on the Euro, I Hope PiS Will Pass Our Resolution

- I declare that I will sign [the declaration on the euro proposed by Jarosław Kaczyński], because as early as March 2018, together with Prawica RP, we submitted a draft resolution on defending the zloty as Poland's currency. I believe the party leader and PiS will indeed consider this resolution, which in a way consummates that declaration - stated Paweł Kukiz in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News' "Wydarzenia i opinie" (Events and Opinions).

- I hope that on April 25th [during the Sejm session], PiS, perhaps by modifying our draft resolution and adding the content of the declaration to it, will pass our resolution - he added.


20:01

Kukiz:

It's nonsense that PiS helped us gather signatures. These are simply actions aimed at destroying Kukiz'15. They are not journalists, they are hired guns.

This is nonsense [that PiS helped Kukiz'15 gather signatures]. I will say it directly, these were propagated, among others, by Wirtualna Polska and other similar periodicals or portals, later replicated by important titles such as "Wprost" or "Gazeta Wyborcza". This is nonsense and slander. These are simply actions aimed at destroying Kukiz'15 – stated Paweł Kukiz in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News' "Wydarzenia i opinie".

When it was pointed out that journalists have no way to defend themselves, the leader of Kukiz'15 replied: – These are not journalists, they are hired guns. There is a difference.


20:06

Olejnik:

Don't Spin This as a Political Strike, It's About Teacher Dignity. Dworczyk: We Want Teachers Not to Be Cynically Exploited by Civic Platform.
- Don't try to fool us into believing this is a political strike, it's a strike for teacher dignity - Monika Olejnik told Michał Dworczyk on Kropka nad I. - I would like to have the same right to speak as you do. Our concern is that teachers should not be cynically exploited by Civic Platform. I appeal to Mr. Broniarz and Mr. Schetyna not to incite or seek radicalization of sentiments. I said 'some teachers,' just as some Poles are thieves and not all Poles are thieves, or some Poles are tall and not all are - Dworczyk responded.

20:14

Dworczyk on New Proposals: 'Tomorrow We Will Definitely Present Certain Proposals to Trade Union Representatives. Our partners will hear them first.'
- Tomorrow we will definitely present certain proposals to trade union representatives. Our partners will hear them first. Communication through the media is the worst form of dialogue. We will speak tomorrow at 10 AM in the RDS (Social Dialogue Council) - said Michał Dworczyk on Kropka nad I (Dot Over I).

20:14

Bielan on Eurozone Entry: 'This isn't a topic we're raising for the campaign. Schetyna himself brought it up at the EPP summit.'

- This isn't a topic we are raising for the election campaign. This is a topic that the leader of the European Coalition, Civic Platform, Grzegorz Schetyna, brought up himself, quite recently, in November at the EPP summit in Helsinki. He clearly stated: if we return to power, if Civic Platform returns to power, the PSL is also a member of the EPP, then as soon as possible we will begin work on introducing Poland to the Eurozone. Secondly, one of the parties forming the European Coalition, the Nowoczesna party, quite recently adopted its election program, in which it also advocates for a very rapid path for Poland to join the EU - stated Adam Bielan in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News' "Wydarzenia i opinie".


20:16

Bielan:

Clear Division within the European Coalition Regarding the Eurozone. PO and N Favor Quick Entry, PSL Opposes.

- On this matter [Poland's entry into the eurozone], as with a number of other issues, we have a clear division within the European Coalition. On one side, we have PO and Nowoczesna, who are in favor of quickly introducing the euro, and on the other side, we have PSL, which is opposed to entry - stated Adam Bielan in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News' "Events and Opinions".


20:20

Błaszczak on the Abolition of US Visas: I Am Optimistic

"2019 is an important year. Historically very significant. We are still celebrating events related to Poland's 20 years in NATO, 15 years in the European Union, the centenary of regaining independence, and the year of establishing Polish-American relations. Madam Ambassador is very active, playing a very positive role in strengthening Polish-American relations. I am optimistic [about the visas]. If we add to this the fact that Madam Ambassador, as well as politicians in Congress, are saying that we are close to achieving success, it only confirms my words" - said Minister Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Danuta Holecka on "Gość Wiadomości" on TVP Info.


20:21

Błaszczak:

Broniarz and Schetyna's Calls for Escalation Will Harm Young People

Teachers are striking due to excessively low wages, but it is the PiS government that is proposing and implementing salary increases. This must be a process. We are credible, we keep our word. We are carrying out this process. The escalation of the strike during this particularly difficult period, stressful for young people, is saddening” - said Minister Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Danuta Holecka on "Gość Wiadomości" on TVP Info.

Now we hear from two gentlemen, politicians - Broniarz and Schetyna - calls for the escalation of the protest. The escalation of this protest will come at the expense of children, of young people taking their matriculation exams. At the expense of young people entering adult life” - he added.


