At 11:00 AM - at the request of the Marshal of the Sejm - a hearing of the Constitutional Tribunal will take place concerning the competence dispute between the Sejm and the Supreme Court, and between the President and the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Tribunal will consider the case with a full panel. The presiding judge of the adjudicating panel will be TK President Julia Przyłębska, and the rapporteur will be TK judge Krystyna Pawłowicz.

- We're all considering it [withdrawing from elections if they were to be postal elections], but for now, we don't know where we stand because we don't know when the elections will be held, we don't know what procedure they will follow, we don't know what the epidemiological situation will be like then. So for now, for the next 2.5 weeks, until the Senate's decision, until around May 6th or 7th, rather until the Sejm's decision on what it will do with the Senate's amendments, we will probably all just do our jobs – talk to Poles, campaign, as much as possible and wherever possible. Then we will make a decision when we know where we stand. It also makes no sense to make hasty decisions when everything could flip 180 degrees – stated Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- We are dealing with a paradox, because on the one hand, Chairman Budka repeatedly emphasizes how important the constitution is to him, adhering to its provisions, and rightly so, because we also emphasize that the constitution is the most important document when it comes to the law in force in Poland. On the other hand, the chairman proposes an unconstitutional solution, because in Poland, election dates cannot be moved simply at my whim. The constitution describes the terms that should occur quite precisely. Chairman Budka's proposal amounts to more or less this: today we don't want elections, what the actual reasons are is a separate topic, I don't want to delve into that matter at the moment, but we don't want elections today, so let's introduce a state of emergency, without any premises for it, and hold elections at a time convenient for us, i.e., in a year - said Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Michał Rachoń on TVP Info's "Jedziemy".

For now, we don't know what situation we are in with the epidemic, because it's hard to believe the official data provided by the government. Unfortunately, Minister Szumowski also did everything, or a great deal, to be perceived not as an apolitical professional, but as part of this system that is currently trying to seize Poland. So we shall see. Above all, it will be about safety. If these elections are safe, meaning if there were a chance that they would be safe in any way, then we would have to participate in them, or at least there would be some trace of safety, because one must not give up on a cheat. The communists also prepared to falsify the elections in 1989, and yet one had to stand up and do everything that was possible. I will certainly not urge anyone in this situation to go and vote, but if you are asking about my decision, then I will make that decision, whether I withdraw or not, somewhere around probably May 6-7, just like all of us – stated Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- I think that today the main goal of opposition representatives is to destabilize the United Right. I hope Prime Minister Gowin won't be drawn into this game, because nothing good can come of it, other than, as I said, the atrophy of the United Right camp. I am convinced that this will not happen - said Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Michał Rachoń on TVP Info's "Jedziemy".

“The candidates from the Polish Coalition, the Left, and Konfederacja are all saying they will participate in the elections and are campaigning, albeit in a limited form, but they are campaigning. The question concerns the candidate from Civic Coalition, who is conducting a suspended campaign, yet at the same time speaks of a boycott, and simultaneously, this boycott is interrupted by her party's leader, who says that 'boycott' was too strong a word and it would be good to participate in the elections after all. To say that the Civic Coalition is sending an inconsistent message is an understatement. The elections are set for May 10th and by all signs on heaven and earth, these elections will take place” - said Krzysztof Sobolewski from PiS in an interview with Dorota Kania on Polskie Radio 24. 

- For now, we are playing, and we should do everything possible to postpone these elections. Because if they happen in May, they won't be fair elections. I am saying that I am making a decision about participating in unfair elections. That's what this is about. I'm not claiming they will be fair if we decide to run in them. No, they will still be unfair, but it won't be about enjoying being president if Minister Sasin somehow messes up and one of us manages to win, but about moving forward and healing this entire sick system - stated Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- We are allocating PLN 20 million to support Social Welfare Homes, specifically for the purchase of protective equipment. We are physically providing protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and suits, and there is a recommendation from the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy enabling the use of approximately PLN 1 billion from EU funds. Moreover, marshals can make transfers within European funds - said Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Michał Rachoń on TVP Info's "Jedziemy" program.

