Live Feed

02/08/2020

08:54

Saturday's Political Schedule: PO National Council, Morawiecki in Silesia and Lower Silesia, Solidarity Poland Convention, Kidawa-Błońska in Pomerania, WKK Continues Tour, IP on Presidential Elections, Adamczyk on 100 Ring Roads

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will be visiting the Silesian and Lower Silesian voivodeships. At 10:30 AM, he will visit the Museum of Silesian Uprisings in Świętochłowice. Media appearances are scheduled for 1:00 PM in Złoty Stok and 2:00 PM in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki. Subsequently, at 3:10 PM, the head of the Polish government will meet with young biathletes in Duszniki-Zdrój, and at 3:30 PM, he will participate in the signing of a title sponsorship agreement for the Tauron Duszniki Arena. The last planned event is another media appearance at 5:30 PM in Niemcza.

At 10:00 AM, a press conference will be held with the participation of the Minister of Infrastructure Andrzej Adamczyk and the Deputy Minister Rafał Weber, in connection with the announcement of the "Program for the Construction of 100 Ring Roads." At 10:30 AM, in the Sejm, a press conference will be held by representatives of the Polish Initiative regarding the presidential elections, with the participation of Barbara Nowacka, Dariusz Joński, Katarzyna Piekarska, and Riad Haidar.

At 12:00 PM in Warsaw, the National Council of Civic Platform will take place. Also at 12:00 PM in Warsaw, the Solidarity Poland convention, titled "Just Poland," will be held. At 6:00 PM in Starogard Gdański, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska will hold an open meeting with residents.

At 1:00 PM in Łódź, a press conference will be held with Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and the Chairman of the Łódź City Council, Michał Gołaszewski. The leader of PSL will then visit the Świętokrzyskie and Lublin voivodeships. At 5:30 PM, he will meet with residents of Łoniów, and then at 8:00 PM, he will visit Szczekarków, where he will meet with residents.


11:27

Nowacka:

Inicjatywa Polska Unanimously Decided to Support Kidawa-Błońska in Presidential Elections

- I wanted to thank you very much for your trust, for the opportunity to talk. Because it turns out that if Poles start talking to each other, even sometimes with differing worldviews, we can find many common points and many solutions that we can all agree on. Yesterday's conversation showed that there are actually very few differences, because we care about a state of law where citizens can enjoy their freedoms, a state where the weakest will be cared for, and people who work hard will receive decent remuneration for their work. We talked about ecology, women's rights, and here everywhere, as the chairman said, there is indeed room for understanding. We paused for a longer discussion on two topics, but even there I see that if the Sejm and Senate were to adopt laws that we agree with, I would see no problem in accepting and signing such laws - said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska at a briefing in the Sejm.

- Thank you again, thank you for your willingness to engage in the campaign, because these are truly important elections, and important not because of who will be president, but because Poles will still be able to cooperate with each other, whether we will create a community, and whether this division in our society can be stopped. That is why cooperation and conversation are so important, and there was a lot of such conversation - continued the Civic Platform's presidential candidate.

- Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska knows how to listen, unite, and sometimes look at important issues from a different perspective. She knows how to seek compromises where needed and can be absolutely, categorically uncompromising on fundamental matters. We are united by the rule of law and the Constitution, but also by an understanding of human rights, the strength of women's rights, and the understanding that the freedom of each and every one of us to decide how to live, to feel safe and dignified, is the foundation of a democratic state of law. Therefore, I am pleased to inform you that Inicjatywa Polska unanimously decided yesterday to support Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska in the presidential elections, and from today until the 10th, and then the 24th of May, we will work to ensure that Poland finally has a normal, decent, joyful face of a person who wants to understand Poles, who understands Polish women and men, and for me, a very important thing – a person whom I absolutely trust, about whom I know that she is a responsible, sensible person, who loves Poland, who understands Polish women and men, and I hope that in a few months we will have the first woman president in Poland, a person we will be proud of. Everyone, regardless of their views, will be able to say: finally. Małgorzata, we are at your disposal - said Barbara Nowacka.


12:15

Adamczyk:

Within 10 Years, We Will Build 100 Ring Roads to Divert Transit Traffic from Populated Areas and Enhance Road Safety

Improved road safety, diverting traffic from congested cities, cleaner air, reduced noise, and enhanced road network capacity – these are the main objectives of the Program for the Construction of 100 Ring Roads for 2020-2030, developed at the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The program defines the goals and investment priorities for the construction of ring roads around cities on the national road network. It also indicates funding sources and a list of investment tasks to be undertaken. Investments related to the construction of new ring roads will be carried out by the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways.

