I Don't Buy the Narrative of an 'Alternative' That Involves Tapping into Iron Reserves." Trzaskowski's lengthy post on SAFE
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07/25/2019
06:15
Thursday's Political Agenda: Von der Leyen's Visit to Warsaw
The newly elected President of the European Commission will be visiting Warsaw today. At 11:00 AM, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will welcome Ursula von der Leyen at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM). At 11:05 AM, the leaders will meet with journalists. The Prime Minister's conversation with the President-elect will begin at 11:15 AM.
Minister Elżbieta Witek will participate in the Police Day celebrations – this time in Legnica at 12:00 PM. Also at noon, but in Warsaw, activists from SLD, Wiosna, and Razem are organizing their press conference on women's rights.
07:50
Sasin Ahead of PM Meeting with von der Leyen: Focus on Three Areas: Formation of New EC, EU Budget, and Climate Policy
"[The government] counts on a good conversation on matters important to us. These conversations will focus on three areas. Firstly, the formation of the new European Commission and which portfolio will go to Poland. Today, everyone in Europe is discussing this, as new EU authorities are being formed. We are interested in taking on an important portfolio. This will not be the sole subject of the talks. The conversation will also concern the EU budget, the negotiations for which will enter a new phase, or rather, will truly begin in earnest. Climate issues are also on the agenda. It is extremely important for us that this climate policy takes into account our Polish specificity," – said Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin on Radio Jedynka.
07:53
Sasin:
Von der Leyen's Initial Statements Suggest She Isn't Fiercely Opposed to Poland
“The first statements by Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen indicate that she is not so fiercely opposed to Poland. She recognizes that, when we talk about the rule of law, it is a pan-European issue. There is no basis for singling out any country, especially Poland, in any way” - said Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin on Radio Jedynka.
07:55
Sasin:
PO is still scheming regarding 500+. I am absolutely convinced that the ultimate goal is to abolish this program.
„PO is still scheming regarding 500+. What we hear from Grzegorz Schetyna, that when they gain power, 500+ will be maintained, with statements like [Prof. Rzońca's] it's evident that this isn't true. There are constantly ideas to limit this program. I am absolutely convinced that the ultimate goal is to abolish this program. It will start with individual groups of Poles being deprived of the opportunity to receive 500+, and it will end with no one receiving this money. This is the real plan of PO” - said Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin on Jedynka radio.
08:10
Czarzasty on the Left-Wing Coalition: We Want to Go Very Broadly
- The PPS, yesterday we had a very good conversation with the Labour Union, I had a very good conversation with the Women's Strike, with the Feminist Initiative, with the Congress of Secularism. With individuals, with Jan Śpiewak. We want to go very broadly - stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Karolina Lewicka on TOK FM's morning show.
08:16
Czarzasty:
PO Has Stopped Believing in Victory
I don't see [determination in Civic Platform to win against Law and Justice] and it's not a matter of fighting. It's a matter of assessment. Fighting is, for example, what I hear from the spokesperson for Civic Platform, who says: vote for us, for Civic Coalition, because all votes cast for other democratic parties are lost. That is fighting. I won't say that because it's a fight that simply concerns current issues - stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Karolina Lewicka on TOK FM's morning show.
The European Coalition has fallen apart. You are speaking with a person who was loyal to this coalition to the very end. I believed in this project, which is why I informed the media. The largest project after political transformation with a leader recognized by other parties. This is truly unheard of. I considered my colleague Grzegorz Schetyna a leader because he is the head of the largest party. We gained 38% of the votes. On the other side, 40 billion was spent in the month before the elections on people, on various forms of financial benefits. And it fell apart. Okay, I'm building a new project. And now, why am I doing this? Firstly, I believe that the Polish People's Party, I have this thesis and I will say it, has returned to its old game of balancing on the edge of a coalition with democracy and PiS. That's simply what I think. However, regarding Civic Platform, I believe that Civic Platform has stopped believing in victory - continued the leader of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD).
