As we reported on 300POLITYCE, Sejm Presidium and the Convention of Seniors meetings have been convened for 13:00 and 13:30 respectively, the last ones to be led by Marek Kuchciński. During the Presidium meeting - as Ryszard Terlecki stated - the current Marshal of the Sejm will submit his resignation, and then, at 15:00, a Sejm session will commence where the chamber will elect a new Marshal. Today, PiS is expected to present its candidate for this position. Furthermore, Marek Kuchciński celebrates his birthday today.

A debate on the dismissal of Marek Kuchciński was scheduled for 19:00, but the PO-KO motion will become irrelevant following his resignation. According to the current version of the schedule, a voting block is planned for 20:00, but after the aforementioned motion is withdrawn, changes can be anticipated.

Also today, PiS is set to present its full electoral lists, as announced yesterday by Jarosław Sellin. "It appears so, that this information will be published exactly tomorrow, how our lists, the United Right's, will look. The top candidates are already known, whereas the full lists will be published tomorrow [on Friday]," the Deputy Minister of Culture said on Radio Gdańsk.

At 10:00, a verdict will be announced in the case of Róża Thun vs Ryszard Czarnecki. "Will the judge rule that the Member of Parliament violated the personal rights of the Member of the European Parliament? What is the boundary of political struggle in Poland? The Member of the European Parliament will be present during the announcement of the verdict," announced the Member of Parliament's parliamentary office.

At 12:00, a press conference will be held in the Sejm concerning the formation of Piotr Liroya-Marca's new parliamentary club.

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- We will announce everything on August 17. I know this is very exciting. We have reached an agreement, there are dignified conditions, and we are going forward together. It is very important to me that we have built a bridge of understanding - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News's "Graffiti".

- I'm closest to Ms. Małgorzata Wassermann. Even though she's from Małopolska, I'm much further from Terlecki. The way Deputy Speaker Terlecki conducts sessions and his treatment of the opposition is simply scandalous - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News's "Graffiti".

- If for four years PiS has had every opportunity to imprison potential criminals and has not done so, then there are two possibilities. Either they are not criminals, or the head of this organized crime group, I'm talking about all political parties, is Jarosław Kaczyński - said Paweł Kukiz in an interview with Magdalena Uchaniuk-Gadowska on "Political Salon" on Radio Trójka.

- I don't expect it to happen today. It will happen soon - stated Krzysztof Sobolewski on TVP1's 'Political Quarter', when asked if the full PiS electoral lists would be presented today.

- Everything will be clear in about 2-3 hours. A candidate from PiS, the United Right, will be nominated for the new Marshal [of the Sejm]. So let's wait a little longer - stated Krzysztof Sobolewski in TVP1's "Political Quarter of an Hour".

- Besides the fact that Mr. Marshal [Kuchciński] is submitting his resignation today, there is also, to my knowledge, a ready draft of a bill that will regulate these matters, so that there are no ambiguities regarding the flights of the most important state officials, to prevent any misunderstandings concerning the regulation of flights for individuals such as the President, Prime Minister, Marshal of the Sejm, and Marshal of the Senate - stated Krzysztof Sobolewski on TVP1's "Political Quarter Hour".

- They are listed [in the HEAD instruction], but the issues related to persons who may accompany them and under what conditions they accompany are not regulated. This will be regulated. The financial aspect of such flights, if they occur in the future, will also be regulated - added the Chairman of the PiS Executive Committee.

"It will be announced today. Indeed, there are many names circulating. The opposition, in particular, is coming up with various bizarre ideas. It might be a surprise to some, but he will be a very good candidate for Marshal, and I am convinced he will be a very good Marshal," said Minister Marek Suski on Radio Jedynka.

- Even until yesterday, several of the current, media-announced frontrunners of the new coalition, I don't know what to call it, an anti-system coalition, it's not entirely clear what the name will be, of course, from what we heard, it's under the PSL banner, but still, several people from Kukiz'15 were asking until yesterday about the possibility of running with PiS - stated Krzysztof Sobolewski in TVP1's "Political Quarter Hour".

- I neither confirm nor deny [that it was Agnieszka Ścigaj]. Several more people wanted to talk about it - he added.

„It's not an admission of error. It's an admission to society that we are listening. It was misinterpreted by society, although predecessors also flew a lot in various circumstances. Even empty planes flew for Prime Minister Kopacz when – as some say – she was inspecting a cutlet on the [train]. Back then, it didn't arouse such interest and commotion. Today, society demands greater clarity, transparency” – said Minister Marek Suski on Polskie Radio Jedynka.

