The President of Georgia begins her visit to Poland today. At 10:15 AM, Salome Zourabichvili will hold talks with President Andrzej Duda. A meeting between the heads of state and the media is scheduled for 11:25 AM. At 12:45 PM, the President of Georgia will meet with the Marshal of the Sejm, at 2:00 PM with the Marshal of the Senate, and at 7:00 PM she will attend a dinner hosted by the President.

At 10:00 AM, the verification committee for Warsaw's reprivatization will convene for a closed session, after which – around 10:45 AM – the team will announce its decision regarding the properties at Melsztyńska 6 and Emilii Plater 12. At noon, the parliamentary investigative committee on VAT fraud will begin questioning the Civic Platform leader, Grzegorz Schetyna.

Also at 10:00 AM, a government session will commence. Ministers will discuss, among other things, the draft bill on restoring bus connections, which is one of the elements of Kaczyński's 'five'. Over the weekend, we wrote on 300POLITYCE that work on this proposal was being delayed – a day later, the item was added to the schedule. The agenda also includes, among others, information from the Minister of Investment and Development on "European Funds at the Halfway Mark. Summary of the Midpoint of the 2014-2020 Programming Period." In this regard, a press conference by Jerzy Kwieciński will be held at 1:00 PM.

At a press conference at 11:00 AM, FOR experts and Leszek Balcerowicz will present the "White Paper 500+" – a report analyzing the impact of the government program on the economy, the demographic situation, and the reduction of child poverty.

At 12:00 PM, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will participate in a meeting with provincial governors regarding the Local Government Road Fund. Subsequently, at 2:00 PM, the head of the Polish government will take part in the inauguration ceremony for the construction of Radom Airport. At 2:45 PM, the Prime Minister will lay flowers before the monument to Lech and Maria Kaczyński, and at 2:45 PM – before the "Three Stones" monument commemorating the Radom June.

The President of the European Council will participate in the centenary celebrations of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Around 2:00 PM, Donald Tusk is scheduled to give a speech. Jarosław Kaczyński and MP and European Parliament candidate Elżbieta Kruk are organizing meetings with residents in the Lublin region: at 2:30 PM in Lublin, 5:00 PM in Radzyń Podlaski, and 7:00 PM in Biała Podlaska.

Across the country, in all electoral districts, the European Coalition is organizing press conferences to present the details of the health program announced on Saturday by leader Grzegorz Schetyna. The Warsaw briefing will take place at Górczewska 89 at 11:15 AM.

Two press conferences by Confederation leaders will be held in the Sejm. At the first, at 10:30 AM, Robert Winnicki, Kaja Godek, and Marek Jakubiak will be present. The topic: "PiS lies about Jewish claims. How much will it cost Poles? We invite you to the march regarding Law 447." At the second, at 11:30 AM, Robert Winnicki and Grzegorz Braun will participate. The conference topic: “Questions about the sovereignty of the highest authorities of the Republic of Poland in relations with Ukraine."

10:00 AM – Government session
10:00 AM – Closed session of the verification committee
10:30 AM – First press conference by Confederation leaders in the Sejm
10:45 AM – Press conference by members of the verification committee
11:00 AM – Presentation of the "White Paper 500+" by FOR experts and Leszek Balcerowicz
11:15 AM – Press conference "100 Billion More – European Coalition's Proposals" in Warsaw
11:25 AM – Meeting between the Presidents of Poland and Georgia with media representatives
11:30 AM – Second press conference by Confederation leaders in the Sejm
12:00 PM – Grzegorz Schetyna's interrogation by the VAT investigative committee
12:00 PM – Meeting between Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and provincial governors regarding the Local Government Road Fund
1:00 PM – Press conference by Jerzy Kwieciński "European Funds at the Halfway Mark – Summary of the Midpoint of the 2014-2020 Perspective"
2:00 PM – Donald Tusk's speech at the centenary celebrations of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
2:00 PM – Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's participation in the inauguration ceremony for the construction of Radom Airport
2:30 PM – Meeting between Jarosław Kaczyński and Elżbieta Kruk with residents of Lublin
5:00 PM – Meeting between Jarosław Kaczyński and Elżbieta Kruk with residents of Radzyń Podlaski
7:00 PM – Meeting between Jarosław Kaczyński and Elżbieta Kruk with residents of Biała Podlaska

- It was important and interesting, a compelling [speech by Donald Tusk] and, above all, with breathing room, with perspective - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego". He added:

"We all expected it to be interesting because it had perspective. Poland somewhat lacks this perspective because we are caught up in the daily grind. This was a perspective, a statement of what is happening in the world, a bit about our politics, and precisely such a recommendation for distance from what is happening in politics, the importance of the constitution, and the challenges that lie before us. We are constantly accustomed to beating each other up. Perhaps that's why there was an impression that it wasn't something groundbreaking. It was definitely a good speech."

- Everyone is aware that Donald Tusk alone won't save Polish politics, although he is a very important element, a point of reference for Polish politics, which was, by the way, proven in this speech, because everyone is referring to Donald Tusk and his theses - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- Commentators are trying to make Donald Tusk the leader of the opposition right now. Donald Tusk is a charismatic person who is a very important point of reference, but he is neither a patron nor a leader of the opposition, but a very important authority, a point of reference. Tusk himself said that when it comes to the presidency, it's for another 200 years – stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

I'm not thinking about it at all. I won't be thinking about it, because I'm thinking about Warsaw. That's all that interests me - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Piasecki's Conversation," when asked about running for president of Poland.