- This proposal presented by Borys Budka truly requires deep refinement. Because I still don't understand a few of its legal elements. I don't know on what basis the persuasion through legislation would take place, because they have this idea that they will force the government by law to introduce a state of natural disaster across the entire country if an epidemic has been present for a certain number of days – stated Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piasecka."

- If we are mixing these two orders, meaning we are essentially changing the Constitution by law, then something is profoundly wrong here, because on the same principle, you could, for example, declare that PiS will pass a law stating that if Jarosław Kaczyński's anger lasts more than 3 days, the president is obliged to automatically introduce martial law in Poland. We would protest against such a solution, so we should try everything possible to find a majority in the Sejm right now, and this is the responsibility of the politicians who sit in the Sejm today and who fear for their terms and for what will happen if they manage to implement this scenario where Gowin becomes the Marshal of the Sejm, or anyone from the opposition, and then everything turns upside down, then early elections, good heavens, what will happen to our mandates, but they should take responsibility for Poland, they should try to think, because now the ball is in the parliament's court. That's where it has to be decided today – he continued.

- Amending the Constitution with Jarosław Kaczyński is like changing the locks in your house with a burglar. You simply don't do such things, because you know how it will end – stated Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Piasecki's Conversation".

If there is an agreement among the political class that we want to conduct safe elections and not postpone them to a never-ending holiday, then this deadline – be it May, April, or December – will stem from some calendar and some order. First and foremost, it will rely on the National Electoral Commission (PKW) regaining its agency in this matter. Because it's a circus and a banana republic if Minister Sasin is a one-man electoral commission. Come on, people – stated Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

„I am a politician of the United Right, and I am conducting talks with Borys Budka and other leaders of the Civic Platform on behalf of the entire United Right. I would like to remind you that Jarosław Kaczyński also signed the project prepared by Agreement, which provides for a single, seven-year presidential term with a simultaneous extension of Andrzej Duda's presidency by 2 years, but without the possibility of re-election. It has been obvious from the very beginning that since we are submitting a draft constitutional amendment, this project cannot be carried out by the votes of the United Right alone” - said Jarosław Gowin, the leader of Agreement, in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News. 

- Andrzej Duda has suddenly returned to the campaign and announced that he will protect it. It's interesting that somehow nobody wants to take away this 500+ program. It's like me protesting or saying I won't let aliens into Poland. Even though they aren't exactly flocking to fly into Poland anyway - Szymon Hołownia stated in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

“The Platform's project foresees the necessity of legislative changes. A presidential signature must be affixed to a legislative change. Mr. President Duda yesterday assessed Borys Budka's proposal quite skeptically,” said Jarosław Gowin, leader of the Agreement, in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News. 

“Borys Budka presented his proposals on behalf of Civic Coalition, but it turned out that these proposals certainly do not have the support of The Left. The Polish People's Party also reacted quite sharply, pointing out that they are essentially consistent with what Kosiniak-Kamysz proposed much earlier. We are dealing with a three-part harmony within the opposition, or rather a four-part harmony, because there is also Confederation,” said the leader of Agreement, Jarosław Gowin, in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

- I agree that we need to work out an agreement that will allow for elections to be held in Poland through legal channels. However, we cannot think in terms of a PR stunt like the date - May; we must think in terms of the law. Thus, a state of natural disaster lasts for this long, and we need six months to amend the Electoral Code. Therefore, this is the timeframe, and at the earliest possible opportunity, we should clearly state that we will hold elections - stated Szymon Hołownia in a conversation with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- For me, it's clear, just as it probably is for you and many others, that elections in May would be a farce, not an election, and we must do everything to make it a celebration of democracy, not its funeral - he continued.

„In my opinion, unfreezing the economy should have started earlier. That parks and forests have been available to us, to citizens, since the beginning of this week, since yesterday, is perhaps too timid a step,” said the leader of Porozumienie, Jarosław Gowin, in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

- Postal voting is not a democratic election, and I will not be a statistic in the spectacle that Law and Justice is orchestrating. Elections must be free, they must be secret, and this does not guarantee that for citizens. Moreover, even during this difficult time, we will be endangering the lives of those who will be involved in it - said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Polskie Radio Program 3's "Political Salon".