„Perhaps even today or tomorrow [the full PiS lists will be known]. These are approved lists. There is no problem here, but until the last moment, we will not reveal these names until a decision is made for them to be published. A decision by the party's board” - said Minister Marek Suski on Radio One.

„This is PiSancjum. This is the excess we've only known from history books - from Byzantium. I have doubts whether the law and customs have not been violated. Good custom does not allow politicians, in particular, to indulge in such excess. No one else but the Marshal lectured MPs, turned off their microphones, fined them, moralized us all” - said Robert Biedroń, leader of Wiosna, in a conversation with Jacek Żakowski on Radio TOK FM's Poranek.

"In a normal rule of law state, someone who abused the law in politics in this manner would not only immediately lose their position but would face court. And today, Chairman Kaczyński stands up in defense of the Marshal. Today, the state serves the party. The party is more important than the state," said the leader of Wiosna, Robert Biedroń, in an interview with Jacek Żakowski on Radio TOK FM's Poranek.

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Around 3:00 PM, the election of the new Sejm Marshal will begin – according to the preliminary agenda seen by 300POLITYKA. A break will then be announced, after which substantive items are planned. Voting will take place between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

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- This is a variant of saving the Ministry of Interior and Administration, because Minister Witek said she was learning about this department. Well, she didn't learn. We know she didn't cope. She did not take responsibility for the conduct of the police and many other services. PiS is saving the ministry by moving an incompetent minister to the position of Marshal - said Robert Kropiwnicki during a press conference in the Sejm.

– A great [idea for Elżbieta Witek to become the Marshal of the Sejm]. We will discuss everything in the parliamentary chamber. Probably nothing is certain until we officially nominate the candidate. The Political Committee is starting shortly. Then we'll return, there will be the Sejm Presidium, there will be time to nominate candidates. And around, I think at 3:30 PM, we will commence the Sejm session with nominated candidates. This is probably how it [will be recommended for Witek] – stated Ryszard Terlecki in a conversation with journalists in the Sejm.

According to unofficial information reported by RMF FM, PiS's candidate for Marshal of the Sejm will be Elżbieta Witek. Mariusz Kamiński is said to replace her as the head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration.

- We believe this is a great disgrace for the people managing the Chancellery of the Sejm. Ms. Kaczmarska and Mr. Grzegrzółka should resign immediately, but perhaps before their resignation today, they should make all documents available - said Robert Kropiwnicki during a press conference in the Sejm.

- We see that the PiS spokesperson is waving documents from 10-12 years ago, documents concerning the flights of the former prime minister. The same PiS managing the Sejm, including the Prime Minister's Chancellery, is unable to present documents regarding Marshal Kuchciński's flights from 3-4 years ago - added Jan Grabiec.

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- Since public opinion demands clarification of all these flight-related issues, we will clarify them. As I also asked you yesterday, when seeking facts and truth, please treat everyone equally. I will remind you once again that PO politicians massively used planes, not only them but also their loved ones. I will remind you of Bogdan Borusewicz, who flew to walk his dog, Donald Tusk, who took "trips of a lifetime," or Ewa Kopacz, who inspected cutlets on a train, while a plane flew parallel to her. Public opinion demands these issues be clarified and regulated, and we will do it. A draft is being prepared in which all matters related to the use and utilization of government planes will be regulated - stated Anita Czerwińska at a briefing in the Sejm.

Beata Szydło, a former Prime Minister and current Member of Parliament for the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has requested the Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM) to publish a comprehensive list of all flights taken by Prime Ministers of the PiS government since 2015. The request was made public via a tweet from Szydło's official account.

The move appears to be a response to ongoing public scrutiny and political debate surrounding government travel expenses and transparency. By calling for the publication of flight records, Szydło aims to provide clarity and address any potential concerns regarding the use of public funds for official travel.

The specific tweet, linked at the end of the original article, likely contains further details about the scope of the request, the specific time period covered, and the rationale behind it. It is expected that the KPRM will now review this request and determine the feasibility and process for making such information publicly available.

„We want to introduce regulations that, on the one hand, will be a response to a real need within state administration, precisely defining the flights of the most important state officials. On the other hand, it will also be a response to public expectations. We want this to be a project, ultimately a timeless law, developed beyond divisions. We will invite the heads of all chancellories to work on this law – the President's, both Speakers', the Prime Minister's Chancellery is the leading entity, but also the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of National Defence. A document developed by such a composition would be incomplete, so we will also invite the heads of all parliamentary clubs, individuals delegated by them, so that we can together, non-partisanly, create good law” – said Minister Michał Dworczyk at a press conference.