08:17
Sasin:
PO's Amendment to the So-called "500+ for Disabled Persons" is Entirely Unjustified. It Benefits Nobody. We Made a Hasty Decision in the Sejm. We Will Prepare Amendments in the Senate to Expand the Number of Beneficiaries.
"The Civic Platform's amendment [to the so-called "500+ for disabled persons"] is completely ineffective. We have analyzed this matter. It gives nothing to anyone, so there is no one from whom anything can be taken, because this amendment has not provided anything additional to anyone. Under the influence of this discussion, we decided that perhaps it is worth supporting more people, but this was a decision made in the heat of the moment in the Sejm chamber. We will prepare proposals for changes in the Senate that will significantly expand the number of people who will receive this benefit. I have in mind here especially what disability communities are postulating, namely not including the family pension in the income criterion. This will become a fact. The political decision is that the Senate will adopt the amendment. And there will also be other solutions that will significantly increase the number of people" – said Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin on Jedynka radio.
08:30
Gowin:
We Are Not Planning Any Systemic Changes
Some polls indicate that we might secure an independent majority. That's what we're fighting for. No poll shows us coming even close to a constitutional majority. We are lobbying the European Commission for one of the economic portfolios. For portfolios like energy, agriculture, and issues related to free trade, which are of immense significance to Polish entrepreneurs. However, we are not planning any systemic changes – stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Henryk Szrubarz on "Sygnały dnia" on Polish Radio Channel One.
08:31
Czarzasty on Electoral Lists: Today We Have Our First Conversation, But It Won't Be the Final One
- The whole charm of this is that today we are having our first conversation [regarding electoral lists], but it won't be the final one, because we are accepting partners until the end of next week. It cannot be the case that three parties close this discussion. We need to talk this through – stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Karolina Lewicka on TOK FM's morning program.
08:34
Gowin on the Sunday March of the Left: An Example of Unnecessarily Fueling Tensions
- In my opinion, this is also an example of unnecessarily fueling tensions. Tensions that are too sharp, disputes - said Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Henryk Szrubarz on "Sygnały dnia" on Polish Radio's Jedynka.
08:38
Gowin on Glapiński's Salary: I'm Very Glad My Comment Turned Out to Be Hasty
- I'm very glad that my comment turned out to be hasty. Indeed, yesterday the media were buzzing all day about this alleged bonus, in a rather glaring amount of half a million zlotys. I'm very glad that it was a lie - said Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Henryk Szrubarz on "Sygnały dnia" (Signals of the Day) on Jedynka radio.
08:38
Czarzasty:
We Must Decide on Biedroń's Candidacy
- We need to make a decision regarding Robert Biedroń's [parliamentary] candidacy. It's his decision. He must make a decision, and regardless of whether it's one way or another... With Biedroń right now, he has been the leader of Wiosna until now, and he is the leader of Wiosna. Wiosna went on its own. Now we have a coalition. If we have a coalition, then what Robert Biedroń, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Adrian Zandberg, or Marcelina Zawisza will do, depends on all of us, because it's our common good. We've agreed to meet all day tomorrow, and we need to discuss it – stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Karolina Lewicka on TOK FM's morning program.
11:16
PM Before Meeting with von der Leyen: Our Agenda Includes Discussing Personnel, Commissioner Appointment, and Potential Portfolio for the Polish Commissioner
I am pleased that Madam President has come to Poland to discuss this. We certainly have on our agenda, in our plans, a discussion regarding personnel, the appointment of the commissioner, and what portfolio could be assigned to the Polish commissioner. Naturally, this is in the context of all other challenges we will undoubtedly discuss today, namely the new term for European institutions, new ideas, a new beginning. I believe this will be a very good, new era for Europe. I congratulate the President once again on taking on this crucial role for the future of the EU. I look forward to our cooperation – stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki before his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen.
