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09/17/2019

00:00

Tuesday's Political Agenda: Government Session, PM Morawiecki in Lithuania, Schetyna in Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Kosiniak-Kamysz in Podlaskie

The government session will commence at 10:00 AM. Ministers will address two draft resolutions concerning the adoption of two programs: the Development of Seaports until 2030 and the National Regional Development Strategy 2030.

At 9:00 AM, in front of the Palace of Culture and Science, the leaders of Lewica (The Left) will hold a press conference on urban policy. A second press conference by Lewica – on the Pact for Women – is scheduled for noon. An hour later, at 10:00 AM, PiS city councilors will speak at Bankowy Square, discussing the circumstances of the failure at Warsaw's "Czajka" wastewater treatment plant. Also today, starting at 10:00 AM, the restitution committee is scheduled to convene. During the session, the adoption of the final report is planned. A press conference will follow around 10:45 AM.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will be on a visit to the Republic of Lithuania. At 8:35 AM Polish time, he will meet with Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis in Vilnius, and at 8:50 AM, delegation talks will begin. A joint press conference is planned for 9:30 AM. At 11:15 AM, the leaders of both countries will participate in a working breakfast. At 12:15 PM, Prime Minister Morawiecki will lay flowers at the Rasos Cemetery.

Civic Platform Chairman Grzegorz Schetyna will visit the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship. At 3:00 PM, he will lay flowers at the Monument in Commemoration of the Victims of Stalinism in Toruń, and a press conference is scheduled for 3:30 PM. Another meeting with journalists will take place at 5:00 PM in Włocławek. Meanwhile, the leader of the Polish People's Party (PSL) will be in Podlaskie: at 11:30 AM in Łomża, and at 1:00 PM in Białystok.

At 11:15 AM in Warsaw, President Andrzej Duda will lay a wreath before the plaque commemorating the Unnamed Soldiers of the Polish Underground State murdered by the NKVD in the years 1944-1945. Later, at 3:00 PM, PAD will participate in the 20th Anniversary Jubilee of the Polish Institute of International Affairs.

At 12:00 PM, in front of the Sejm (Polish Parliament), a press conference will be held by the leaders of Lewica: regarding the Pact for Women – a package of legal solutions proposed by Lewica, to which all democratic opposition entities have been invited to sign – and concerning the "drug mafia," whose operations are ruining the Polish pharmaceutical market, and which the PiS government does not even pretend to fight. Press conferences with the participation of Lewica leaders will take place at 1:15 PM in Kielce and at 5:15 PM in Krakow.


07:54

Cymański on the Interrupted Sejm Session: I Was Against Convening This Sejm Session at All. The One That Happened

- I wasn't conducting an investigation, but I talked to many MPs, and it's also true, I'll say, that some are fighting and every day counts for them. I'll take off my glasses and tell you to your face: I was against convening this Sejm session at all. The one that happened. Because if there are no laws that must be passed, but the issue of Ziobro was there. We didn't want to do it, so they wouldn't say we were avoiding it. Here you go. And it even turned out quite well, because Zbychu took a clear stand - stated Tadeusz Cymański in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".


08:03

Cymański:

Primarily a Response to People's Expectations. People Believe Immunity Should Only Protect Public Service

Primarily, it's a response to people's expectations. Vox populi vox dei. It's not just about MPs. It's about judges, prosecutors. Simply put, people believe that immunity should only protect us in the scope of our public duties. If I drink, hit my wife, steal – like anyone else, people want this immunity; this topic, by the way, is not new, because Kaczyński stated it very precisely… There are no sacred cows – stated Tadeusz Cymański in a conversation with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".


08:11

Cymański:

I was always annoyed by the right being 'suckers,' not smart or intelligent. I believe in life and politics, one must be perceptive and learn.

- I was always annoyed by the right being 'suckers,' not smart or intelligent. I believe that in life and politics, one must also be perceptive and learn. And we are learning. I'm expressing a general thought, and voters want it, our voters: be cunning and clever too, don't be so primitive - stated Tadeusz Cymański in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego."


08:16

Cymański:

For the first time, Mr. MP, they said it and they did it. That's people's opinion. It might be mistaken, but that's what people think.
- Never has anyone even come close to the level of fulfilling promises like we have. I'm talking about the big things - stated Tadeusz Cymański in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego". - I talk to people a lot. On the streets, too. For the first time, Mr. MP, they said it and they did it. That's people's opinion. It might be mistaken, but that's what people think. The main, fundamental things, that it will be better. We've lifted several million people from their knees. The facts are undeniable - the PiS politician continued.

08:16

Müller:

We want EU rule of law principles to be enforced equally against every state, defined in the same way.

"We are not afraid of the issue of the rule of law, the observance of the principles of the rule of law. We want these principles to be enforced against everyone in the same way, to be defined in the same way, so that there is no difference between states. If such principles are enforced in this way, then Poland has no concerns in this regard, that we would be treated the same as France, Germany" - said government spokesperson, Minister Piotr Müller, on Radio Jedynka.