Na poniedziałek zaproszenie szefa KPRM dla klubów parlamentarnych do wspólnych prac

“We would like the meeting of this team [which will develop a draft law regarding politicians' flights] to take place this coming Monday, at 2:00 PM, with the participation of the Prime Minister. In this way, I would also like to invite the heads of all parliamentary clubs” – said Minister Michał Dworczyk at a press conference. 

“Questions have arisen from journalists and some politicians regarding the Prime Minister’s flights. On my instruction, all documents are currently being gathered. These are hundreds of pages. I am convinced that today we will publish an updated and organized list on the Chancellery of the Prime Minister's website after 3:00 PM,” said Minister Michał Dworczyk at a press conference. 

At 3:30 PM, instead of 3 PM as previously planned, the Sejm will resume its session. The debate regarding the election of the new Sejm Marshal will last 30 minutes, and the vote will take place – as planned – at 4:00 PM. A second, hour-long block of voting is scheduled for 5:30 PM. The session will conclude no later than 7:00 PM.

Krzysztof Sobolewski has been appointed as the election commissioner for the Law and Justice (PiS) party, and Teresa Schubert will serve as the treasurer for the upcoming parliamentary elections. This announcement highlights key personnel appointments within the ruling party as it gears up for the next electoral contest.

„These 4 years will be remembered as a string of disgraceful opposition blocking, silencing, muting microphones, taking away the floor, shortening debates, and finally financial penalties. Marshal Kuchciński has paid politically for all of this” - he added.

„It doesn't matter because it's a matter of a few sessions. It's impossible for anyone to be a worse marshal than Marshal Kuchciński” - he replied to a question about Elżbieta Witek.

"What moral qualifications do you have to lead this chamber? We have no illusions about your substantive qualifications," said Sławomir Nitras from Civic Platform (PO) during the debate on the election of the Sejm Marshal.

"You have no right to lecture on morality. You were the most frequently punished MP by the Sejm Presidium," replied Ryszard Terlecki.

"I have the right to lecture on morality. I am responsible for my actions," said Nitras.

- I am very drawn to the tradition of these experienced, traditional parliaments where the Speaker is capable of impartiality, where they stand above a certain current dispute, and to whom all sides of a political dispute can entrust their confidence. Such a tradition also existed in Poland. I will recall Speaker Jurek, Speaker Dorn. They were not from our circle, but they had one principle: they knew how to behave as Speaker like the second person in the state, to exercise their competencies. To think in state terms, not to wait for someone's orders - stated Sławomir Nitras in the Sejm.

- Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska embodies modesty and humility. Exactly what you lack. Modesty and humility. And credibility, which you don't have a dime's worth of. When Kidawa-Błońska chairs the proceedings, everyone is aware that they are conducted impartially. Everyone. Even you. Do you know why Kidawa-Błońska should be elected Speaker today? Because then the Marshal of the Sejm will execute court rulings. There will be no problem with the Sejm breaking the law. There will be no hiding behind the Chancellery - added the PO MP.

- Mr. Marshal Kuchciński, this is not about you not knowing what the Just Act means, that you don't know English. This is about the fact that the public opinion in Poland, the political elites, have been debating this act for half a year, and you don't know about it. You don't know what it is. Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska knows what the Just Act is - stated Sławomir Nitras in the Sejm.

– Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska will never count meals for the disabled. She will never expel the disabled from the Sejm. Never. Never any barriers, never any ridiculous curtains. A Sejm open to citizens – stated Sławomir Nitras in the Sejm.

The Sejm, in a vote, elected Elżbieta Witek to the position of Marshal of the Sejm. Her candidacy was supported by 245 deputies. Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska received 135 votes, and Urszula Pasławska received 29 votes.

- You have no moral right to nominate a candidate for Marshal today. Do you know why? Because your Marshal of the Sejm has led to the non-existence of parliamentary oversight of the government in Poland. It was your Marshal who brought this about - said Sławomir Nitras in the Sejm.

- I believe that my patriotism and moral qualifications cannot be denied. I treat each of you equally, as my colleagues. I am one of you. One of the 460 deputies in this chamber, elected in democratic elections, and I respect each of your mandates - said the Marshal of the Sejm, Elżbieta Witek.