- Vehicle traffic through the center of towns and the associated nuisances: traffic jams, air pollution, noise, are the daily reality for many Poles. To improve the quality of life for residents of today's crowded cities and towns, we will build 100 ring roads within 10 years, which will divert transit traffic from built-up areas and contribute to increased road safety - said the Minister of Infrastructure, Andrzej Adamczyk.

As part of the government program, 100 ring roads will be constructed on the national road network, with a total length of approximately 820 km.

https://twitter.com/AMAdamczyk/status/1226096756640886784


12:28

Trzaskowski:

We must be strong from past successes. We truly have nothing to be ashamed of, just look around the streets of Warsaw.

- We must be strong from past successes. We truly have nothing to be ashamed of, just look around the streets of Warsaw, but we must also have the strength to draw lessons from our mistakes. We must be brave in the face of evil, and unfortunately there is more and more of this evil, but we must also be humble towards citizens. We must create a community, this is incredibly important - said Rafał Trzaskowski during the National Convention of Civic Platform.


12:33

Trzaskowski:

We Must Build Trust and Allow Our Party to Be Rebuilt to Appreciate All Who Built It

- We all have only one duty. We must be strong, we must be united, and we must build trust and allow our party to be rebuilt in a way that appreciates everyone who built it, but also strengthens us, shows good energy, shows freshness, and demonstrates that we are professionally prepared to govern our country - Poland, for the good of our fellow citizens - said Rafał Trzaskowski during the National Council of Civic Platform.


12:49

Kidawa-Błońska:

We Cannot Turn Back, Not Even Half a Step

- We must ensure that we can breathe again, that people can breathe, that we feel good in Poland. Everyone without exception, so that we know this is our place and that we can live the way we want. But to do this, we cannot look back, we cannot say what if, consider different situations. We must think about the future, about what lies ahead, we must set ourselves goals and plans, but there is one thing we cannot do. We cannot turn back and we cannot retreat even half a step. What should be important to us is what is today and tomorrow. This is our task and our goal - said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska during the National Convention of Civic Platform.


12:55

Kidawa-Błońska:

Total Opposition Isn't the Answer. I Disagree with the Current Symmetry, and with Those Who Curry Favor with Power.

The response to hatred and law-breaking cannot be to return like for like. We cannot respond to lies and contempt with the same. We must be different, better, wiser. I will tell you, dear friends, that a total opposition is not a good solution now, because I do not agree with the symmetry that currently prevails, and I also disagree with the fact that some people are currying favor with power. We must be brave, speak the truth, and be clear. As you know, I will be neither total nor timid – said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska during the National Council of Civic Platform.


12:59

Kidawa-Błońska:

I Invite You to My Convention on February 29th. I Invite Everyone Who Cares About a Democratic Poland, About Freedom

- I warmly invite you all to Warsaw on February 29th for my convention. I invite all of you. I invite everyone who cares about a democratic Poland, who cares about freedom – said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska during the National Council of Civic Platform.


13:03

Kidawa-Błońska:

The Civic Platform must be like fresh air. I have the impression that there is a lot of stuffiness and stale air in our Polish home right now.
"The Civic Platform must be like that fresh air that reaches us. It must be a chance for a better life, we must be a chance for a better Poland. I have the impression that there is a lot of stuffiness and stale air in our Polish home right now. We know how to air it out and rebuild what is happening in this home," said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska during the National Council of the Civic Platform.

13:09

Budka:

I would like to sincerely thank the former leaders of Civic Platform

- I will tell you that from the very beginning, I believed I would win these elections. But I believed this from day one because you were with me. Because you were everywhere we discussed Poland, Civic Platform, Civic Coalition, and in every one of those places, I felt a great sense of community. And this was possible, this is our shared victory, because I have been preparing for this role for many years. It was possible thanks to the individuals who held this very responsible position before me, and that is why, at this point, I would like to sincerely thank the former leaders of Civic Platform, especially those who are in this room today. Thank you, Prime Minister Kopacz and Chairman Schetyna – stated Borys Budka during the Civic Platform National Council meeting.