08:17

Müller on PiS's Upcoming Weekend Convention: Economic and Development-Related Topics. We Want to Dispel False Information About Entrepreneurs. Some Newspapers Turned Positive Announcements into Negative Ones
[During the upcoming PiS programmatic convention] economic and development-related topics will be discussed. The city where it will take place will be revealed any moment now. These will be the guiding themes. We want to dispel a lot of false information about entrepreneurs, because what some newspapers have done in the last two weeks, transforming positive announcements into negative ones, shows the current temperature of the dispute. I think [the convention will take place] in a large city in southern Poland” - said government spokesperson Minister Piotr Müller on Radio Jedynka.

08:29

Sawicki:

For Four Years, Poland Has Been Among the Last Countries in Spending Rural Development Funds. In My Time, We Were Leaders

- For four years, Poland has been among the last countries when it comes to spending funds from the Rural Development Programme. In my time, we were leaders. In my assessment, everything indicates that PiS will now abandon the second pillar in favour of direct payments - said Marek Sawicki in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News's "Graffiti".


08:34

Sawicki on Wojciechowski: His political missteps don't mean his economic or legal views have fundamentally changed

- Among PiS politicians, Janusz Wojciechowski is undoubtedly the best expert when it comes to legal and agricultural matters, due to his good background and thorough preparation. He is a former member of ZSL, a prosecutor from the 1990s, and later a judge. He also served as the chairman of PSL. He is well-prepared. The fact that he strayed politically doesn't mean his views on economic or legal issues have completely changed – Marek Sawicki stated in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News' "Graffiti" program.


08:37

WKK on Stefaniak's 'Pen' Post: He Wrote Stupidity and I Apologize for It. He Received a Reprimand

- Jakub Stefaniak wrote stupidity and I apologize for it. He has also apologized for it and explained. He wanted to make a joke, and it was a stupid joke. Colleague Stefaniak received a reprimand for this - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".


08:43

WKK:

I Urge You to Vote for the Rational Center of the PSL. But If You Have Liberal Views, There's Also Someone to Choose From

- To be honest. I urge you to vote for the rational center of the PSL, for our joint list, list number 1. But if someone has liberal views, there's also someone to choose from. There's a liberal grouping, there's the Left. Really, let's go and vote according to how we feel - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".


08:48

WKK:

Wagons of Shame with Russian Coal Enter Poland Daily. This is PiS's Strategy

- I have a completely different energy strategy for Poland. Wagons of shame with Russian coal enter Poland daily. Millions of tons of coal from the East are entering Poland. 15, 17, or perhaps even 20 million tons shortly. And coal from Mozambique is arriving in Poland. A quarter of the coal burned in Poland comes from imports. This is PiS's strategy - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".


08:53

Gowin:

Social Security Contributions for the Vast Majority of Businesses Will Be Calculated as Before. We're Preparing Favorable Solutions for Small Businesses to Neutralize Rapid Minimum Wage Increases by Lowering Social Security Contributions
Social Security Contributions (ZUS) for the vast majority of businesses will be calculated as before. Meaning, a lump sum dependent on the average wage. However, concerning smaller businesses, we are preparing favorable solutions for them, so that the rapid increase in the minimum wage can be neutralized by lowering ZUS – stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Piotr Gociek on "Sygnały dnia" PR1.

09:05

Gowin:

The Rabiej Plan Has Existed for Many Years, and We Were Very Close to Its Implementation in 2013

- What the editor, alongside Jarosław Kaczyński, called the Rabiej plan has existed for many years, and we were very close to its implementation at one point. This was when I was the Minister of Justice. Three draft laws were voted on in the Sejm, which would have led to the establishment of so-called registered partnerships, and in the next step, this would have naturally led to adoption, the right for homosexual couples to adopt children. As the Minister of Justice, I addressed the Sejm from the podium. It was a memorable moment because I stated that, in the assessment of the Minister of Justice, all three projects were contrary to the Constitution. Following me, Donald Tusk took the podium, emphasizing that my position was not the government's stance. Subsequently, a vote took place where, influenced by my speech, a portion of the Civic Platform MPs voted in accordance with my request to reject all three proposals. We won that vote. Then, Donald Tusk summoned me to his office, located behind the Sejm hall, and said: there is no room for the two of us in the same party. Shortly thereafter, I was dismissed. However, if we had not won that vote, the adoption of children by homosexual couples would be legal in Poland today. Everything must be done to prevent this scenario - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Piotr Goćek on "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.


09:31

Gowin:

Chaos in the Civic Coalition's Campaign Should Not Lull Law and Justice Politicians and Supporters

- I am somewhat shocked, and somewhat amused, because on the one hand, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska is calling for, and even creating, a slogan appealing for unity, understanding, and the de-escalation of overly sharp disputes, while on the other hand, behind her back, her election campaign team refers to this scandalous slogan, and above all, to the scandalous practices of a group of haters. This shows complete chaos in the Civic Coalition's campaign, but this chaos should not lull us, the politicians and supporters of the United Right, to sleep. The elections are open until the very last day of the campaign - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Piotr Goćek on "Sygnały dnia" PR1.