- I think that [Jarosław Gowin] doesn't want to leave the coalition. He is probably building a new sphere of his own agency. It's very simple. How else could it be? In politics, there are many alpha males and females, meaning people whose ambitions are above average, because politics requires people with strong characters, strong potential, as it often demands overcoming obstacles. And I have the impression that Gowin's recent moves might indicate that he is trying to expand his influence within this 'Good Change' space – stated Andrzej Zybertowicz in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

- This is a way of thinking. If you don't know what it's about, it's often said that it's about money. In this case, it's not about money, and in business, it's said that when you don't know what it's about and it's not about money, it's most likely about ego – he continued.

- I think the final outcome of this game will be to demonstrate the opposition's inability to act in a coordinated and reasonable manner. The point is that the media love what you were talking about, what isn't so important; they love to talk about emotions, personalities, personnel speculations, while real processes are happening somewhere in the background – emphasized the advisor to the President of Poland.

Many people have placed their trust in me, so I cannot participate in sham elections, a pseudo-postal service that is incompatible with everything. This is widely known. But I also see, observing what is happening on the political scene, that we will succeed in bringing about normal elections in Poland. I will run in these elections with full force and I will win them. My focus now is on ensuring democratic elections in Poland. That is my full answer. I have not withdrawn from any election. I know that PiS would like me to say: I am withdrawing, I will not be there. I will be there and I will be supported by our voters, fighting for democracy in our country, for the observance of the constitution, and for speaking the truth – said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Polish Radio's Trójka program "Salon Polityczny".

"Yes, I believe Poles should hear from me on public television what I think about all of this, and so I can convey information they won't hear from me otherwise, because on public television I am presented as a completely different person. The time dedicated to me by public media is very large, but there isn't a word of truth about me there," said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska in a conversation with Beata Michniewicz on Radio Trójka's "Political Salon". "So if this debate takes place, will you participate?" "Everything indicates I will, provided all candidates are there."

- I believe this change [in the polls] could be permanent. Because I see no way to improve the communication skills, let's put it that way, of Marshal Kidawa-Błońska, whose level of skill certainly contributed to her declining ratings, and I also don't see any of the other candidates having the backing that would allow them to overtake Kosiniak-Kamysz. I think the man who applauded Leszek Jażdżewski, who insulted political opponents and hyper-critically rejected the heritage of the Catholic Church, could become Andrzej Duda's main adversary. These are facts. Because I don't see any possibility of quickly upgrading Marshal Kidawa-Błońska, it seems that Mr. Kosiniak-Kamysz is the one - stated Andrzej Zybertowicz in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

The Ministry of Health (MZ) has reported 144 new cases of coronavirus infection in Poland. Sadly, 5 individuals have succumbed to the virus.

The official data was shared via Twitter from the Ministry's account:

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1252507520834375681

Further details regarding the situation can be found at:

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1252507523388768256

- Three weeks ago, the anti-crisis shield came into effect, and today we would like to report on how this shield is working. We already have 1.5 million applications, and we will discuss the details shortly, but it is safe to say that these 1.5 million applications represent 1.5 million jobs. This is through downtime benefits, social insurance contribution relief, various forms of support for companies, liquidity support, support for missing capital, and for lost revenue - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a press conference.

Europe is facing great challenges simultaneously. Production and supply chains, as well as individual components in the production of various products, have been disrupted, and today we must reorganize our economic order also in Europe. I discussed this with the President of the European Commission, and in an hour I will be speaking with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. There is no more important task before Europe today than, one could say, a second Marshall Plan - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said during a press conference.

- We are working continuously. Further phases of the anti-crisis shield are being developed in cooperation with entrepreneurs. I thank the presidents with whom we are in contact almost every 2-3 days as we analyze the situation faced by both large Polish companies, those that have managed to build a brand and recognition not only in the domestic but also in foreign markets, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises - stated Jadwiga Emilewicz at a press briefing.