"The Law and Justice party (PiS), Mateusz Morawiecki's government, is implementing the changes we promised, programs we ran on in the elections, programs that were written by Poles. The goal of Mateusz Morawiecki's government is to ensure that Poles' salaries, our wages, reach the same level as wages in other rich EU member states – Germany and France. That is what we are striving for. It's impossible to fix everything in 3.5 years," said government spokeswoman Joanna Kopcińska on "Sygnały dnia" (Signals of the Day) on Polskie Radio Jedynka, when asked about the announcement of further social protests.

„We should ask what Commissioner [Bieńkowska] intends to do to help change the budget. So far, there have been no budget negotiations among the heads of government. Blaming someone for one's own actions is absolutely unfounded. Prime Minister Morawiecki is talking with commissioners about how to develop the best budget” - said government spokeswoman Joanna Kopcińska on 'Sygnały dnia' on Jedynka radio, responding to the EC's allegations that the PiS government is incapable of developing a good EU budget for Poland.

“When such a decision [regarding government changes] is made, devised between Prime Minister Morawiecki and President Kaczyński, who is the leader of our political formation,” stated Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on “Polityczne Salon Trójki”. “The Prime Minister has spoken about this several times, stating that such a decision could be made either just before the [EP] elections, or once we know which of the ministers will be going to Brussels,” added the Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.

- Today, the Prime Minister will send further letters [with invitations] for the next round table meeting, which will take place this Friday. The letters will, on one hand, summarize what has been achieved so far, whether in plenary sessions or subsequent subgroup meetings, thus serving as a summary. On the other hand, they will be an invitation extended to all participants of the round table and to those who have not yet accepted the invitation - stated Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on 'Salon polityczny Trójki' (Political Salon of Trójka).

- The so-called '447 law' is not an act binding on Polish territory, and the fact that some individuals are trying to politically exploit the adoption of this document by the USA is regrettable. However, it does not entail any legal consequences for us. Poland, when we speak of any claims or financial obligations, can at most seek reparations due to us from Germany after World War II, and certainly does not owe any compensation to anyone. Poland was a victim, Poles paid an enormous blood toll during World War II - stated Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on 'Trójka's Political Salon,' when asked about Prime Minister Morawiecki's words that the government would adopt legislation to protect Poland from any claims related to World War II.

- I would not want to preempt certain facts. There is a Sejm session scheduled for May. During that session, all those interested in this matter will be able to learn the details of the announced changes - emphasized the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery.

- The season for political debates in various languages has just begun. I have therefore decided to tell you about a few important, difficult, yet remarkably colourful English words that might prove useful in these debates - says Ryszard Legutko in a nearly 5-minute clip styled as the mini-series "EU English for Absolute Beginners".

- Election campaigns have always been associated with debates, and successive candidates present increasingly unconventional election spots. Professor Legutko is breaking established patterns and presenting a mini-series that humorously addresses the problems of the European Union. By creating this series, we wanted to recall the professor's distinguished knowledge of foreign languages, allude to his British sense of humour, and present the material in a format specifically aimed at series fans - says a collaborator of the PiS MEP seeking re-election to 300POLITYCE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA3oLHLvYYw

- I am convinced that Donald Tusk knew perfectly well what his predecessor [Leszek Jażdżewski] would say. I don't believe these kinds of stories, that such an experienced politician as Tusk didn't know what the speaker preceding him would say. There are several questions in this matter. Who financed this whole event? Where did the funds for it come from? Because everything indicates that this undertaking was financed by various foreign organizations or foundations. The content also interested me in the sense that it is a typical example of hate speech, something PO or Civic Coalition politicians so eagerly talk about. What happened at the University of Warsaw absolutely should not have happened - stated Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on "Trójka's Political Salon".

It's a marginal group [Confederation] of haters and shouters. We work honestly, because citizens pay us for it. We present constructive projects – stated Stanisław Tyszka in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News' 'Graffiti'.

I would prefer the government to deal with the new bill that Kukiz’15 will file today, the Anti-447, and protect Polish property from unfounded Jewish claims. No one was ahead of us. We filed a resolution a month ago calling on the government to tell our allies, i.e., the USA and Israel, that Poland will never pay a single penny to cover unfounded claims – stated Stanisław Tyszka in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News' "Graffiti." PiS suddenly woke up when Kukiz’15 started raising this issue and mentioned some act, but there's no bill yet, and Kukiz’15's bill will be filed today. We know that the Polish government is under very strong pressure [from] our allies in the USA to pay compensation – stated Tyszka.

"These are things that shouldn't happen [coloring the Virgin Mary's halo], because they can offend people who believe deeply. I am convinced that this is difficult to explain" - said former European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet. "I am for not using extreme symbols to demonstrate one's attitudes, religious feelings. Religious feelings, moral choices are largely our internal affair".

"I would not act in a way that would involve police pursuing people who demonstrate their views in some way, even in an extreme manner, if it does not directly endanger other people" - he added.

"I think [Jażdżewski] would have harmed any group [with a speech like the one on May 3rd], because such extreme views, expressed at a university, where any discussion whatsoever was absent. Certain statements were made" - said former EP President Jerzy Buzek in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.

"It was an abuse, also concerning the course of the meeting itself and what people were invited for" - he added.

https://twitter.com/SchetynadlaPO/status/1125666233712631808

The European Commission's decision is not made in a vacuum. It is made based on prior conversations, discussions, etc. So, if PiS were indeed as effective in these negotiations as they claim, they would have influenced the European Commission earlier, not now when the [EU budget] proposal has seen the light of day and is clearly weak. Of course, [there will be government negotiations now], but this proposal is a certain signal of which direction Europe will take regarding this budget, and it shows that PiS has no achievements and negotiates poorly. We shall see what happens next. Here is a concrete proposal, a goal that we as the European Coalition want to achieve. I endorse it. I believe these funds are greatly needed by Poland. We can see how much has changed in the last 15 years, how, for instance, Poland's GDP has grown by 30%, how infrastructure is changing. We all see this – stated Paweł Pudłowski in a conversation with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.