09:34

Brudziński:

In PiS HQ, We'd Have to Be as 'Put Together' as Brejza and Szłapka's Campaign Staff to Go to War with the Media Mid-Election

Joachim Brudziński, a prominent figure in the Law and Justice (PiS) party, commented on the current political situation regarding media relations. He stated that for PiS's campaign headquarters to engage in a conflict with the media during an election campaign, they would need to be as "put together" or "organized" as their political rivals, specifically mentioning the campaign teams of Krzysztof Brejza and Ryszard Szłapka.

The sentiment suggests that Brudziński believes PiS's current media strategy or internal organization is not at a level where initiating a confrontation with the media would be beneficial or strategically sound. He implies that their opponents are more effectively managed or coordinated in their media interactions.

The reference to the Twitter post, https://twitter.com/jbrudzinski/status/1173845915418923015, likely contains the original statement and context for this remark.


09:38

Mucha on Trump's Visit to Poland: The Announcement that the Visit Might Happen in Autumn is Still Relevant. I Think It's Unlikely Before the Elections

"We have the President's trip to the United States of America for the United Nations General Assembly in our calendar. Usually, it is highly probable that President Andrzej Duda meets with Donald Trump. The announcement that such a visit [by Trump to Poland] might take place in autumn is still relevant. Autumn has not yet begun" - said presidential minister Paweł Mucha in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus's "Sedno Sprawy" (The Core of the Matter).

When asked if Trump's visit would occur before the elections on October 13th, he replied: "I think it is unlikely".


09:43

Mucha on the continuation of the Sejm session after the elections: I cannot imagine a situation where we have controversial or unsettling decisions

I would not expect any changes in the law [during the Sejm session after the elections] that would not reflect a certain understanding. I cannot imagine a situation where we have controversial or unsettling decisions, because Poles have decided one thing, and something else is happening” – said presidential minister Paweł Mucha in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus's “The Heart of the Matter.”


10:29

PMM:

When Someone Tries to Drive a Wedge Between Poland and Lithuania, It Always Signifies a Threat to Our Countries
In a situation where someone tries to drive a wedge between Poland and Lithuania, it always signifies something bad and a threat to our countries. Today, Poland and Lithuania are states that peacefully resolve the problems around us. We encourage all our neighbors to do so and at the same time deepen our political, economic, cultural, and security relations – said Mateusz Morawiecki during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Saulius Skvernelis.

10:31

Polish PM: Poland Will Advocate for Digital Tax as an EU Own Resource to Offset Brexit Revenue Loss

- Poland will also advocate for this [digital] tax, for example, to be part of the European Union's own resources, which would compensate for the loss of revenue related to the United Kingdom's exit from the EU. We still have long, over a year-long negotiations ahead of us, which I believe will end with a good, healthy compromise for Lithuania and Poland - said Mateusz Morawiecki during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Saulius Skvernelis.


11:26

Gasiuk-Pihowicz on Ideas to Abolish Immunities and Introduce Journalistic Self-Governance: They Stink of Dictatorship

The PiS program, in relation to civilized principles, is something absolutely drastic. I do not hesitate to say that we are dealing with the construction of a closed state, with an attempt to militarize journalists, inconvenient officials, prosecutors, judges, and to exert pressure on the ordinary citizen so that they better stay quiet and do not utter words critical of the authorities. The abolition of judicial immunity, which is a standard in Polish and European legal tradition, is something I call the militarization of judges and prosecutors. The idea of compulsory self-governance for journalists is a form unknown in Polish legal tradition. It is also an attempt to subject to control that world which is a guarantee of political freedom” - said Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski at a press conference in front of the Sejm.

The latest PiS ideas stink of dictatorship. For 4 years, PiS has been demolishing the independence of Polish courts and the judiciary. Step by step, Polish courts are being made similar to courts in Russia, in Belarus, where judges and prosecutors are the footstools of the politicians who currently rule. PiS’s proposals aimed at eliminating immunities fit into this very dangerous trend. Also a dangerous trend is the idea of creating journalistic self-governance by Jarosław Kaczyński. For anyone who observes political life, it is clear that this will be a tool to intimidate journalists” - added Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz from PO-KO.


11:36

Public Hearings at the Request of 1/3 of Any Parliamentary Committee, Ban on Rejecting Citizen Initiatives in the First Reading, Elimination of Express Legislation in Tax and Local Government Matters. KO Proposes "Open Sejm" Program

"The stakes of these elections are very high. It is a choice between a free state and a closed state, a state of citizens and a state of a frightened society. We will do everything to ensure the former vision wins, consistent with Polish and European tradition. Such a number of barriers [before the Sejm] has not been seen since 1989. This is a symbol of trampled parliamentarism and the closure of the Sejm to citizens. We declare that after an election victory, the Sejm will be open. We will not only restore normal parliamentary practices appropriate to Polish legal tradition but also implement changes that will express citizen oversight over the Sejm. There will be a democratic public hearing at the request of 1/3 of the members of each committee. Every important legislative project will be able to be agreed upon with non-governmental organizations in an open debate. We prohibit the rejection of citizen initiatives in the first reading. Every citizen initiative should go through a normal procedure. This does not mean that every initiative will be adopted, but work cannot be blocked at the outset. We will eliminate express legislation in the field of taxes and the position of local government. All laws concerning the position of local government, taxpayers' rights, and civil liberties will follow the procedure of code regulations" - said Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski at a press conference in front of the Sejm.