- We are analyzing the market and trying to adapt further solutions to the requirements, expectations, and to ensure that the pulse of the Polish economy does not weaken. Therefore, this week, by Friday, we will present the government's proposals for further solutions, the next phase of the anti-crisis shield. It will consist of the following proposals. The first is the BGK interest subsidy fund. Its primary goal is to support entrepreneurs who have lost financial liquidity, meaning the ability to meet their obligations on time, and entrepreneurs at risk of losing liquidity due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. They will be able to receive support from the interest subsidy fund. Thus, by utilizing the wide range of loans already launched since the beginning of the year and which the PFR will soon launch, they will additionally receive support for interest. This fund plans to allocate over PLN 270 million for this purpose this year. A similar amount will also be directed to the market next year. Commercial banks will grant loans, and BGK will subsidize the interest with funds from the state budget. Another aspect we will address in this shield concerns changes in public procurement law. We are working to ensure that contractors and contracting authorities can easily and simply make changes to contracts in response to the ongoing epidemic, and that these changes do not impose additional costs on contractors. These are also solutions that improve the financial liquidity of contractors due to greater availability of advance payment forms for work performed. We will also strive to unblock the National Appeal Chamber so that it can make rulings in a situation where the judiciary and courts are not currently operating - she continued.

- The third important element, referring to today's guest [at the conference], is also our concern to ensure that Polish companies, painstakingly built over 30 years, do not become cheap prey in this difficult situation. Europe, as political leaders say today, cannot be for sale in this difficult situation. We do not want companies with Polish capital to be easily taken over today because their valuation, if they are listed companies, is very low, making it easy for foreign funds to acquire them. Therefore, we are proposing this very significant and important solution for companies. Finally, the last element concerns support for local government budgets. We are aware that they also have lower revenues from tax titles, PIT and CIT, property taxes, agricultural, and forest taxes, as well as spa municipalities that are not collecting their fees today. We are loosening the financial rule for local governments. In short, they will be able, just as we are ready to do so today, to incur debt in this difficult year and the next. This balance of revenues and expenditures may be negative. Additionally, we are introducing changes that will direct every second, instead of every fourth, zloty from state property management revenues to local government budgets, compared to the current situation. These are the most significant solutions proposed in this package. There will also be changes in labor law that will further facilitate the use of solutions already available today, such as downtime or wage subsidies. This greater flexibility is intended to allow a larger group of entrepreneurs to survive in the market - the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

“We received signals from both seniors and retailers regarding changes to these hours. There were various proposals. Ultimately, because most seniors have gotten used to these hours from 10 am to 12 pm, we are keeping them within this time frame and there will be no changes here. There are no senior hours on weekends” - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

“We are considering that certain rules, which would allow for a broader opening of economic activity, would apply to a different extent in those counties where there are zero infections or the number of infected individuals is below 5 or 10, compared to all others. No such decisions have been made yet” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"Social programs, pro-family programs that we have implemented, are the foundation of our socio-economic policy. Today, families with children can navigate this very difficult time more easily. Today, pensioners can get through this very difficult time for them a little more easily thanks to the thirteenth pension. We intend to maintain all these social programs. That is why we decided to run a budget deficit, because a budget deficit is not sacred. It is a financial, budgetary, and economic tool, and we will use this tool cautiously, safely, but also boldly," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

„I would like this to be a political breakthrough, a breakthrough that could lead to an agreement among the political class, which should concern elections. It used to be the case in Poland that these most important matters were excluded from partisan rivalry and political dispute. The timing of elections is one such matter, especially during a pandemic, which the world has not experienced for decades. It would be appropriate, and I hope that the Gowin-Budka conversation is a chance to build such an agreement, where the entire political class determines what the election calendar should look like and how it will unfold” - said Grzegorz Schetyna from Civic Platform on Radio Wrocław.

„[Donald Tusk's Start in 2 Years] That is impossible. In two years? We could postpone [elections] by 20 years. What difference does it make? We cannot speak of political fiction, scenarios that are political fantasy, because we do not want to, nor can we extend the president's term. We can postpone elections due to the epidemic and threats to health and life. We can talk about autumn, winter, spring deadlines. What is within reach, but is in the political imagination. 2 years is political outer space” - said Grzegorz Schetyna of Civic Platform on Radio Wrocław. 

