The upcoming political week will primarily focus on the introduction of the first stage of easing coronavirus-related restrictions, as well as the resumption of President Andrzej Duda's election campaign. The Constitutional Tribunal will address the Supreme Court's January resolution and a jurisdictional dispute, while Borys Budka is set to present a comprehensive solution, as announced, which also concerns the election format.

PAD's Campaign Resumes. According to sources of 300POLITYKA, President Andrzej Duda will return with the message this coming week: we are holding elections and moving forward. "Work and cooperation will guarantee a secure future," outlines one of our informants. The head of state is also expected to return to media activities – a guest appearance on Polsat News's "Gość Wydarzeń" is planned for Monday, and on TVP Info's "Gość Wiadomości" for Friday. Earlier, Adam Bielan spoke about the resumption of campaign activities. "I think this campaign will gain momentum from the beginning of next week. As I said, we will also have free airtime on public media. This is a moment when the campaign enters a new phase, and on May 6th, we will have a debate," he stated on TVP Info. The aforementioned free dissemination of election broadcasts in public radio and television programs prepared by election committees begins on Saturday.

Easing Restrictions. Starting Monday, some safety rules will change – the first stage of easing coronavirus-related restrictions will be introduced. More people will be able to shop in stores simultaneously, forests and parks will be accessible for recreation, and individuals over 13 years old will be allowed to move around without adult supervision. "We are taking cautious steps aimed at returning Poles to normality, as well as unfreezing the Polish economy. This process will be divided into stages – to ensure maximum citizen safety. We want Poles to use the new regulations reasonably," the government argues.

V4 and European Council Member Videoconferences. According to sources of 300POLITYKA, a conference is planned for Monday with Prime Minister Morawiecki at the Material Reserves Agency headquarters to showcase the amount of equipment that has already arrived in Poland and the amount yet to come. On Wednesday, a videoconference of the Visegrad Group member states will take place. On Thursday, European Council members will discuss the EU's current response to the Covid-19 pandemic via videoconference. This will be the fourth meeting of its kind.

Budka's Plan. "On Monday, I will propose a very comprehensive solution that also concerns the election format. I will conduct consultations because I know very well that Poles are very afraid that the right to vote will not turn into a mockery of elections," Borys Budka said on TVN24. A meeting with, among others, Jarosław Gowin is scheduled to take place beforehand, as stated by the Civic Platform chairman: "I will consult it [the plan] first with leaders of other groupings, among others. I will also talk to Jarosław Gowin, because today is a real test for politicians."

Constitutional Tribunal on Supreme Court Resolution. On Monday at 11:00 AM – at the request of the Prime Minister – a hearing of the Constitutional Tribunal will take place concerning the resolution of the joint chambers: Civil, Criminal, and Labor and Social Security of the Supreme Court of January 23rd. In short, according to the resolution, judges appointed to positions based on the recommendation of the so-called new National Council of the Judiciary are not authorized to adjudicate.

Constitutional Tribunal on Jurisdictional Dispute. On Tuesday at 11:00 AM – at the request of the Marshal of the Sejm – a hearing of the Constitutional Tribunal will take place regarding the jurisdictional dispute between the Sejm and the Supreme Court, and between the President and the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Tribunal will consider the case in full composition. The presiding judge of the judging panel will be the President of the Constitutional Tribunal, Julia Przyłębska, and the rapporteur – judge of the Constitutional Tribunal, Krystyna Pawłowicz.

Photo: KPRM