- I hear that President Duda is proposing to include our EU membership in the Constitution. Yes, that is a good solution because it guarantees our presence in the Union. I do not believe PiS's assurances that Polexit is impossible - stated Paweł Pudłowski in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.

“Let us remember that this action by this provocateur needs to be described in a broader context. Previously, in Płock, there was a profanation of the Lord’s tomb. The spokesperson for the episcopate commented on this action, clearly appealing not to offend religious feelings” – stated Deputy Marshal Adam Bielan during a conversation with Dominika Wielowieyska on TOK FM Radio’s morning program.

“What did you, Madam Editor, do on July 15, 2015, when the police, under the PO government, raided a 29-year-old woman suspected of throwing pork into the grounds of a mosque in Ochota? This woman stated that it was an expression of artistic unrequited love she was experiencing. The police raided this woman and charged her under Article 196 of the Penal Code” – Bielan questioned Wielowieyska.

“I consider that a mistake” – Wielowieyska replied.

“Did you speak about it then?” – Bielan pressed.

“No, because I don't remember that event” – Wielowieyska.

“You had a broadcast on TOK FM. Gazeta Wyborcza reported on it. Did you speak about it? Are we not dealing with hypocrisy here from the editors of Gazeta Wyborcza and TOK FM” – Bielan.

“No, we are not” – Wielowieyska.

“I believe we are dealing with hypocrisy” – Bielan added – “When it concerns offending the religious feelings of Polish Catholics, then on TOK FM, in GW, there is holy outrage. When it concerns offending the religious feelings of Polish Muslims, you praised that action”.

“This is not the same for the clear reason that a rainbow is not oppression; it is a sign of reconciliation” – Wielowieyska.

"In Poland, Marian devotion is particularly strong. The desecration of the image of the Black Madonna in Poland meets with outrage from many millions of Catholics. It is worth for the editors of Gazeta Wyborcza to take this into consideration. The rainbow is a symbol of the LGBT community. This rainbow symbol was placed in a halo to express opposition to the Catholic Church's stance on so-called marital equality, and the adoption of children by homosexual couples. Freedom of speech does not have to be expressed through the profanation of religious symbols." - said the Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Adam Bielan, in an interview with Dominika Wielowieyska on Radio TOK FM's morning program. 

- Yesterday, a shocking, even scandalous event occurred. At 6 AM, Mrs. Podleśna was taken from her home and arrested, based on a prosecutor's request, simply for daring to disseminate, and we will see if this fact even took place, but there is such a suspicion, an image of the Mother of God with a rainbow, which was allegedly offensive to religious feelings. I want to declare, as the coordinator of legal aid for people facing repression from the authorities, whether through prosecutorial charges or police action, that Mrs. Podleśna can count on free legal aid through the intervention bureau, and we will defend her in this situation - stated Andrzej Halicki at a briefing in the Sejm.

– At this moment, the question should be posed to Mr. Brudziński, who today heads the police, because he will most likely be leaving for Brussels shortly to buy cookies for his children, as that is his primary motivation. But who will bear political and legal responsibility for using the police for party and electoral purposes? Because we all know that this intervention against that God-fearing innocent woman took place solely and exclusively because, in a style reminiscent of Cyrankiewicz, Jarosław Kaczyński demanded an intervention in defense of the Polish state – stated Sławomir Nitras at a briefing in the Sejm.

– I would like to ask whether Joachim Brudziński, who, in the heat of the election campaign, agitated by the words of his chairman, made such an irresponsible decision. Because even Catholics say that such harassment cannot befall someone for something like this, that it is an attempt to influence public opinion, to make people believe that some gigantic crime has occurred when that is not the case at all – he added.

- We invite all Poles to a march against American Law 447. It will take place this Saturday at 2:00 PM in Warsaw. Recently, we've been hearing reassuring statements from prominent PiS politicians that Poland will not pay for any claims. We must say it clearly: PiS is a party of unfulfilled election promises. As elections to the European Parliament are approaching, and then to the national parliament, PiS is once again resorting to rhetoric of promising people everything they expect. It was similar with abortion and the IPN law – stated Kaja Godek at a briefing in the Sejm.

- We must clearly state that we have the right to suspect that this promise regarding claims is also a way of reassuring their electorate, but it is not a declaration of real political action – she added.

„In May, during the election period, the chairman of the largest opposition party, Grzegorz Schetyna, is summoned to the investigative committee. Former heads of PO – Ewa Kopacz and Donald Tusk – are also summoned. The committee is a political theatre directed against the opposition, it explains nothing and serves no good cause, other than to bludgeon political opponents from the opposition. On the other hand, we have the Srebrna company scandal, the tape scandal concerning Jarosław Kaczyński, and in this matter, the prosecution is silent, it is not interrogating the person who should be interrogated as soon as possible” – stated Mariusz Witczak from PO at a press conference in the Sejm.

- Mariusz Kamiński, who was the head of the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA) during both PiS and Civic Platform-PSL governments, has not been questioned. He possesses significant knowledge about these matters and any potential irregularities that occurred then. He's absent. This situation is very clear, and it shows the PiS state in a nutshell. It's an election campaign, the use of parliamentary inquiry committees, previously the prosecutor's office and the police, as we've seen recently - stated Grzegorz Schetyna before his interrogation by the VAT parliamentary inquiry committee.