„There's an old Polish saying, 'Don't give a razor to a monkey.' We do not agree to extend the term of President Andrzej Duda by a year, because we do not trust him, and we remind all those who propose this. Were you with us under the Presidential Palace, protesting against the scandalous laws introduced by Mr. Duda? Were you satisfied with how he massacred the Polish political system, the judiciary? Were you present when he signed laws that stripped the National Election Commission of its powers to conduct elections? And now you want to give this man one more year? Has God taken your reason? There is no agreement on this” - said SLD leader Włodzimierz Czarzasty at a press conference.

https://twitter.com/PremierRP/status/1252540324821565440

- Today is a time when politicians must very clearly declare their views and honestly state what they will do when they hold the reins of power. Politicians today must be honest with voters and clearly say whether, when they are entrusted by Poles and responsible for power in Poland, they will act for the benefit of Poles, or whether they will make decisions that will, for example, roll back social programs introduced at the initiative of President Duda by the PiS government - stated Beata Szydło at a press briefing.

- President Duda clearly declared yesterday, signing a declaration in which he committed to defending these programs. So today I ask the remaining candidates, all those who are competing to be the representative of the Polish nation in a few weeks, to head the Polish state. I ask Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, I ask Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and the other candidates, whether, if you take office as President of the Republic of Poland, you will defend the social programs introduced by the government. 500+, the reduced retirement age, the 13th pension, all these other programs that have genuinely helped Polish families and helped the Polish economy. We are posing this question today and expect you to answer Poles honestly. Now is the time when one must clearly declare their views. Now is the time when all candidates running for the office of president must honestly say what they will do if they were to possibly hold this office, because this is a difficult time, a time of crisis, in which clear and honest declarations are truly needed - she continued.

- One of the candidates, former minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, raised the retirement age. That's when the OFE division occurred. That's when social assistance benefits had such a low income criterion that they were below the poverty line, and millions of children lost their right to family benefits. Some of the candidates are weaving visions of support for Polish families. Unfortunately, when they had decision-making power and influence, they did not pursue such policies. We introduced these programs during a period of higher unemployment than in 2020 or 2019, with a worse financial situation and higher debt, because we recognized these as fundamental, the most important challenges. Today, we are also fighting, and the President has a significant contribution to this, to defend employment and jobs, to prevent unemployment from rising in Poland. However, this must also be done by protecting the most important social projects, which we are proud of in Europe today and which must give us hope that families will not be the ones who most painfully feel the dramatic deterioration of their living standards - stated Elżbieta Rafalska at a press briefing. 

I believe the elections should be held as soon as possible, precisely now [in May], so that we can end the drawn-out election campaign and finally focus on what Poles are concentrating on today, which is moving on to the most important matters. The economy is the topic that absorbs everyone today, especially Poles. The government is coming up with successive proposals, the president is actively involved in preparing these solutions, and this is what is most important for Poland today. That is why, among other reasons, it was decided that the solution of postal voting is a good way for these elections to take place, and I want to repeat once again: they will be safe. Let's hold the elections as soon as possible and let all politicians start dealing simply and solely with what is needed for Poland and for Poles – stated Beata Szydło at a press briefing.

- There is also a reflection here, perhaps also an appeal to opposition politicians, that it is worth it for them to finally stop talking about elections non-stop and only focusing on that, and instead to take part in the work on the laws that the government is preparing concerning the support of the Polish economy as soon as possible. I think that if we all show appropriate maturity, including all politicians, especially those in opposition, and we are able to conclude this electoral stage in a sensible way, then I think it will be the best solution for everyone, and above all for Poland - stated Beata Szydło at a press briefing. 

- The Civic Platform, of course, has a problem. Chairman Budka is currently trying, at all costs, to change the candidate [for president], but it's hard to postpone the campaign, the elections, the constitutionally set date of the presidential elections, solely because the Civic Platform's candidate is failing, and the PO chairman wants to replace the candidate. So this is not serious - stated Beata Szydło at a press briefing.