13:12

Budka:

We all cared about change. We started the changes with ourselves. We started the changes by giving the Platform a new energy
It is very important that we are here together, because we all cared about change. We started the changes with ourselves. We started the changes by giving the Platform a new energy. But we already brought about change earlier. We showed this change by building the Civic Coalition, the European Coalition, showing that we can work together. That is why I am very grateful that our friends from Nowoczesna, Inicjatywa Polska, and the Green Party are here – stated Borys Budka during the session of the National Council of PO.

13:14

Budka:

Just as we won these elections together, the Platforma elections, so we will win the May elections together, to later win another electoral marathon, and I promise you

- Changes start with small things, with ourselves. But these small changes, I am convinced, can show this great change in Poland. And this change in Poland will begin in May, and just as we won these elections together, the Platforma elections, so we will win the May elections together, to later win another electoral marathon, and I promise you - stated Borys Budka during the meeting of the National Council of PO.


13:20

Budka:

Only a government that fears its citizens, that fears people, creates an omnipotent state apparatus beyond any control

- Let's focus on the future. Let's talk about what Poland should be. The Poland of our hopes, dreams, a Poland where we can debate our opponents without hatred, based on arguments, sometimes emotions, but a Poland where no one feels excluded. Let's talk about what's important, about values. When the Civic Platform was founded 19 years ago, it was based on a great idea. The idea of community, of energy, above all, an idea that united conservatives, liberals, entrepreneurs, local government officials, all of us. The idea of the individual, that the individual should always be the most important. Not the state. Only a government that fears people, that fears its own citizens, creates an omnipotent state apparatus, not subject to any control. We love Poland because we understand Polish women and men. But above all, unlike our opponents, we simply believe in people, in individuals. Today, in this place, I want to say clearly that the Civic Platform, the Civic Coalition, offers Poles hope for a good state, for an effective state, where no one fears responsibility, because they know that competent, honest people, who are true patriots, are not afraid of independent judicial review, independent institutions, because they work well, with their hearts, because they are committed, true Polish patriots, and not just those who, once a year, shouting lofty slogans, solely divide Poles - stated Borys Budka during the meeting of the Civic Platform National Council.

- We ask all those who have voted for the Civic Platform, the Civic Coalition at least once, to join us in this great test and trial that will take place in May - he continued.


13:24

Budka:

We Must Listen to the Voice of Young People. We Must Remember We Cannot Impose Anything. It Is They Who Must Show What Kind of Poland They Want

- We must remember that we need to listen to the voice of young people. We must remember that we cannot impose anything. It is they who must show what kind of Poland they want. That is why I am so glad that you are here with us - stated Borys Budka during a session of the National Council of Civic Platform (PO).

- We will build a real administration, not one made of cardboard. An administration that will serve citizens, not the ruling party. We will build an efficiently functioning, modern healthcare system, where Polish men and women will quickly find help when they need it. An effective state is a safe state, but security is broader than just border protection. Security means the awareness that when young parents decide to have children, they are sure they will find a place in a nursery, a kindergarten, that they will be able to remain actively employed. State security finally means a state where older people who need help, but also want to remain active, will find such help and opportunities for activity. And finally, security means a state that does not enrich itself at the expense of hard-working people. State security means a stable tax system - he continued.


13:30

Budka:

At Some Point, We Forgot About Entrepreneurs

- I say this with full force and responsibility. At some point, we forgot about entrepreneurs, about those who, working hard, do not demand anything from the state. They simply say: don't hinder us, don't hinder us when we want to create jobs, when we want Poland to develop - stated Borys Budka during a session of the Civic Platform's National Council.


13:37

Budka:

We will return to Platforma's good practices, internal dialogue, and achieve synergy. I promise you this.
- We must return to that good practice of Platforma, where we talked to each other and cooperated with each other. That is why I highly value all your comments on how to improve internal communication. How to build good relationships, and most importantly, how to make us feel that these are our common decisions and our common program - stated Borys Budka during the National Council of PO meeting. - The next National Council will be a place for discussion. It will be a place where everyone will be able to say how they see Platforma, the future, and what we all care about most. That is, how they see Poland, and we will return to those good practices of Platforma, internal dialogue, and achieve the effect of synergy. I promise you this - the leader of Platforma continued.

13:41

Budka:

The Platform Must Be Bold. It Must Not Fear Clear, Understandable Answers. And I Promise You Such a Bold Platform

- The new Platform is not an end in itself. The new Platform is a tool for us to change Poland together. For us to show together that a modern, smiling, ecological, and safe Poland is possible – stated Borys Budka during the meeting of the Civic Platform's National Council.