- I am prepared. I am tough. We will talk, but I want to state very clearly, and I will tell the committee as well, what the reasons and true causes are for organizing such a political spectacle - he continued. - Now there are elections, in a dozen or so days. Why wasn't I interrogated six months ago, or three months ago, or a month from now? Answer that question yourselves. It's pure politics, about diverting attention from the troubles that PiS is having - added the Civic Platform leader.

- A hearing that, in my opinion and not just mine, is purely political. I was the head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, a Deputy Prime Minister in Donald Tusk's government from 2007-2009. I am the 45th witness at this committee. I believe my invitation today, on this date, May 7th, is a political initiative, not aimed at clarifying the issue that formed the basis for the committee's establishment, and at the same time, it fits the committee's activities and my interrogation into the election campaign for the European Parliament elections. In a week, next week, Ewa Kopacz will be called as a witness, later, also in May, Donald Tusk. It is no coincidence that our interrogations are incorporated into the logic of the campaign and the final days of the campaign. If you wanted explanations regarding the scope of the committee's work, we could have met several months ago or in a few weeks, after the campaign or after the elections - stated Grzegorz Schetyna during his interrogation by the parliamentary committee of inquiry into VAT.

- He was also the head of the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA) for two years when I was Deputy Prime Minister. I am surprised by the argumentation of the chairman [Horała] that these are technical discussions and minor witnesses, without influence on the committee's work, because perhaps no one else but Mariusz Kamiński has full knowledge regarding the work of the CBA service, which he headed for over three years, and he, more than anyone, has knowledge of how the services cooperated with the government. I am surprised that the committee decides to invite Mariusz Kamiński's successor, Paweł Wojtunika, without calling upon the person who has full knowledge of what the relations were like between the services, individual ministries, concerning the issues the committee is dealing with - he continued.

„PiS has lost significant funds regarding investments in the new [EU budget] perspective. We will allocate the recovered 100 billion primarily for improving security, including health security. These 100 billion will be designated for oncology centers in each region, at least 16 centers, and for rebuilding Primary Healthcare facilities as places where citizens must be treated. 100 billion means European healthcare, including a European oncology program” - stated Andrzej Halicki from Civic Platform (PO) at a press conference.

„PiS is closing hospital wards” - added Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz - „In Poland, 3,000 women contract cervical cancer annually, and 1,700 die. This mortality rate is higher than the European average”.

- The head of the Foreign Affairs Committee was not consulted on this matter [including changes to OFE]. The customs were different then. Decisions were made in the Prime Minister's Chancellery, at Council of Ministers meetings. We have slightly different standards today. It is known that the most important decisions are made on Nowogrodzka Street. It was different in our time – stated Grzegorz Schetyna during his hearing before the parliamentary committee investigating VAT fraud.

“Mr. Smoliński has legislative experience with the amendment [concerning] the takeover of a bank for a zloty. So you know how it's done, what effectiveness entails, is that what you're trying to tell me?” - stated Grzegorz Schetyna during the hearing before the parliamentary committee investigating VAT fraud. - “You will not be talking to me. It is only after October that you will be sitting here on this matter and speaking,” he added.

"We are breaking the curse that was cast upon the city of Radom by the communists in 1976, when Radom, Ursus, and Płock initiated, and continued our path to freedom, with Solidarity being its next stop. Following those workers' protests, the communists issued an unwritten verdict on Radom and its surroundings. Road, rail, air, business, and economic investments, anything that could contribute to the development of this beautiful city, one of Poland's largest, were blocked here. Today, we are breaking this history; we are embarking on a great developmental task," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Radom.

https://twitter.com/PremierRP/status/1125737843383570432

- For now it's stubble, but soon it will be a major international airport. The airport, as Prime Minister Morawiecki said, will be opened for use in October next year in the first phase. Initially for three million passengers, but the second phase is designed for 10 million passengers. This is potentially the second largest airport in Poland. I am moved because this is a historic moment for Radom, comparable to the arrival of the railway in Radom at the end of the 19th century - stated Adam Bielan at the inauguration ceremony of the construction of Radom Airport.

Here too, just a few days ago, a storm broke out after a statement made at the University of Warsaw. I was a witness and participant in this event. And interestingly, the political fervor surrounding the words spoken there, in my opinion, overshadowed the essence of the problem. The key question today is: how much freedom on Polish universities? What are universities truly for? Do universities desire, and I have no doubt about this, and do they have the capacity in Europe, and here, to fully realize the so-called third mission, the mission of organizing public life beyond lectures, beyond knowledge as such. The mission of organizing people with different views and also offering them hospitality and the opportunity to express these different views, which do not always suit others. This is essentially the essence of European identity, this mission of the university - stated Donald Tusk during the centenary celebrations of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.

- These elections, especially this year, are very significant. Hence my very, very sincere request to convince everyone possible to go. Of course, the aim is for them to support Law and Justice, but above all, for them to decide to participate in these elections at all - said Jarosław Kaczyński in Lublin.

Europe will be the Europe we chose, and Poland will be a liberal democracy – the one we fought for – as long as no one intimidates, persecutes, or imprisons anyone for their beliefs, freedom of thought, or artistic sensitivity. This storm around the university speech wasn't noticed, for instance, in Brussels or other capitals. Perhaps because in many places in Europe, it's natural for people to exchange controversial views. However, another piece of news, unfortunately, has circulated almost worldwide. News that the author of a certain graphic, a controversial one, the Virgin Mary with a rainbow in the background, was detained and interrogated for many hours. As a resident of Gdańsk, I've had the opportunity to encounter similar works since birth. One of them hangs in St. Mary's Church. It's a copy of Hans Memling's painting 'The Last Judgment'. At the center of the painting is the figure of Christ, with a large rainbow in the background. From Iran, through Russia, to Spain and England, and the USA, everyone has noticed this peculiar fact. I noted that the detained individual, thanking some friends online for their support, wrote: 'I am very tired, but above all, it all boggles my mind.' To be honest, it boggles my mind too – stated Donald Tusk during the centenary celebrations of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.