“Finding a solution on how to postpone the elections is the task of prudent politicians. I appreciate the efforts of everyone, both on Jarosław Gowin's Agreement and on the opposition's side, to seek a solution on how to lead Poland out of this situation, into which the ruling party is pushing us, that is, organizing elections at all costs at a time convenient for Andrzej Duda, rather than at a time that is safe for Poles” - said the candidate of the Polish Coalition for President and the leader of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, at a press conference. 

„It's nothing new, as a motion calling for the government to introduce a state of natural disaster has been pending since April 4th. For several weeks, I have been saying that I will not question Andrzej Duda's mandate, even if he were to hold the office for a year longer. Paweł Kukiz, on our behalf, is also extending a hand, and we are jointly saying that we can discuss a one-year extension of the mandate. We have several such proposals. Now there is a proposal from Platforma. It is not a new proposal” - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, candidate for president from Koalicja Polska and leader of PSL, at a press conference.

- I want to speak up for those who, as a result of the anti-crisis shield, had to return to work in shops, which are now operating under new rules, working longer hours, and consequently, their employees must also work longer. I am speaking up, appealing, and demanding as a citizen of the Republic of Poland that their employee rights be respected. We are increasingly hearing reports that employees are being forced to work night shifts. Women caring for young children are being forced to work. They are being threatened with job loss, even though the employer has no right to do so. This is something the state, the National Labour Inspectorate, should immediately address. Perhaps we should consider opening shops on Sundays? - said Szymon Hołownia during a press conference.

Borys Budka's proposal needs to be legally clarified. We need to know clearly whether the Sejm has the competence to order the Council of Ministers to introduce a state described in the constitution. If so, it's possible that tomorrow PiS MPs will pass a law stating that if Jarosław Kaczyński is angry for three days or more, the president is obliged to introduce martial law - said Szymon Hołownia during a press conference.

Every month that Andrzej Duda stays in this office is a loss for the Republic. It is a loss for the republic. He is the worst president we have had in the last 30 years. He is a president who has repeatedly failed the test before society - said Szymon Hołownia during a press conference.

- Following yesterday's press conference by Andrzej Duda and a spot well-received by internet users, Andrzej Duda's campaign is maintaining its momentum - a key figure in Andrzej Duda's campaign tells us, referring to today's press conference by Beata Szydło and Elżbieta Rafalska.

Today, the president's campaign – riding the wave of its 'Poland Plus and Minus' messaging – is releasing a spot reminding viewers of critical statements made by Civic Platform politicians, including Donald Tusk, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Jacek Rostowski, and Grzegorz Schetyna, regarding PiS's social programs. 300POLITYKA is the first to publish it.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=K6xszxFWqec

The meeting between Prime Minister Morawiecki and the presidents of the largest cities in Poland has just concluded. We have been holding such regular meetings for some time now. Today, this latest meeting took place at the request of the local governments themselves, as well as on the initiative of the Prime Minister. It primarily concerned several aspects. On one hand, the situation in Social Welfare Homes (DPS-y), places for whose organization and functioning local governments are responsible. However, due to the situation in just over 20 local governments, the government has decided to provide appropriate assistance in the form of additional equipment specifically for these facilities. Prime Minister Morawiecki also thanked all local governments for their cooperation so far. This cooperation has been improving over the last few weeks. We also see the commitment of all local governments in Poland, whether they are cities, districts, or individual municipalities. The Prime Minister thanked them for this, but we also discussed the situation that will arise in the coming weeks. Local governments appealed for us to make appropriate modifications to the regulations concerning public finances, including increasing flexibility in the budgets of local and territorial self-governments. The Prime Minister agreed to these requests. This week, we will present concrete solutions so that local governments can access additional financial resources and implement investments they consider priorities, as well as simply carry out tasks that directly stem from the statutory duties of individual local government units – stated Piotr Müller at a press briefing before the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM). - The Prime Minister also pointed out that the anti-crisis shield includes a public investment program that will also involve and be implemented by local governments. Therefore, this issue was also discussed today. The first step was the announcement of the Local Government Road Fund last week; the Prime Minister announced additional financial resources of PLN 3 billion for investments in smaller municipalities and districts, in order to boost, among other things, those smaller businesses that carry out these investments, but on the other hand, of course, to address road needs in these cities. Today, during this meeting, various requests were made by territorial self-governments regarding modifications to regulations, these formal, more procedural regulations. We will analyze all these remarks, including those concerning the flexibility of budgetary expenditures of individual local governments, so that they can adapt to their needs – the government spokesperson continued.