12:04

Duda:

I believe what happened in September 1939 will never happen again in our history. That we will build a safe, strong state capable of properly caring for its citizens.

- This tragic event completed the process that began on September 1, 1939. Eighty years ago, the so-called Fourth Partition of Poland took place. Nazi Germany, based on the secret protocol to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, along with Soviet Russia, attacked Poland, and Poland was torn apart by these two totalitarian powers. Hundreds of thousands, millions of Poles suffered, were murdered, and were taken by the Soviets deep into Russia, to Siberia. They suffered, were persecuted, murdered - stated President Andrzej Duda, after laying a wreath before the plaque commemorating the Nameless Soldiers of the Polish Underground State murdered by the NKVD in 1944-1945. He added:

"One of the consequences of September 17, 1939, was the Katyń massacre of over 20,000 Polish officers. These are tragic dates in our history, but they are also dates that we not only remember, but above all, should remember for all future generations. And also draw lessons from them, by seeking allies."

- I believe that what happened in September 1939 will never happen again in our history. That we will build a safe, strong state capable of properly caring for its citizens - emphasized PAD.


12:07

Kluzik-Rostkowska:

PiS Simply Fears Showing Poles Their Post-Election Plan

- If it were solely about PiS having more time for their electoral deceptions, the Sejm session would last one day. PiS has done such things many times before - stated Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska in an interview with Łukasz Kijek on Gazeta.pl.

- It must be about something important after the elections. In my opinion, it concerns at least the need to carry out various difficult matters by the end of the year. PiS simply fears showing Poles their post-election plan - emphasized the Civic Platform MP.


12:08

Kluzik-Rostkowska:

Saying in 2019 what the minimum wage will be in 2023 is irresponsible
President Kaczyński has no idea what the minimum wage is. It is not by chance that the minimum wage is set for the following year, because it depends on a great many different factors. Saying in 2019 what the minimum wage will be in 2023 is irresponsible – stated Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska in an interview with Łukasz Kijek on Gazeta.pl. There is such a critical moment, beyond which many people may fall off the legal labor market and enter the gray economy – added the Civic Platform MP.

12:22

The Left: Civic Coalition and PSL Refused to Sign the "Pact for Women". This is a Very Unpleasant Situation Because We Counted on Our Colleagues from the Opposition to Support Us

- I have very unpleasant news to share. Both the Civic Coalition and the Polish People's Party (PSL) have refused to sign the "Pact for Women". They refused to sign a pact that includes access to a gynecologist, in vitro fertilization reimbursement, protection against violence, and European standards for abortion. This is a very unpleasant situation because we were counting on our colleagues from the opposition to support us - said Marcelina Zawisza during a press conference in front of the Sejm.


13:39

Zandberg:

PFN Likely Wasted Millions of Zlotys on US Promotional Campaign. We Will Liquidate the Polish National Foundation Because There is No Room for Such Waste.

- The media have revealed that the Polish National Foundation has most likely wasted millions of zlotys on a promotional campaign in the United States. It is questionable whether this money was simply wasted due to incompetence, or if someone pocketed it. The Left states very clearly and unequivocally: We will liquidate the Polish National Foundation because there is no room for such waste - said Adrian Zandberg during a press conference in Kielce.


13:41

Zandberg:

The Left Will Increase Public Healthcare Spending to 7.2% of GDP by 2023

- The Left will increase public healthcare spending to 7.2% of GDP by 2023. This way, we will shorten waiting times for specialists, and this way, we will also change the drug reimbursement system - said Adrian Zandberg during a press conference in Kielce.


14:17

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

I Call on All Committees to Debate Healthcare. Let Those Who Already Present Themselves as Prime Minister and Minister Candidates Not Hide. Let Them Engage in a Serious Discussion.
"Voluntary Social Security Contributions are a chance to liberate entrepreneurs. If we don't give them a chance, a breath of relief from Social Security Contributions, many entrepreneurs will eliminate jobs. This is an interconnected system. First – entrepreneurship, resourcefulness for thrifty people" - said the leader of the Peasants' Party, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, at a press conference in Białystok. "I want to once again call for a debate with everyone from other electoral committees. Let's start with a debate on healthcare. Let those who already present themselves as Prime Minister and Minister candidates not hide. Let them engage in a serious discussion about the future of healthcare, increasing GDP to 6.8%, shifting contribution rates for disability insurance, and issues concerning nurses, midwives, and paramedics" - he added.

15:27

Kidawa-Błońska:

I expect to hear the word "sorry" for the alteration of my billboard

- They say they fight against hate and lies, yet they themselves, at press conferences, take what is not theirs, alter it, and give Poles an untrue response. I expect to hear the word "sorry" for this alteration of my billboard, because this is not how one should behave. If someone says they want a normal, substantive discussion, then let them discuss, but let them not create false facts. I am waiting for an apology - stated Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska in an interview with TVN24.