- If you were to ask what guided us when we put people in the top spots on various lists, it was precisely this principle of utility. It might not sound the best in relation to individuals, in relation to people, but that's how it was, the principle of utility. I know I shouldn't say it like this, but that's simply the truth - said Jarosław Kaczyński in Lublin.

- I am speaking about this because I am convinced that your university has survived and will survive all historical fluctuations as long as it respects and practices this mission of diversity and faith in the meaning of diversity and freedom. After all, this conviction and mission are underpinned by a precise article in our Constitution, which states that everyone is guaranteed freedom of artistic creation, scientific research and the dissemination of their results, freedom of teaching, and freedom of access to cultural goods - stated Donald Tusk during the centenary celebrations of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.

- This anti-culture offensive in the European Union is powerful, and we are seeing it in Poland as well. It must be stopped in the interest of our future, in the interest of our children and grandchildren. In the interest of ensuring that our European civilization, our Christian civilization, the most benevolent to humanity in the history of the world, endures. It is being undermined today - said Jarosław Kaczyński in Lublin.

- Today, perhaps, on your 100th anniversary in Poznań, it is worth stating very clearly that within the walls of universities and more broadly, in the entire public space, freedom cannot excuse anyone from responsibility, including for words, and the sense of responsibility cannot stifle anyone's freedom. To understand this, one truly needs a bit of goodwill. Sometimes, a bit of common sense is enough, and we will avoid misunderstandings in the future - stated Donald Tusk during the 100th-anniversary celebrations of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.

- Remember, ladies and gentlemen, that if a good change is possible at all, in all its aspects – material, ideological, and spiritual – it is only thanks to him [Lech Kaczyński] – Jarosław Kaczyński said in Lublin.

– I have a heartfelt appeal, especially to those of you who are journalists, involved in political relations, or work in the media. It is also in your most significant interest to defend freedom of speech, freedom of belief, and the liberty to express views, even when you disagree with them. The pervasive lies and manipulation in public debate today can ruin Polish democracy. Believe me, there is no longer time or space for jokes. That is why what I heard during the address before my lecture at the University of Warsaw – with some theses I disagree with, and some words I would certainly not use – struck me to a much lesser extent. It is far more important for Poland's future whether we will silence people or imprison someone with a distinct artistic vision. These matters have indeed taken on exceptional importance today, including in Poland. I appeal to all media. Please focus your attention on what is also the foundation of your message and your mission: to what extent you can freely pursue your mission in accordance with your convictions, and to what extent you are working for an often organized and very aggressive form of deception – stated Donald Tusk in conversation with journalists in Poznań, when asked about Leszek Jażdżewski's address at the University of Warsaw on Friday.

- Believe me on my word, and this is a serious declaration. The political plans of X or Y are not the top priority in Poland today. I am including myself here. Much more important, I believe and I hope, is what I would like to convey and repeat again, I also said this here today in Poznań. I had very warm support from professors and rectors who pointed out that what is truly dangerous for the future, what is truly a great challenge for Poland, Europe, and even humanity as such, is not political careers, advancement, or the decisions of this or that politician. It is the very existence of our civilization and of humanity itself. These are not unfounded fears - stated Donald Tusk in a conversation with journalists in Poznań.

- I don't want to leave Europe. I disagree with that. I want to stay in the Union because that's our place. That's why I'm marching on May 18th with you - says Cezary Żak in a new clip from the European Coalition, encouraging participation in the "Poland in Europe" march.

- If you value solidarity, freedom, democracy, openness, the rule of law, if you are cheerful and like people, come with us. Let's show Europe a different, cooler face of Poland - continues Grażyna Wolszczak.

- We've been together for 15 years. We get along well. Let's not be separated. Let's show that Poland's place is in the EU. Let's show that Poland's future is in the EU - adds Wojciech Malajkat.

https://twitter.com/Platforma_org/status/1125777308177051649

- In Poland, we don't have an attack on democracy or the rule of law, we simply have good change. We are moving away from what was bad and unjust - said Jarosław Kaczyński in Radzyń Podlaski.

– The strike did not please us, although we certainly know that teachers earn too little and we are determined for these salaries to increase, but we can only do as much as public finances allow – said Jarosław Kaczyński in Radzyń Podlaski.

- When it comes to the technique of the conversation, I have no objections [to Marcin Horała]. Everything was conducted in a normal manner here. I would have more doubts about the invitation, the whole May calendar, where PO leaders, former chairmen, are invited before elections. Today it was me, next week Prime Minister Kopacz, then Prime Minister Tusk - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i opinie" on Polsat News. - It's about the intentions. If the committee has been functioning for over a dozen months and a week before the elections, opposition leaders are invited, what is that supposed to serve? - he continued. - The aim is for the investigative committee to be an institution of a democratic state, of parliamentary democracy, and not to be a hammer against the opposition, because one is on this side of the table now, and after the elections, one might find oneself on the other side - added the PO chairman.

- Is Pope Francis, who accepts the rainbow cross, subject to this paragraph, or is he breaking the law? We need to keep a distance from these issues - said Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" on Polsat News.