11:25
Nitras:
The Sejm Marshal Uses the Government Gulfstream Almost Weekly for Absolutely Private Purposes. He Usually Doesn't Travel Alone, But with Several Passengers United by One Thing: The Surname Kuchciński
The Marshal Kuchciński practically every week uses the government Gulfstream for absolutely private purposes, flying to and from Rzeszów to Warsaw. Almost every week. Very importantly, Marshal Kuchciński usually doesn't travel alone, but with other passengers, several, five, six, two, three, who are united by one thing. They all have the surname Kuchciński – said Sławomir Nitras during a press conference in the Sejm.
Has the Marshal covered any costs of these flights? Has he reimbursed the money for family members? When he is accompanied by his brother, wife, daughter, or son, have these individuals paid for this flight? – the MP asked.
11:25
von der Leyen: It was very important for me to come to Warsaw immediately after Berlin and Paris. Poland is an important EU country.
- It was very important for me to come to Warsaw immediately after Berlin and Paris. Poland is an important EU member state, a Central and Eastern European country. After Warsaw, I am heading to Croatia - stated Ursula von der Leyen before her meeting with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
11:32
von der Leyen: On Some Topics We Will Agree, On Others Probably Not. Difficult Issues Like Migration and Rule of Law Exist. It's Important to Listen to Each Other
We will also talk about other topics. On some we will agree, on others we will probably disagree. There are difficult topics like migration and the rule of law. In my opinion, it's very important to listen to each other and to show mutual respect. Never forgetting why we are in the EU, why we joined the EU – stated Ursula von der Leyen before the meeting with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. As she emphasized, the main topics of the talks will be sustainable development, prosperity, and security.
14:24
Sejm Information Centre: All Government Flights by the Speaker of the Sejm Were for Official Purposes
- In reference to documents published in the public domain concerning the flights of the Marshal of the Sejm in the period January - July 2019, the Sejm Information Centre clarifies that every journey undertaken by the second person in the state using a government plane had an official character - the CIS informed in a statement.
"The calendar of the Marshal of the Sejm is very demanding – he carries out an average of around 30 official meetings per month, not counting the basic duties related to the functioning of the Chamber. Air travel using government planes is the safest and most logistically advantageous way to reconcile numerous duties.
Referring to the dates indicated in today's reports, the CIS emphasizes that these were journeys usually carried out in direct chronological proximity to Sejm sittings, which imposed additional logistical tasks on the Chancellery of the Sejm.
In reference to information appearing in the public domain that other individuals, including family members, accompany the Marshal of the Sejm on official trips, the Sejm Information Centre clarifies that the presence of additional persons on board does not affect the cost of the flight in any way. Moreover, the opportunity to accompany the Marshal of the Sejm on trips is primarily utilized by representatives of the Chamber, employees of the Chancellery of the Sejm, and officers of the State Protection Service, which facilitates the efficient implementation of the travel program and, at the same time, has nothing to do with personal benefits."
14:27
PM after meeting with von der Leyen: All matters discussed were fully in line with our policy in Poland
„I want to express immense joy about this meeting, as it met our expectations on a vast number of issues. We discussed many matters, if not most, concerning the functioning of member states within the EU, and we discussed them at a particularly significant moment, namely the formation of institutions and the assumption of roles by new individuals within the EU. Such a moment always offers an additional chance for a new beginning, for looking positively towards the future. The entire conversation was about the future, a positive future for the EU and Poland as one of the key EU countries,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said at a press conference.
„All matters that we discussed were, in fact, fully in line with our policy pursued in Poland. I mentioned a certain area that is rarely discussed in the EU and it met with immense interest. It is rarely discussed, and unjustly so, because it concerns the area of finance and taxes. I spoke about how we sealed the VAT loophole and how we were able to increase CIT revenues,” he added.