15:48

Ziobro on Dudzicz's KRS Membership: "As Prosecutor General, to Avoid Accusations of Pressure, I've Recused Myself"
Evidence has been gathered in the case of Judge Łączewski, which strongly suggests that he is a judge who has deceived all of you, as well as the entire Polish public, by claiming he was not the author of posts seeking contact, as he thought, with editor Lis, or that he was not the author of posts that have nothing to do with the principle of judges being apolitical, because he proposed actions aimed at bringing about a change of government in Poland, and consequently the overthrow of the PiS government. Moreover, he didn't stop there, as he filed a false report about a suspected crime that, as many indications suggest, did not occur, and according to the prosecution's findings and assessment, he also gave false testimony. The prosecution possesses definitive opinions that unequivocally indicate he was the author of all these actions, and then he unlawfully filed a report about a crime that did not take place and, concerning these circumstances, gave testimony by confabulating, attempting to mislead the Polish prosecution, and incidentally, all the viewers of those media outlets that often favor him, present him as an authority, foremost among them being TVN. And the question of double standards arises because if we are outraged and expect judges to adhere to the highest standards, then why, to put it mildly, is there a lack of consistency here, such that certain reprehensible behaviors, which naturally demand a reaction, are condemned and there is great interest in clarifying the matter, while other behaviors, which are no less reprehensible, perhaps even more so from a criminal law perspective – because there is no doubt that we are dealing here with a serious suspicion of violating several criminal provisions, several criminal law provisions, and this from a judge, a lawyer, a criminal law expert – this person is still treated as a hero and an authority by some media outlets – stated Zbigniew Ziobro at a press conference. When asked whether Judge Dudzicz should be a member of the KRS, the Minister of Justice replied: - The KRS is handling this situation. I know there was a debate on this yesterday. However, due to the fact that I am the Prosecutor General and my statements could later be interpreted, I could even face a formal accusation that I am exerting any pressure on the prosecutors conducting the proceedings, I have recused myself from this matter. Therefore, I will not comment on the circumstances related to this proceeding. I hope that the evidentiary findings will, as soon as possible, allow us to clarify all circumstances of this case, and conclusions will be drawn as required by Polish law in such situations.

16:14

Schetyna:

We Will Do Everything to Win These Elections. We Have a Very Good Team, a Good List. We Are Mobilized and Believe There's a Huge Chance
This is a very important region. The results in Kujawsko-Pomorskie are always decisive for the national results, for the outcome of parliamentary elections, and whoever wins here, in Kujawsko-Pomorskie, wins in the entire country. This is what the history of recent elections shows. And we will do everything to resolve these elections in our favor. We have a very good team, a good list. We are mobilized and we believe there is a huge chance for this - said Grzegorz Schetyna at a conference in Toruń.

16:18

Schetyna:

These Elections Are Truly About Everything
We are engaged [with Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska] and showing how much these elections matter to all of us. These elections are truly about everything. Those who say so are absolutely right. For this to happen, mobilization and engagement are important. They will decide everything. Voter turnout will influence the outcome - Grzegorz Schetyna said at a press conference in Toruń.

16:37

Czarzasty:

Poles Are No Longer Wondering if the Left Will Cross the 8% Threshold; It's Generally Accepted the Left is Returning to Parliament

- Right now, Polish women and men are no longer wondering whether the Left at the 8% level will cross the threshold or not. It has generally been accepted that the Left is returning to the Sejm. At this moment, we are fighting for it to return in the greatest possible capacity - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in a conversation with Adrian Klarenbach on Polskie Radio 24.


16:40

Czarzasty:

There is the Left, and there are politicians who, in my opinion, should be on the Left. If they are not, then Nowacka probably often has to bite her tongue.

- There is the Left, and there are politicians who, in my opinion, should be on the Left. If they are not, then Barbara Nowacka probably often has to bite her tongue. Besides, I sympathize with Barbara, because a bitten tongue is an uncomfortable story - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Adrian Klarenbach on Polish Radio 24.


16:41

Schetyna:

Cancer is Today's Biggest Killer. We Must Leverage Europe's Commitment to This Issue; it Will Be a Priority for the European Commission. I am Meeting with von der Leyen on Tuesday to Discuss This.
- The issue of oncology will be a very important matter we will discuss. We will talk about Emergency Departments (SORs), about the 60-minute wait in SORs; we are presenting a whole concept on how to shorten these queues and improve accessibility. The matter of waiting times for specialists, aiming for 21 days. Primarily, also the activation of European funds and resources for centers effectively combating oncology. We will finance these and undertake these projects together with local governments, because today cancer is the biggest killer. We must leverage the fact that Europe also wants to address this; it will be one of the priorities for the European Commission. I am scheduled to meet with Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday, and we will also discuss this - Grzegorz Schetyna said at a conference in Toruń.