- Today, during this meeting, some local authorities indeed pointed to the issue of janosikowe, but one must honestly say that there is no unanimity among local governments, because limiting janosikowe for some cities means reduced investment capabilities for others. For example, these government programs could not be financed with these funds, so there is no unified approach in this regard, and we do not foresee modifications to janosikowe itself at this stage - stated Piotr Müller at a press briefing before the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM).

The Constitutional Tribunal has ruled that the appointment of judges is the sole prerogative of the President of the Republic, and the Supreme Court does not possess any supervisory rights over this process.

„If worrying about the health and lives of Poles and the preservation of constitutional and democratic norms is to be called malicious, then perhaps you [addressing the Deputy Prime Minister Sasin] can call it that, but I completely disagree. I am surprised that such remarks are made by the Deputy Prime Minister, because the Prime Minister should know perfectly well that if a law of such fundamental importance, which should not be happening at all, because we should not be changing electoral law six months before elections, if such a law sneaks through Parliament between 6 PM and 10:10 PM, then the Senate faces a difficult task of analyzing it from every angle. The Senate is carrying out this work through its committees and will complete it in accordance with the Constitution within the time allocated to the Senate for considering such important laws” – said the Marshal of the Senate, Tomasz Grodzki, in an interview with Karolina Lewicka on TOK FM’s “Political Interview.”

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1252620715146326016

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1252620717402861568

- The elections should not have taken place in May, but at a safe date. This date, which we see as safe, is next year. We need to ensure these elections are conducted reliably, and envelope voting is about solidifying power, not choosing a president - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program “Gość Wydarzeń” on Polsat News.

- First, I believe there's no single opinion within the ruling camp regarding the May elections. Jarosław Gowin has a different view, stating: these elections cannot be held in May. Jarosław Kaczyński has a different opinion, believing these elections should be held as soon as possible. There's a dissonance there. All opposition candidates, at least for some time now, it's true that initially, unlike me, some candidates said differently, that these elections should be held as soon as possible, but fortunately, that has changed, all candidates are now saying let's postpone the elections - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program 'Gość Wydarzeń' on Polsat News.

- Unfortunately, the PiS party is pushing for elections not to achieve power stability, but to avoid losing power. Polls may soon be much worse, and consequently, the electoral result for Andrzej Duda. The ruling party, the governing party, is not guided today by the safety and well-being of citizens, but by the comfort of the power apparatus - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program 'Gość Wydarzeń' (Guest of Events) on Polsat News.

- I would be very happy to discuss Jarosław Gowin's concept. Paweł Kukiz and I have a meeting scheduled. We believe two years is too long, but we can discuss one year, as well as lasting changes - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

- I see President Andrzej Duda's campaign staff lamenting that since the coronavirus he hasn't been able to campaign. By not leaving television, by going on ' gospodarskie wizyty' [economic visits], by capitalizing on the coronavirus while opening production lines at Orlen – Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program “Gość Wydarzeń” [Guest of the Events] on Polsat News.

Hopefully as soon as possible [elections should be held]. Hopefully they will be held within the constitutional deadline, which is May 10th. Postal elections are prepared, there is legislation, it can be carried out safely, and I think that Poland today needs precisely a swift end to the election campaign. Just a moment ago I heard one of the candidates, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. During his conversation on your station, he spoke only and exclusively about the elections. Because that is what the opposition is currently focused on, whereas Poles today need stabilization and need the government to be able to calmly work on what is necessary. Work, the economy, support, security. These are the topics that should be occupying politicians today - stated Beata Szydło in a conversation with Piotr Witwicki on the program "Wydarzenia i opinie" on Polsat News.

I can't imagine us spending another year solely on the election campaign, whereas Jarosław Gowin's proposal can indeed be, as I said earlier, considered, and if it were possible to implement, it would be a good solution. But in the current political situation, it is rather impossible to implement, and it seems that Jarosław Gowin already knows this too - stated Beata Szydło in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on the program "Wydarzenia i opinie" on Polsat News.