14:42
Krzysztof Szczerski Nominated as Polish Commissioner for the New European Commission. PM Morawiecki: Together with the President, We Conduct Foreign Policy
„We discussed issues concerning appointments. I raised matters related to the European Parliament, geographical balance, and the necessity for representatives from Poland, Central Europe, and the Visegrad Group to be present in important commissions. By this, I mean both very significant portfolios, that is, Directorate-Generals of the European Commission that hold the greatest importance in real politics. I proposed certain broadly understood economic and infrastructural areas that are within our sphere of interest, because we are keen on the fastest possible economic growth, which translates into wage growth – in other words, European integration in practice, as we call it” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.
„We began our conversation with the President on our proposals regarding the commissioner’s portfolio, and thus the scope of competencies. I proposed the candidacy of Mr. Krzysztof Szczerski, which was developed in cooperation with the President. The President, together with the government, jointly conducts foreign policy, and in dialogue with the President, the candidacy of a person who perfectly knows the realities of the EU, the functioning of the EU, and is excellently oriented in the specifics of EU institutions was proposed. I am convinced that he will be a very good commissioner” – he added.
15:03
PM Asked About Rule of Law in Conversation with von der Leyen: 'Not Once Did We Touch Upon This Issue'
- During a 2.5-hour, or rather, over two-hour conversation, not once did Madam President [Ursula von der Leyen] mention this matter, not once did we touch upon this issue [rule of law in Poland]. Of course, I also did not raise it because I believe this chapter should be closed as quickly as possible, as it was saturated with unnecessary emotions from one of the commissioners of the previous composition. However, if you, Mr. Editor, refer to Madam President's statement in the first part, a brief media statement we had, I would draw attention to the broad context in which Madam President mentioned it, and also in what context she mentions it in press interviews, because this shows her immense understanding for this fundamental postulate, which is to move forward, to seek compromises, and this is entirely consistent with our approach as well - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.
17:26
Buda:
Sexual Minorities Have Existed for Years, But It Wasn't Discussed. No Politicians Wanted to Exploit Them. Then Left-Wing Representatives Allegedly Took Them Under Their Wing and Escalated Their Views
Sexual minorities, who have existed in Poland for years, it's not as if they've only been around for 5, 10, or 15 years, but it wasn't a subject of political discussion because there were no politicians who wanted to exploit this community. So they functioned peacefully. And then representatives of the left appeared on the Polish political scene, who decided to take this community under their so-called protection and escalate their views – said Waldemar Buda in an interview with Karolina Lewicka on TOK FM's "Political Interview."
19:47
Müller on PMM-von der Leyen Talks: Not a Word on Rule of Law
- Not a word was spoken on the rule of law. Not during the part of the meeting I personally attended, and I verified this with the Prime Minister himself even before his arrival. Moreover, the Prime Minister explicitly stated that it was also absent from the [one-on-one] part of the meeting - said Piotr Müller in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.
19:51
Müller on taking family on board government plane: Even if it happened, it generates no costs
- Even if it happened, it generates no costs. If the Marshal goes on a trip with his delegation, with his staff, then the flight of an additional person, just like us journalists take people to various meetings abroad or in the country, also does not generate additional costs - said Piotr Müller in a conversation with Bogdan Rymanowski in the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" on Polsat News.
19:52
Girzyński on Kuchciński's Flights: 'For me, there's nothing wrong with it. If it generated any costs, then a reproach could be made'
- For me, there's nothing wrong with [Marshal Kuchciński's flights with his family] for a very simple reason. If it generated any costs, then a reproach could be made - stated Zbigniew Girzyński in an interview with Katarzyna Kolenda-Zaleska on TVN24's "Fakty po faktach".
- It would be inappropriate, either towards Marshal Kuchciński or, at one time, towards Prime Minister Donald Tusk, when he returned home from work from Warsaw to Sopot, we'll see [if without family], it will turn out soon, I'm not sure if he always flew without family, but it would be inappropriate to say: if your wife or son happens to be in Warsaw, then let them return by car or train - added the former PiS MP.