16:48

Schetyna:

'Stronger Together' is more than a hashtag; it's a sense of solidarity, not just within Civic Coalition but among other opposition groups.
Everyone has the right to use a hashtag. We are running a Civic Coalition campaign. This hashtag is used by us and placed on a banner as a slogan that brings good, new content to this campaign. 'Stronger Together' is more than a hashtag. It's a sense of solidarity and cooperation, not only within the Civic Coalition but also among other opposition groups, all those who disagree with the PiS government, with the violation of democracy and the rule of law, and those who are openly fighting for it – Grzegorz Schetyna said at a press conference in Toruń. - The manipulation indulged in by government media, primarily TVP Info and Wiadomości, is disgusting. And I would like to hope that it will end on October 13th, when we win the election, because one cannot use and manipulate in such a way as is being done in the context of this hashtag and the election campaign – added the PO leader.

16:56

Schetyna:

Not a Conspiracy Theorist, But Expect Undemocratic Actions Before New Sejm Convenes

- This is an unprecedented situation. Convening the old Sejm after the elections, that doesn't happen. This is not democracy, not something that can be understood. I am not a proponent of conspiracy theories, but I know that during these 30 days between October 13th and the convening of the new Sejm, things will happen that have nothing to do with democracy and the rule of law. And I know that if PiS does not secure an absolute majority, they will do the worst possible things. I can imagine it. And that is why we are saying very clearly: we will not allow it and we will show that democracy and the rule of law cannot be violated in this way. We will also very firmly monitor the election results, the vote counting process, and the accessibility of polling stations, because these are signals that are more reminiscent of standards in the Far East or Latin America. And we simply will not agree to that - said Grzegorz Schetyna at a conference in Toruń.


17:59

Schetyna:

I listen with concern to the statements of PiS politicians and Kaczyński, who question the integrity and position of local government. We will support local government, invest in it, and maintain its autonomy.
In this campaign and in the next term, local government will be key. We will support local government, we will invest in it, maintain its autonomy, and fight for its sovereignty, because we believe that local government, i.e., power elected by the people but close to the people, effectively spending European funds, effectively managing the most important matters, is the future. I listen with full concern to the statements of PiS MPs and President Kaczyński, who question the integrity and position of local government” - said the Civic Platform leader Grzegorz Schetyna in Włocławek.

18:30

Szłapka in Campaign Spot: 'To Safely Grow and Develop, a Good Climate is Important. A Place Where Freedom, Democracy, and Diversity are Nurtured'

In a dynamic, one of the best-produced, and among the few notable individual campaign spots, Adam Szłapka, running from third position on the KO's Poznań list, appeals to the symbolism of the future – including Poland's future – as the candidate emphasizes, "growing from European roots". 300POLITYKA publishes the spot first.

"To safely grow and develop, a good climate is important. A place where freedom, democracy, and diversity are nurtured. Where one can breathe and gather energy for action," says Szłapka, as a child featured in the film plants a tree in a Wielkopolska park. The spot also includes drone shots of Poznań's market square.

"Just like this young tree, it is our future, we too grow every day," concludes the secretary of the Civic Coalition's national campaign staff with his Poznań spot.


18:40

Müller Releases Election Spot:

I am Proud to be from Pomerania.

- Every day is hard and intensive work by Poles to make our country better. For four years, we have been changing Poland for the better. We support the young. We help Polish families. We remember our seniors and our history - says Piotr Müller in an election spot published on social media.

- When I think about my work, I boldly say - I am proud to be from Pomerania - emphasizes the government spokesperson.

https://twitter.com/PiotrMuller/status/1173933198054739969


19:32

Gowin:

There was no plan to raise ZUS contributions
There was no plan to raise ZUS for the general public of entrepreneurs. There is no plan to raise ZUS at all - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program 'Gość Wydarzeń' on Polsat News. ZUS for entrepreneurs is a different matter. There is no plan here and there has never been a plan to raise ZUS. The majority of companies will have their ZUS calculated as before, i.e., calculated from the average salary - he continued.

19:35

Gowin on Abolishing the 30-Fold Cap on ZUS Contributions: I Believe This Argument, That Poland Must Cherish and Protect Its Most Talented Young People, Will Convince My Colleagues in the United Right
- This is an open issue [abolishing the so-called 30-fold cap on ZUS contributions]. We will discuss it, and whoever wins the elections will discuss it in the context of next year's budget. However, I believe that with the argument that Poland must cherish and protect its most talented young people, I will convince my colleagues in the United Right. I am not alone in this, by the way. Minister Emilewicz holds an identical position. This is the official stance of the party we represent, Porozumienie - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

19:48

Gowin:

Limiting Immunity Requires Constitutional Amendment. We Should Seek a Rational Agreement with the Opposition

- Limiting immunity, not abolishing it, requires a constitutional amendment, meaning that, for example, Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski, if he becomes a senator, would have voted for such a solution. Therefore, we should seek a rational agreement with the opposition, and nothing will be imposed here by the votes of the United Right, if we even have a majority in the Sejm - stated Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.