- The Platform must be bold. It must not fear clear, understandable answers. And I promise you such a bold Platform. A Platform that will truly be a response to the most important challenges that lie before us. This is my promise – the Civic Platform leader continued.


13:44

Budka:

Every Person Harmed by This Government, Whether a Journalist, Judge, or Prosecutor, Will Be Rehabilitated

- From this place, I want to say clearly and unequivocally. Everyone who is harmed by this government, regardless of whether it is technical support staff in a Voivodeship Office, a journalist, a judge, or a prosecutor, every person who is harmed will be rehabilitated. Because Poland is shared - said Borys Budka during the National Council of Civic Platform.


13:49

Budka:

From this place, I implore you. Let's not allow this government to tear up European treaties against the will of the sovereign. Because there will be no return.
- I want a clear message to go out from this place for all those who are wondering today what the May elections will be about. Will we be choosing just a person, or will we be choosing something more. Today, the symbol of what could happen in May is the gesture of one man yesterday. I deliberately don't say judge, but man, because one must earn the title of judge. This gesture yesterday of tearing up a document, a resolution, in front of the public and the judges of the district court, was not an empty gesture. It was something more. It was a demonstration of this government's attitude towards the Polish Constitution, the will of the sovereign, who enacted and adopted the fundamental law through a referendum. Today it is a gesture of tearing up the Constitution. But in May, exactly the same thing can happen with the EU treaties. And from this place, I implore you. Let's not allow this government to tear up European treaties against the will of the sovereign. Because there will be no return - stated Borys Budka during the meeting of the Civic Platform's National Council.

14:06

Kaczyński in a letter to Solidarna Polska convention participants: We will not deviate from our path, we will continue to reform the judiciary
"We will not deviate from our path, we will continue to reform the judiciary, because the Republic and its citizens need it. We will not bend to pressure, neither internal nor external. They want to force us to accept Poland agreeing to treaty violations, and thus for it to recognize itself as a second-class member state, towards which extra-legal actions, inconsistent with European treaties, can be permitted. This would clip our homeland's wings and permanently condemn it to the status of a dependent state. And we will never agree to that." - wrote PiS chairman Jarosław Kaczyński in a letter to the participants of the Solidarna Polska convention, which was read by Krzysztof Sobolewski.

14:14

Jaki:

An Attempt on Democracy by Judges is Underway. If We Don't Withstand This Moment, Things Will Only Get Worse in Poland
"In Poland right now, there is an attack on our state's system. An attack on democracy by judges is underway. If we do not withstand this moment, things will only get worse in Poland" - stated Member of the European Parliament Patryk Jaki during the Solidarna Polska convention. "There is an attempt to replace democracy with judgeocracy. Judges – who are not elected in any elections and have no mandate – want to seize the powers of other state organs. Do you know what they truly want to do? They want to take away your influence over the state" - he added.

15:01

Ziobro on Jourová's Visit: I Could Expect Her to Repeat and Replicate Such Stories Unrelated to Our Reality, Because We Know This Brussels Jargon

It struck me that such an opinion [like the Venice Commission's] was also expressed in my conversation with the visiting Vice-President of the EC, Vera Jourová. I was prepared for such opinions from her. I could expect her to repeat and replicate such stories, completely unrelated to our reality, because we know this Brussels jargon. I prepared for this conversation and allowed myself to hand the Commissioner a fragment of President Rzepliński's statement to read. It is worth pointing out hypocrisy and quoting such statements” - said Minister Zbigniew Ziobro during the Solidarity Poland convention.


15:27

Ziobro:

They Are Trying to Tell Us Poles We Are Second-Class EU Members. This is Nothing But Segregation. We Can Never Agree to This.

What is extremely important in the dispute with the European Commission concerning Polish judiciary is another threat, which President Jarosław Kaczyński wrote about in his letter. They are trying to tell us Poles that we are second-class members of the European Union. Not only Poland, but Poles too, can have less. They are not allowed as much as Germans, Swedes, or Dutch. This is nothing but segregation of EU member states. We too can never agree to this,” said Minister Zbigniew Ziobro during the Solidarna Polska convention. 


16:18

Civic Platform Elects New Leadership

The Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska - PO) has elected its new authorities. The process concluded recently, with the results announced following internal party elections.

The tweet shared by Wojciech Saluga on February 7, 2020, at 12:26 PM GMT, with the ID 1226140893306118144, likely refers to this event and may contain further details or commentary on the outcome. While the full content of the tweet is not provided here, its context suggests it is a direct announcement or reaction to the party's leadership changes.