19:56
Czarzasty to Civic Platform: Dear Mrs. Basia, It's Not Enough to Include Civil Partnerships in Your Program. When Civil Partnerships in Białystok Are Attacked, You Must Defend Them
Dear colleagues from Civic Platform, dear Basia. It is not enough to include civil partnerships in your program. When civil partnerships in Białystok get slapped in the face, are beaten, kicked, spat upon, hit in the face, you must defend them – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program “Wydarzenia i Opinie” on Polsat News.
20:02
Czarzasty:
The Left Will Be Where People Are Beaten. This May Annoy the Right. Civic Platform is Definitely the Right
- The Left will be where people are beaten. The Left will be there when there's a strike at a workplace. This may annoy the Right, but that's how it will be - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program 'Events and Opinions' on Polsat News.
- So, is Civic Platform the Right? - the journalist pressed.
- Well, definitely. And Christian democracy, too - stated the politician.
20:05
Arłukowicz on Kuchciński's Flights: An Emanation of This Government's Unbridled Excess. It's an Example that Shows Their Entire Understanding of the State. It's an Example of Kuchciński, Who Walls Himself Off, Blocks Access. Now Journalists and Officials C
- This is an emanation of this government's unbridled excess. It's an example that shows their entire understanding of the state. It's an example of Beata Szydło, who goes to the Sejm rostrum and shouts: these funds were owed to us. It's columns of these cars driving on Polish roads with sirens blaring, with flashing lights. It's Marshal Karczewski. There was such an accusation against the Marshal that he moved into a government villa. Why does the Marshal of the Senate live in a government villa on Parkowa Street? The Marshal replied: this villa was standing empty, so I simply moved into it. It's an example of Kuchciński, who walls himself off, blocks access. Now journalists and officials can't even walk down the Sejm corridor - stated Bartosz Arłukowicz in an interview with Katarzyna Kolenda-Zaleska on TVN24's "Fakty po faktach" (Facts After Facts).
20:11
Czarzasty:
I Hear from the PO Side: Let's Wait Two Years into the Next Term, the Government Won't Have Money for Social Promises and Power Will Come to Us. In Two Years, It Might Come to Us, But Let's Be Careful, or We Might End Up in Prison.
- We will go hand in hand with Schetyna, provided he wants to fight PiS and not wait. That's an interesting theory. Just as I hear from the PO side: let's wait two years into the next term, prices will go up, the Polish government won't have money for social promises, and power will come to us on its own. I want to tell you as a representative of the left. In two years, if there's no money, it might come to us. I'm telling this to PO. Just be careful, let's be careful about this, because we might end up in prison then - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.
20:27
Szefernaker:
During the PO government's tenure, media reported on the Prime Minister's future son-in-law flying on a government plane and the Senate Marshal allegedly flying on a government plane to walk his dog
https://twitter.com/szefernaker/status/1154450731660795906
21:25
MP Leaves Kukiz '15 Club and Joins Law and Justice
Member of Parliament Norbert Kaczmarczyk is moving to the Law and Justice Parliamentary Club, thus leaving the Kukiz'15 Parliamentary Club. In the autumn elections, he will run for a parliamentary seat from the Law and Justice list in the Tarnów constituency - informed Kurier Tarnowski.
– Thanks to diligent and factual work, Law and Justice enjoys enormous support in this region. I want to be, and I know I will be, added value. As the voice of the young generation. As a representative of right-wing – pro-Polish views. As a farmer who knows the hardship of working the land. As a person who always supports the family and cultivates traditional values. As a person who is not afraid of concrete work in the Sejm and in the field. Work for the people! Work for Poland! – emphasizes the parliamentarian in an interview with the newspaper.
– I express my sincere thanks to Chairman Paweł Kukiz for the opportunity I received. I have not wasted it, and I will not waste it, because my goal has always been, is, and will be to work for the people – work for Poland. I wish all the best to my colleagues from Kukiz’15. I invite everyone from the Tarnów constituency who has Poland's well-being at heart to cooperate. I feel responsible for Poland and I want to work for our Homeland – he noted.
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