19:56

Paruch:

It's Clearly Visible That the Left is Gaining at the Expense of Civic Platform. Today, This Difference is Around 8-9 Percentage Points
- If we look at the flows between the Coalition and the Left, then probably yes. Generally, analyses suggest that we have about 20% of voters in Poland with such a left-wing orientation. Summing up the three left-wing parties that have united into one bloc today – the social left, the liberal left, and the post-communist left – this is probably a shot [abortion up to 12 weeks] in that direction. It is clearly visible that the Left is gaining at the expense of Civic Platform. Today, this difference is around 8-9 percentage points - said Waldemar Paruch in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

19:59

Paruch:

Kaczyński Perfectly Reads Social Processes in Poland. Naturally, He Is Consistent in His Diagnoses

- President Jarosław Kaczyński perfectly reads social processes in Poland. Naturally, he is consistent in his diagnoses. Mr. Attorney [Kalisz] knows very well what diagnoses he made in the early 1990s, at the beginning of the 21st century. These diagnoses have been fully confirmed – stated Waldemar Paruch in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" on Polsat News.


20:25

Sasin:

PO and the Left Have Made Attacks on the Church, Faith, and Catholics Their Election Slogan. Unfortunately, This is Now Escalating into Physical Aggression, and a Dam Must Be Built.
[Attacks on the Church] are the fruit of the politics pursued by our competitors from PO and the Left. They have made attacks on the Church, on faith, on Catholics their election slogan. Not so long ago, Donald Tusk's lecture at the University of Warsaw and the attack on Catholics by Mr. Jażdżewski, to the applause of Civic Platform politicians and the leader of the Polish People's Party. Unfortunately, this is now escalating into physical aggression, and a dam must be built. PiS will build this dam” - said Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin in an interview with Edyta Lewandowska on TVP Info's "Gość Wiadomości".

20:28

Szłapka:

We Remember the Photos of Mr. Ziobro with Mr. Rybak, Also a Known Antisemite
- Jarosław Kaczyński is obsessed with building new elites and out of 10,000 judges, he found one who fits his picture, exactly one he can manage. Just like Piebiak, just like that entire team from leadership. We remember the photos of Mr. Ziobro with Mr. Rybak, also a known antisemite, we remember how you and Patryk Jaki created a law that ruined Polish-Jewish relations and how you later tried to backtrack from it. Please recall the circumstances under which you had to withdraw from that disgusting law - Adam Szłapka said on Kropka nad I.

20:31

Sasin:

We Are Certainly Not a Party That Wants to Make Life Difficult for Entrepreneurs in Any Way; Quite the Opposite. We Will Support Honest Polish Entrepreneurs

We are not forgetting about entrepreneurs. We know they are very important, that our Polish entrepreneurs contribute immensely to Poland’s rapid development. We are certainly not a party that wants to make life difficult for entrepreneurs in any way; quite the opposite. We will support honest Polish entrepreneurs” – said Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin in a conversation with Edyta Lewandowska on “Gość Wiadomości” on TVP Info.


20:35

Kaleta:

Strong Together, the Inowrocław Operation, and Then Minister Piebiak and Little Emi – That's the Scale, and Your Station is the Opposite
- The matter of the former deputy minister of justice's relationship with a certain woman is on a different scale compared to the #SilniRazem (Strong Together) campaign, which has become a slogan for Civic Platform, and also a smaller scale than what is happening in the city hall, a system of oppressing political opponents. Strong Together, the operation from Inowrocław, and only then Minister Piebiak and little Emi – that's the scale, and on your station, it's completely reversed – stated Deputy Minister of Justice Sebastian Kaleta on Kropka nad I.