20:26

Dworczyk:

Do you often ask your guests about private matters? If you want to ask me about my children, I can answer, but we don't conduct surveys on the background or schools attended by ministers' children.
- Do you often ask your guests about private matters? If you want to ask me about my children, I can answer. You've veered into private matters, I won't ask ministers about that, we don't conduct surveys on the background or which schools ministers' children attend - Michał Dworczyk replied to a series of questions from Monika Olejnik about whether teachers striking were at schools attended by the prime minister and ministers' children.

20:28

Dworczyk:

If you had a bit of goodwill and prepared for this conversation, you would know the money will be in individual accounts and the 15% will also go to ZUS.
- Please do not lie. If you claim we want to steal money from the OFE, then you are lying. If you had a bit of goodwill and prepared for this conversation, you would know that the money will be in individual accounts and the 15% will also go to ZUS. Every country has taxes, the average real taxation of a pension is precisely 15%, and this money will be taxed in this way, in a sense. Are you referring to those economists who said we would be the second Greece? Those economists from Civic Platform? - said Michał Dworczyk on Kropka nad I.

20:38

Headline Roundup: We'll Fund Party Promises From Our Own Pockets, Skórzyński: Finance Minister Will Avoid Disaster, News: Broniarz Refuses Any Compromise, Kukiz: Broniarz Reminds Me of Kijowski Without a Ponytail
-- 300POLITYKA LIVEBLOG: PiS politicians are repeating the narrative of Broniarz and PO's alliance. Błaszczak, asked about the lifting of US visas: I am optimistic. Bielan on the division within the European Coalition regarding the Eurozone. Kukiz: Broniarz reminds me of Kijowski without a ponytail. https://300polityka.pl/live/2019/04/17/ ***** Polsat Wydarzenia (Events) -- ELECTION CAMPAIGN GAINS MOMENTUM - Dorota Gawryluk. -- PIS CHAIRMAN APPEALS TO OPPOSITION POLITICIANS, JAROSŁAW KACZYŃSKI WANTS GUARANTEES THAT OPPOSITION PARTIES WILL NOT DECIDE TO INTRODUCE POLAND INTO THE EUROZONE TOO QUICKLY - no material. -- TOMORROW, FURTHER GOVERNMENT TALKS WITH TEACHERS' UNIONS - announcement. -- THERE WILL BE NO NEW PROPOSAL FOR THE STRIKERS, BUT THE UNIONISTS ARE READY FOR CONCESSIONS - Gawryluk. -- NO ONE FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HAS COME OUT TO THE PROTESTERS - Agnieszka Milczarz. -- TOMORROW, TALKS OF LAST RESORT ARE TO BE HELD AGAIN - Milczarz continues. -- THE GOVERNMENT - UNLIKE THE UNIONISTS - HAS NO NEW PROPOSAL - Milczarz. -- THE UNIONS WANT TO SPREAD THE PROPOSED RAISE OVER THREE INSTALLMENTS AND ESTABLISH A NEW PAYMENT CALENDAR - Milczarz continues. -- YESTERDAY EVENING, THE PRESIDENT MET WITH A GROUP OF TEACHERS IN GREATER POLAND AND DISCUSSED SALARY LEVELS AND GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED DATA WITH THEM - Milczarz. ***** TVN Fakty (Facts) -- PIS IN THE LEAD, KE CLOSE BEHIND, THE REST FAR BEHIND - in the preview. -- Jakub Sobieniowski on the inability to ask questions of PJK. -- PJK on the Euro. -- THERE WOULD BE QUESTIONS ABOUT GOVERNMENT RECONSTRUCTION - Sobieniowski. -- PIS INTENDS TO STARVE THE TEACHERS, WHICH IS WHY THEY WON'T DISMISS ZALEWSKA - Sobieniowski. -- RECONSTRUCTION WILL BE CLOSER TO THE ELECTIONS TO CREATE AN EFFECT OF FRESHNESS - Rafał Grupiński. -- JAKI HAD A SHORT BREAK IN BOTH CAMPAIGNS AND IS A DEPUTY MINISTER - Sobieniowski. -- DURING THIS TIME, HE IS NOT DEALING WITH THE PRISON SERVICE AND DOES NOT SUPERVISE THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE - Cezary Tomczyk. -- IN THIS WAY, HE IS USING HIS LEAVE, NOT LIKE THE LEFT LEADERS IN THE TROPICS - Patryk Jaki. -- WHERE ARE THE MINISTERS? THIS GOVERNMENT HAS CAPITULATED - Robert Biedroń. -- DON'T BOTHER ME - Kuchciński, when asked about reconstruction. -- SO THAT DIALOGUE WITH TEACHERS DOES NOT AGAIN BECOME A MONOLOGUE - in the preview. -- Maciej Knapik on the concert for teachers. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS REPEATING ITSELF - Knapik. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS DISTANCING ITSELF FROM THE PRESIDENT'S PROPOSALS - Knapik. -- WE WILL DRAW LOTS AMONG THOSE WILLING TO ENSURE IT IS TRANSPARENT AND IMPARTIAL - Jarosław Gowin. -- THE CHAIRMAN OFFERED GREETINGS, SPOKE ABOUT THE EURO, BUT NOT A WORD ABOUT TEACHERS - Knapik. -- THE 'FIVE' HAS ITS PRICE, AND THE BUDGET HAS ITS BOTTOM, WE WILL CONTRIBUTE FROM OUR OWN POCKETS TO FUND PARTY PROMISES - in the preview. -- KACZYŃSKI IS DISTRIBUTING BILLIONS, AND MORAWIECKI IS QUIETLY TAKING TWICE AS MUCH FROM US - Sławomir Nitras. -- LET THEM NOT WORRY ABOUT IT, IT WILL GO TOWARDS POLES, NOT FROM POLES - Beata Kempa. -- IT WILL REFLECT ON PEOPLE WHO DRINK TOO MUCH ALCOHOL, THAT'S FOR SURE - Patryk Jaki. -- WHAT WE ARE SEEING IS HOW THEY INTEND TO SKIN US IN THE FORM OF PARATyildaXES TO FUND PROMISES - Katarzyna Lubnauer. -- SUCH GENERAL PROPOSALS ALWAYS NEED TO BE MADE MORE CONCRETE - Deputy Finance Minister. -- NO ONE WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS - Izabela Leszczyna. -- THE FINANCE MINISTER WILL MANAGE ONE THING - HE WILL AVOID FINANCIAL CATASTROPHE - Skórzyński. -- DISPUTE OVER THE LOGO IS AN UGLY DISPUTE - in the preview. -- LATELY, THIS UNION HAS BEEN A STRIKEBREAKER IN THE TEACHERS' STRIKE - Karol Modzelewski. -- SOLIDARITY DOES NOT HAVE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO THIS SYMBOL - Bogdan Lis. -- THE CREATOR OF THE SOLIDARITY SYMBOL SIDES WITH ECS - KKZ. -- KKZ ON THE MOVEMENT OF FORMER OPPOSITION MEMBERS. -- PIOTR DUDA WAS A COMMANDO, HE SERVED JARUZELSKI WHILE OTHERS WERE IN PRISON - Henryk Wujec. -- THAT SOLIDARITY NO LONGER EXISTS, THERE'S NO POINT PRETENDING SOMEONE IS ITS EXTENSION, SO YOU KNOW HOW SAD I WAS - Modzelewski to KKZ. -- HOSPITALS ARE RAISING FUNDS ONLINE, THE AGONY OF THE SYSTEM - in the preview. -- PMM SHOWCASES POLAND IN A DOCUMENTARY FILM: "Poland, The Royal Tour" is a documentary film about Poland. American journalist Peter Greenberg explored Poland, and Mateusz Morawiecki presented it. The Polish National Foundation helped produce the film, and viewers in America will see it. ***** TVP Wiadomości (News) -- PIS CHAIRMAN HAS CALLED ON THE OPPOSITION TO STATE WHETHER THEY ARE IN FAVOR OF THE EURO OR THE ZLOTY BEING VALID IN POLAND - announcement: PiS has signed a declaration that it is in favor of the zloty remaining valid in Poland until the standard of living of Poles reaches the level of Western countries. -- POLES ARE ACCUSTOMED TO THE ZLOTY. THEY DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE IT TO THE EURO - Dominik Cierpioł. -- OPPOSITION POLITICIANS ANNOUNCE THAT AFTER GAINING POWER, THEY WILL QUICKLY INTRODUCE THE EURO IN POLAND - Cierpioł. -- THAT IS WHY THE PIS CHAIRMAN HAS SENT A DRAFT DECLARATION REGARDING THE EURO TO THE LEADERS - Cierpioł. -- THE POSTULATE TO REMAIN WITH THE ZLOTY WAS SUPPORTED BY KUKIZ’15. THE REMAINING PARTIES HAVE NOT COMMENTED - Cierpioł. -- TWO POLLS PUBLISHED TODAY INDICATE THAT PIS ENJOYS THE GREATEST SUPPORT - no material. -- 17 NEW FIRE TRUCKS WILL BE GIVEN TO VOLUNTEERS IN LUBUSZ. THIS IS ANOTHER ELEMENT OF THE MODERNIZATION PROGRAM FOR UNIFORMED SERVICES - announcement. -- EASTER MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE MINISTER OF DEFENSE WITH SOLDIERS - no material. -- EIGHTH-GRADE EXAMS PROGRESSED WITHOUT DISTURBANCES, DESPITE THE ONGOING TEACHERS' STRIKE. TOMORROW, ANOTHER ROUND OF TALKS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND UNIONS FROM ZNP AND FZZ - announcement. -- ZNP STILL THREATENS WITH THE MATURA EXAM CARD. PROTESTING UNIONISTS DO NOT WANT TO ISSUE GRADES - Marcin Szypszak. -- THE HEAD OF ZNP DOES NOT WANT TO COMPROMISE IN ANY WAY - Szypszak: Broniarz is seeking support abroad, among trade unionists from around the world. -- IN NEW YORK, A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT POLAND WAS SHOWN - POLAND. THE ROYAL TOUR - announcement: Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki guides viewers through Poland.