- Freedom of speech is sacred. What pertains to a free university in a free country is something fundamental. But if such a systemic address is given by the organizer meant to introduce the main hero, I am surprised - said Grzegorz Schetyna in a conversation with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

- PiS greatly fears good relations between Tusk and Schetyna, and I understand them. We have good experience winning elections and in truly showing them their place - said Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

- Being half a percentage point, one percent ahead of PiS, and having one seat advantage over PiS will be a great success, and I believe it will be a step towards victory in the parliamentary elections - said Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program “Wydarzenia i Opinie” (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

- A nightmarish attack on the Church, on religion, and on the faithful of the Church. During the election campaign, such phrases as pigs wallowing in mud are uttered in the presence of leading European Commission politicians - said Waldemar Paruch on Kropka nad I.

"No, I didn't know about these tapes beforehand. I have spoken publicly on this matter many times. I have explained it repeatedly. However, considering various events that transpired during this case, and ultimately the fact that all individuals associated with this affair are now positioned very highly within the CBA and have advanced significantly, I too am beginning to have doubts as to whether and at what stage I was misled," stated Paweł Wojtunik in an interview with Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz on Wyborcza.pl.

"Three and a half years after leaving service, I am starting to have serious doubts about the then apolitical nature of some officers and their integrity. Moreover, please note, the charges I received, which we have discussed, are also a result of a notification from the CBA. As an experienced police officer, having previously led CBŚ and other structures within the police, I believed that people should be allowed to work and be given the chance to work apolitically. It's possible that not everyone at the time carried out these duties as honestly as I did," he added.

- In light of the arrest incident, Mr. Jażdżewski's speech should be viewed more leniently, though it affected me too. He somehow undermined the conciliatory tone of Tusk's speech. I'm surprised he didn't distance himself, unlike the rector, the PSL, and the Platform. Donald Tusk showed affirmation, while his political allies showed distance - said Ryszard Bugaj in Kropka nad I.

- The structures created around Father Rydzyk participate in various competitions and grants. The majority of this money is for the John Paul II museum. Everything is transparent, power will change in autumn and will have access to these documents - said Waldemar Paruch on Kropka nad I.

- I don't know what was conveyed to Juncker, but it was clearly stated that the Rapallo Treaty opened the way for Soviet-German cooperation, and Tusk received the Walter Rathenau Prize, who was its initiator. I believe that any Polish politician should not accept his award, because we know who this man was and what his stance towards Poland was - Waldemar Paruch said in 'Kropka nad I'.

- One thing is impossible: defending TVP propaganda. It's like propaganda from the era of Maciej Szczepański - Ryszard Bugaj said on 'Kropka nad I'.

- My feelings were offended, and those of many other Catholics. It's not as if we have synergies of positive influence from symbols; it wasn't done in good faith, but rather to insult the icon of the Mother of God. Let's not build a positive message around this. One must not desecrate or insult religion. One must not toy with symbols of states and cities - said Waldemar Paruch on Kropka nad I. - But one can toy with Hitler... - replied Monika Olejnik.

- Mr. Jażdżewski crossed certain lines, but the government authorities crossed them even more regarding this lady. Neither deserves praise - said Ryszard Bugaj in Kropka nad I.

- There is truth and there is freedom. This true freedom is what we want, and we are an island of this freedom, and we want this freedom to begin to spread again from Poland in Europe - said Jarosław Kaczyński in Biała Podlaska.

"One must ask why they agreed to this speech [by Leszek Jażdżewski], whether they knew what he would say, who paid for Mr. Jażdżewski's speech, and who is actually the conceiver of such an embarrassing spectacle, which offends the feelings of many Poles for whom religious values are extremely important. Above all, it is also a blow to the Church, which is important for the Polish state, which has built and is a carrier of values, but in difficult situations for the Polish state, it was a bastion of Polishness," stated Deputy Prime Minister Beata Szydło on "Gość Wiadomości" on TVP Info.

„Political, party struggle, especially in an election year, has its specifics, but there are certain boundaries that cannot be crossed, even in political struggle, and certainly such boundaries concern matters of the state, Polishness, values important to us, everything that builds Polish identity” - said Deputy Prime Minister Beata Szydło on "Gość Wiadomości" on TVP Info.

The Council of Ministers adopted today a government bill on the Public Transport Development Fund and sent it to the Sejm, where it has already been assigned a print number. The draft has also been sent for a first reading at a Sejm session. This proposal is part of the so-called Kaczyński's "five" and aims to restore bus connections. It can be assumed that it will be considered at next week's Sejm session, from May 15-17.