20:57

TODAY'S PICTURE: Events: Civic Coalition Waits for Kidawa's Effect, News: LGBT Activists Disrupt Holy Mass, WKK: The Rulers Seem to Have Nefarious Plans Today
-- LIVEBLOG 300POLITYKI: ON 300 CAMPAIGN TRAIL MEETINGS OF ADAM SZŁAPKA AND PIOTR MULLER PARUCH ON THE LEFT GAINING AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CIVIC COALITION SCHETYNA ON CONSPIRACY THEORIES https://300polityka.pl/live/2019/09/17/ ***** PULS CZASU POLSAT -- HOT CAMPAIGN TOPICS, TODAY DUE TO THE LEFT CONCERNING WOMEN - announcement. -- THE DEMAND TO EASE ABORTION LAW HAS NOT BEEN MET WITH ENTHUSIASM BY OTHER PARTIES - Dorota Gawryluk. -- THIS DEMAND IS NO SURPRISE, IT IS A CORE POINT OF EVERY LEFT-WING PARTY'S PROGRAM - Dariusz Ociepa. -- THE POINT REGARDING THE EASEMENT OF ANTI-ABORTION REGULATIONS IS THE FIRST ITEM ON THE "PACT FOR WOMEN" PREPARED BY THE LEFT - Ociepa continued: The Left wanted politicians from the Civic Coalition and the Peasants' Party to sign it as well. -- THE CIVIC COALITION WILL NOT SIGN THE PACT [IN ADDITION TO PSL] - Ociepa: Politicians from Platform have long stated that the anti-abortion compromise reached in 1993 should not be touched. -- INTERESTINGLY, THE SAME IS SAID BY PIS POLITICIANS TODAY - Ociepa continued. -- PIS REMEMBERS PERFECTLY THE PROJECT TO TIGHTEN ANTI-ABORTION REGULATIONS, WHICH BROUGHT THOUSANDS OF WOMEN TO THE STREETS OF POLISH CITIES - Ociepa. -- THE RULERS ARE AFRAID OF A REPEAT LIKE FIRE - Ociepa continued. -- 26 DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION, CANDIDATES ARE TRYING HARD, BUT NO CLEAR SHAKE-UP IS VISIBLE IN THE POLLS - Ociepa. -- CIVIC COALITION IS WAITING FOR THE KIDAWA EFFECT - Ociepa continued. -- PIS POLITICIANS DID NOT ORGANIZE CONVENTIONS TODAY, THEY FOCUSED ON FIELD MEETINGS - Ociepa. -- SENATE MARSHAL STANISŁAW KARCZEWSKI IN CZESTOCHOWA CONFIRMED WHAT SEEMED OBVIOUS AFTER THE PRESIDIUM OF THE SEJM'S DECISION - Ociepa continued: The Senate, like the Sejm, will convene once more after the elections. -- WŁADYSŁAW KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ AGAIN CALLED ON OTHER LEADERS FOR A DEBATE TODAY - Ociepa. -- BUT PIS IS NOT KEEN ON A DEBATE - Ociepa continued. -- RECORD SUBSIDIES FOR INDEBTED HOSPITALS THIS YEAR - INFORMED BY THE MINISTER OF HEALTH - BUT EVEN SO, IT DOES NOT SAVE THE SITUATION. ***** FAKTY TVN -- SENATE ALSO INTERRUPTS PROCEEDINGS: The Senate, like the Sejm, is interrupting its proceedings. It will resume after the elections, even though a new parliament will have already been elected. PiS's mysterious political decision has its continuation. The question is: why does Law and Justice need such a division of sessions? -- KRZYSZTOF BREJZA: Dividing the session in half is insurance for Kaczyński and PiS. -- According to him, if the elections go wrong from PiS's perspective, the party wants to be able to introduce solutions by special law that the current ruling camp will push through after the elections. The Civic Coalition candidate gave an interview on a bus featuring the internet hashtag "silni razem" (strong together). This is now the slogan of the Civic Coalition, which is looking for campaign helpers and poster space this way - Jakub Sobieniowski. -- SOBIENIOWSKI ON TERLECKI: Furthermore, Ryszard Terlecki made a motion not to sit in the Sejm, but to meet with voters in the field, yet he himself was in the parliament building, which he attributed to his duties. Even at his parliamentary office in Krakow, it was not possible to obtain information about when the next meeting with voters would take place. It is difficult to suspect that his planned visit to Wawel on September 18th, during the anniversary of Lech Kaczyński's funeral, was intended for meeting voters. The opposition therefore asks again - why was it necessary to interrupt the session? -- WKK: The rulers probably have nefarious plans today, because if everything were so clear and obvious, they would have written in the justification why they want to postpone the Sejm, and they didn't even do that. -- JUDGES REFUSE TO COOPERATE WITH THE JUDGES OF THE "GOOD CHANGE" - in anticipation: More judges are refusing to cooperate with the so-called "good change" judges. They do not want to adjudicate with them, and they do not appear for the disciplinary ombudsman's summonses. As they say, those involved in the hate affair should be disciplined. This is a rebellion requiring great courage. -- THE REFUSALS ARE RELATED TO THE HATE AFFAIR IN THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE, AND FURTHER DISCIPLINARY OMBUDSMEN MAY HAVE PARTICIPATED IN IT - Maciej Knapik. -- THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE DID NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION - Knapik. -- THE OMBUDSMEN THEMSELVES THREATEN LAWSUITS AND DENY HAVING ANYTHING TO DO WITH HATE - Knapik. -- ZIOBRO ON THE DRUG MAFIA: According to the Minister of Justice, the drug mafia is the fault of the Civic Coalition and PSL. Zbigniew Ziobro explains how he is pursuing this mafia and why the government is only dealing with it at the end of its term. PiS has been in power for four years, and yet half of the five hundred missing medications are still being exported abroad - for millions of profit. ***** WIADOMOŚCI TVP -- 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOVIET ATTACK ON POLAND. -- ALMOST 350 MILLION PLN TO SUBSIDIZE HOSPITALS ACROSS POLAND - THIS IS A PROJECT TO AMEND THE NFZ FINANCIAL PLAN. EACH HOSPITAL WILL RECEIVE AN AVERAGE OF OVER ONE MILLION ZLOTYCH - announcement. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS FIGHTING DRUG MAFIAS - banner. -- KO IS NOT WITHDRAWING FROM THE CONTROVERSIAL "STRONG TOGETHER" CAMPAIGN - announcement. -- IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIGHT HATE, KO IS USING A SLOGAN THAT WAS USED ON THE INTERNET TO INSULT POLITICIANS FROM OTHER GROUPS - Dominik Cierpioł. -- LGBT ACTIVISTS WANTED TO DISRUPT HOLY MASS [IN ŚWIDNICA] - banner.