- I respect every mandate of the state. And here, in this hall, in this chamber, we can certainly argue, because we differ in worldview, we have different programs, but let's debate with reason, not use invectives, let's not insult people. We can criticize behavior, but never the person. I was taught this from childhood - stated Elżbieta Witek in the Sejm.

- I don't feel superior to you. I don't feel superior to you in any way. I've been here for 14 years. I have always tried to diligently fulfill this service, because it is a service to those who have trusted us. And I have a huge request for you. If I may ask, and I think these 14 years allow me to direct this request to you. Let's try, despite this hot day, or rather, this part of the day, when very unnecessary words were spoken, I believe that sometimes it's better to remain silent than to say one sentence too many, because then you regret it. But it remains, it is remembered, and this dislike, this aggression, fuels another. It's unnecessary. Let's calm down, because we are all here for one purpose. The voters elected us here to represent them and their interests - stated Elżbieta Witek in the Sejm.

- I'm used to PiS MPs, PiS voters, or people who support PiS accusing me of taking drugs. That's not true. I've never taken drugs in my life. I don't even know how it's done. Today, 'you addict,' 'you junkie' were the order of the day. It doesn't matter to me that some MP Tarczyński shouts it. Or other MPs whose names I don't even know. If Jarosław Kaczyński chuckles at it, or if Marshal Gosiewska, about whom I have a not-bad opinion, says such words, it bothers me a little - said Sławomir Nitras in an interview with Roch Kowalski on TOK FM's "Political Interview."

- The new Marshal is a likeable person, but she has no power. Just as Mr. Marshal Kuchciński had no power. His only power was over that plane, which he could fly. All power lies with Jarosław Kaczyński. It's time to start talking about it openly - said Sławomir Nitras in a conversation with Roch Kowalski in the "Political Interview" on TOK FM.

The President's decree concerning the calling of elections to the Sejm and Senate of the Republic of Poland, which will take place on October 13th, has been published in the Journal of Laws. More important election dates, which we have already written about on 300POLITYKA, include August 24th – the deadline for registering committees, and September 3rd, midnight – the deadline for submitting lists of candidates for members of parliament and candidates for senators.

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„I didn't stand and I didn't rejoice [at the election of the Marshal]. I know [Elżbieta Witek] from Lower Silesia, but such a promotion? I don't envy her after those adventures. The Ministry of Interior and Administration – it would seem that for a politician, this is the culmination of a career or the fulfillment of political ambitions. After a few weeks, she's leaving. As parliament whispers suggest, it's because she doesn't accept her deputy minister, Zieliński, who doesn't want to share the ministry” – said the Civic Platform leader, Grzegorz Schetyna, in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

"I believe that they [Archbishop Jędraszewski's words] are unnecessary and hurt those who have a different worldview than the Archbishop. The Archbishop, everyone, including Archbishop Jędraszewski, should be tolerant towards those who hold different opinions than he does on these matters" - said the Civic Platform (PO) leader Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

„I fear that certain things, a mixture of good ingredients, if poorly combined, can sometimes be explosive. It doesn't soothe, it doesn't heal, it doesn't help, it can only harm. I fear how voters of both groups – completely different – will accept this marriage. I do not wish ill upon opposition parties” – said Civic Platform (PO) chairman Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

„[Kuchciński] has really achieved a lot. We underestimate it at the moment and don't see it. Neither journalists nor politicians are talking about it” – said Marshal of the Senate Stanisław Karczewski in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

„It's true, he avoided journalists. I must say here that it was a certain deficit of information. I am in favour of talking” – he added. 

- There is a lack of respect, and unfortunately, today during this debate on the election of the new Speaker, much aggression and disrespect were also visible from the opposition MPs, especially from a Civic Platform MP, who truly showcased rudeness, and this must be stated clearly - said Jacek Sasin in a conversation with Danuta Holecka on the program "Gość Wiadomości" on TVP Info.

- The most shocking was when MP Nitras tried to lecture the MPs of Law and Justice on what respect is and how they should behave in parliament. He is truly the last person who should be doing this - added Sasin.

As reported by the Polish Press Agency (PAP), Minister Michał Dworczyk stated that there are no plans for Mariusz Kamiński to cease his coordination of special services. This statement from Minister Dworczyk, quoted by PAP, confirms that Kamiński's role in overseeing these services remains unchanged.

The Sejm Presidium, after consulting the Convention of Seniors, has decided to continue the 85th Sejm session on August 30th, starting at 9:00 AM. Originally, a new, additional session was scheduled for that day, but it will now be a continuation of the current one.