-- LIVEBLOG 300POLITYKI: Schetyna: To be half a percentage point, one percent ahead of PiS and have one seat advantage over PiS will be a great success. Paruch on the fact that the next government in the autumn will have insight into the documents regarding Fr. Rydzyk's financing. Bugaj: Against the backdrop of this arrest incident, Mr. Jażdżewski's speech should be judged more leniently, although it also affected me. Schetyna: Does Pope Francis, who accepts a rainbow cross, fall under this paragraph, or does he break the law? https://300polityka.pl/live/2019/05/07/ ***** WYDARZENIA POLSATU -- THE MOST IMPORTANT FACES OF THE CAMPAIGN ATTRACTED ATTENTION TODAY - announcement. -- THESE ARE NO LONGER JUST WEEKEND PIS CONVENTIONS, BUT ALSO MID-WEEK TRIPS SUPPORTING SPECIFIC CANDIDATES - Dariusz Ociepa. -- JAROSŁAW KACZYŃSKI HAS LARGELY TAKEN ON THE BURDEN OF THE PIS CAMPAIGN - Ociepa continues. -- IN THESE ELECTIONS, PIS IS PRIMARILY COUNTING ON MOBILIZING ITS IRON ELECTORATE - Ociepa: That's why the ruling party didn't look for other campaign faces, as they did 4 years ago. This time they focused mainly on the leader's face. -- DONALD TUSK'S STATEMENT FROM POZNAŃ. -- WHILE MANY POLITICIANS, INCLUDING THOSE FROM THE CIVIC PLATFORM, HAVE UNEQUIVOCALLY DISTANCED THEMSELVES FROM LESZEK JAŻDŻEWSKI'S WORDS, DONALD TUSK HAS NOT UNEQUIVOCALLY DONE SO - Ociepa. -- DETAINED, QUESTIONED, AND RELEASED - THE AUTHOR OF THE MOTHER OF GOD WITH A RAINBOW HALO RECEIVED A CHARGE OF INSULTING RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS TODAY - announcement. -- THE 51-YEAR-OLD WAS TRANSPORTED FROM WARSAW TO PŁOCK, WHERE SHE WAS QUESTIONED FOR SEVERAL HOURS - SHE WAS EVENTUALLY RELEASED, BUT RECEIVED A CHARGE - Mira Skórka. -- INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROSECUTOR'S CHARGES FOR ALTERING THE IMAGE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD HAS CIRCULATED IN MANY WORLD MEDIA - Skórka continues. -- THE CIVIC PLATFORM HAS PROVIDED FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO THE SUSPECT - Skórka. -- PIS POLITICIANS PERSUADE THAT THE POLICE AND PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE PROCEEDINGS WERE PROPER - Skórka continues. ***** FAKTY TVN -- BRUDZIŃSKI CONGRATULATED THE POLICE: Police officers went into action at 6 a.m. - they detained a woman who had plastered posters with the Mother of God in a rainbow halo. The morning raid was not at the prosecutor's request. It was the police's initiative, and Minister Joachim Brudziński praised them. The woman was charged with religious desecration. -- SHE DID IT IN RESPONSE TO AN ACTION IN A CHURCH - Jakub Sobieniowski. -- THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE OFF MY BRA - Podleśna. -- WERE THESE HUMILIATING PROCEDURES NECESSARY, WAS SHE SUCH A THREAT THAT 6 POLICE OFFICERS HAD TO ENTER HER HOME? THE POLICE RESPONSE IS YES - Sobieniowski. -- THIS IS HOW THEY USED TO ENTER PEOPLE DURING SOLIDARITY, THIS IS HOW THE SECURITY APPARATUS USED TO ENTER, WE ARE GOING BACK TO THOSE TIMES, THEY HAVE THEIR MOUTHS FULL OF FIGHTING COMMUNISM BUT BEHAVE LIKE COMMUNISTS - Zbigniew Janas. -- Sobieniowski on PJK's words about raising a hand against the Church and Brudziński listening to this speech. -- WAS THIS DETENTION JUSTIFIED? - Sobieniowski. -- I ORDERED THE WOMAN TO BE RELEASED - prosecutor. -- BRUDZIŃSKI AND PIS ARE COUNTING ON PEOPLE BEING AFRAID, BUT THIS DOESN'T TAKE AWAY MY DIGNITY, IT TAKES AWAY THEIR DIGNITY - Elżbieta Podleśna. -- A SIGNIFICANT COMMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL - Sobieniowski. -- THE FIRST AMNESTY ACTION IN POLAND CONCERNED THE PERSECUTION OF WORKERS IN RADOM AND URSUS BY THE COMMUNISTS - Sobieniowski. -- At the same time, at the peak of the campaign, but in different places and circumstances, Donald Tusk and Jarosław Kaczyński appeared publicly. The PiS leader supported a candidate in the elections. The President of the European Council referred to the controversy surrounding Leszek Jażdżewski's speech on Friday. -- REPORT FROM TUSK AND KACZYŃSKI'S SPEECHES. -- THE MONEY PROMISED BY PJK IS STILL BEING NEGOTIATED AND IS UNCERTAIN - Maciej Knapik. -- THESE PEOPLE LOST 27:1 AND IT WILL END THE SAME WAY AGAIN WHEN THEY FIGHT FOR POLISH INTERESTS - Cezary Tomczyk. -- IT'S NOT WORTH INFLATING THE BALLOON - Bielan on Tusk. -- TUSK MENTIONED KOPACZ, KACZYŃSKI SUPPORTED KRUK - Knapik. -- TUSK'S STATEMENT ON LIES AND MANIPULATION: There is no more room or time for jokes here. -- HE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH FINANCE AND TAXES, BUT HAD TO TESTIFY BEFORE THE INVESTIGATIVE COMMISSION - in the announcement: During the Platform's rule, he was the head of diplomacy and minister of internal affairs. He had nothing to do with finance and taxes. Nevertheless, Grzegorz Schetyna had to testify before the commission on VAT fraud. A few days before the elections. -- 19 DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTIONS, THE COMMISSION SUMMONS THE OPPOSITION LEADER WHO WAS AN IMPORTANT MINISTER DURING THE PO-PSL GOVERNMENT, BUT TODAY IS THE HEAD OF PO - Krzysztof Skórzyński. -- I ALSO APPEARED BEFORE THAT COMMISSION - Jarosław Gowin. -- ONLY IN JANUARY - Skórzyński. -- ROSTOWSKI WAS SUPPOSED TO TESTIFY TOMORROW, AND KOPACZ AND NOWAK IN A WEEK - Skórzyński. -- SCHETYNA STUCK TO THE LINE THAT HE WAS NOT THE ADDRESSEE OF THE QUESTIONS - Skórzyński. -- "Breaking History" sounds proud, but does it fit the Radom airport? The Prime Minister started its construction with great pomp. Another one, because the airport was built years ago, but no one wanted to fly from it. Now more millions will go into its construction. -- I AM MOVED BECAUSE THIS IS A HISTORIC MOMENT COMPARABLE TO THE CONNECTION OF THE RAILWAY - Adam Bielan. -- I'M NOT JEALOUS, YOU'RE OPENING THE SAME AIRPORT FOR THE HOW MANYTH TIME - Andrzej Halicki. -- THEY ANNOUNCE THAT THIS TIME THE AIRPORT WILL BE BIGGER - Arleta Zalewska. -- THOSE WHO BUILT IT NOW WILL DEMOLISH IT, THE TERMINAL WAS BUILT DURING THE PIS GOVERNMENT AND WILL NOW BE DEMOLISHED AND A NEW ONE WILL BE BUILT, BUT I AM GLAD THAT SOMETHING IS BEING BUILT IN MY HOMETOWN - Ewa Kopacz. -- SCANDAL AT THE AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE NEAR WARSAW: It started with an anonymous report regarding the condition of animals at the Institute of Technology and Agribusiness in Falenty near Warsaw. An inspection entered the facility. However, as informed by the Minister of Agriculture Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski, to whom the facility reports, the inspection found nothing, so he ordered the prosecutor's office to be notified that activists had illegally taken animals. According to activists, the documentation regarding the animals was fabricated for the inspection. Institute employees confirm that things are not going well at the facility. ***** WIADOMOŚCI TVP -- RESTORATION OF BUS CONNECTIONS LIQUIDATED OVER THE YEARS IS GETTING CLOSER - announcement. -- THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED A DRAFT LAW ON THE BUS CONNECTION DEVELOPMENT FUND. This year 300 million, then an increase to 800 million zlotys - Maksymilian Maszenda. -- THIS IS ONE OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE "FIVE PLUS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT" PROGRAM - Maszenda. -- JAROSŁAW KACZYŃSKI APPEALED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EP ELECTIONS - Maszenda. -- SCHETYNA STATED BEFORE THE INVESTIGATIVE COMMISSION THAT REGARDING VAT TAXES, ALL DECISIONS WERE MADE BY DONALD TUSK - announcement. -- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CIVIC PLATFORM, INSTEAD OF PROVIDING SUBSTANTIVE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, THREATENED AND SCARED PEOPLE - Maciej Sawicki. -- DURING THE PO-PSL GOVERNMENT, THE BUDGET COULD HAVE LOST 250 BILLION PLN FROM VAT TAX - Sawicki. -- THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT HAS REDUCED THE VAT GAP - Sawicki. -- SCHETYNA IS WASHING HIS HANDS AND SHIFTING ALL RESPONSIBILITY TO DONALD TUSK - Sawicki. -- SCHETYNA DUG A HOLE FOR TUSK - Marcin Horała. -- JACEK ROSTOWSKI WILL NOT APPEAR BEFORE THE INVESTIGATIVE COMMISSION TOMORROW DUE TO HEALTH REASONS - Sawicki. -- ANOTHER SPEECH BY TUSK AT THE UNIVERSITY - announcement: Universities should be free from politics, but rectors are making an exception for Tusk, who does not hide his political ambitions. -- TUSK DID NOT REACT TO JAŻDŻEWSKI'S SPEECH AT UW, HE DOWNPLAYED IT TODAY, EVEN THOUGH IT DEEPLY AFFECTED POLES - Marcin Tulicki. -- IT WAS ALREADY EVIDENT FROM FRIDAY'S LECTURE AT UW THAT TUSK APPROVED OF JAŻDŻEWSKI'S THESES - Tulicki. -- THE PUBLISHER OF LIBERTE! MAGAZINE RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM SOROS AND GERMANY - Tulicki. -- INFLUENTIAL EC POLITICIANS ARE RELYING ON A POLITICAL AND MEDIA ALLIANCE WITH BERLIN, WHICH IS EVIDENT IN THE TORPEDOING OF EFFORTS TO OBTAIN WAR REPARATIONS FROM GERMANY - Tulicki. -- TUSK'S SPEECH TODAY CAUSED AS MUCH CONTROVERSY AS FRIDAY'S - Tulicki. -- TUSK, WHO SPOKE ABOUT THE FREEDOM OF UNIVERSITIES TODAY, DID NOT REACT WHEN THE RECTOR OF THE GDAŃSK UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY WAS ATTACKED - Tulicki. -- THERE IS NO LACK OF OPINIONS THAT THE RECTOR DIED BECAUSE HE WAS BULLIED TO DEATH - Tulicki. -- A WOMAN WHO PLASTERED IMAGES OF THE VIRGIN MARY OF CZESTOCHOWA WITH A RAINBOW, SYMBOLIZING THE GAY MOVEMENT, ON DUMPSTERS AND TOILETS RECEIVED A CHARGE OF INSULTING A OBJECT OF RELIGIOUS VENERATION - announcement. -- POLITICIANS FROM THE CIVIC PLATFORM AND DONALD TUSK ARE DEFENDING THE PROVOCATEUR - Karol Jałtuszewski. -- TUSK SHOULD KNOW THAT THE BIBLICAL RAINBOW DIFFERS FROM THE GAY RAINBOW IN THE NUMBER OF COLORS - Jałtuszewski. -- PIS POLITICIANS SPOKE TODAY ABOUT THE NEED TO PROTECT CHRISTIAN VALUES IN EUROPE - Jałtuszewski.