We need to cooperate today, and we would very much like the opposition to genuinely engage in this process of supporting Poles and Polish companies, because so far, they are pushing all these topics to the background. There is no will for cooperation here, which I regret. However, the issues that particularly occupy the opposition, above all else, are the elections. I understand that Borys Budka has problems with his candidate, so he wants the elections postponed to change the candidate. I understand that Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz is also calculating here and believes his chances lie in later elections, but such solutions cannot be introduced simply because candidates desire them. Instead, we must adhere to the Constitution and be guided by the good of Poland and the good of Poles. Today, the most important thing for Poland is helping people, work, and the economy, and let's focus on that. Therefore, the sooner the elections are held, the more stable the political situation will become, and the more effectively all politicians, I hope including the opposition politicians, will be able to engage in what Poles are waiting for today – stated Beata Szydło in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on the Polsat News program "Wydarzenia i opinie".

- No one could have imagined we would live to see such times, that the economic shock would be so deep. I am counting on it, and we are doing everything within the framework of our anti-crisis shields to ensure that this shock in Poland is significantly lower, that the unemployment rate does not reach 20%, because unemployment was such a nightmare for the Third Polish Republic for 25 years. In the last few years, by attracting many new investments, through government programs, we have achieved a very significant decrease in unemployment. To the level of 2.9, to the level of about 3%, these are the official EC statistics. Today, unfortunately, unemployment is increasing. But that's why we quickly began implementing our anti-crisis programs to limit this rise in unemployment - said Mateusz Morawiecki in an online Q&A. 

I also hope that Europe, the European Union, will come to its senses and that these production lines, supply chains, and manufacturing, which were largely outsourced to China, India, and the Far East, will return here, will return to Europe. And if they return to Europe, they will also return to Poland - said Mateusz Morawiecki during an online Q&A.

Matura exams, vocational exams, and 8th-grade exams will definitely take place. They will likely be held at the end of June or the beginning of July. We will try to inform you of the exact date four, or at the latest, three weeks before the exams. We will organize them in a way that ensures maximum safety, meaning with considerable distance, utilizing all available spaces within school premises. I believe the summer weather will be favorable and helpful for conducting such exams – said Mateusz Morawiecki in an online Q&A.

- Generally, these types of programs will be continued, they are being continued all the time. The fifth pillar of the anti-crisis shield includes additional funds for public investment. This is a very important part of the plan for exiting the crisis for me - said Mateusz Morawiecki in an online Q&A.

- The security of postal voting is raised to such a high standard that I truly believe it is the safest way to conduct elections. Therefore, additional ozonation of envelopes, disinfection, full physical protection for the individuals who will deliver the envelopes, and then approximately 30,000 boxes that will serve as ballot boxes. These boxes will be collected by the electoral commissions and there, in a fully sanitary manner, under fully sanitary conditions, they will be counted. I am convinced that this will be the safest method of conducting elections to date - said Mateusz Morawiecki during an online Q&A.

- The May elections are absolutely necessary elections because the constitution obliges us to do so. Those of you who are listening to other reflections, I would like you to consider that it is the Polish constitution that sets the date on which these elections can take place. Not earlier than, and not later than. On this date, we intend to hold these presidential elections. The democratic process must continue. We don't know how long the coronavirus will be with us, and therefore, the wisest decision possible is for the elections to be held by correspondence, " said Mateusz Morawiecki in an online Q&A.

-- LIVEBLOG 300POLITYKI: PRIME MINISTER IN A FB Q&A ABOUT OZONATING ENVELOPES AND A SAFE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS KOSINIAK ON ENVELOPE-BASED CONSOLIDATION OF POWER AND CONVERSATION WITH GOWIN SZYDŁO ON ELECTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND THAT GOWIN ALREADY KNOWS THAT NONE OF HIS PROPOSALS WILL SUCCEED GRODZKI ON THE BILL SLIPPING THROUGH BETWEEN 6 PM AND 10 PM https://300polityka.pl/live/2020/04/21/ ***** WYDARZENIA POLSATU -- THE GOVERNMENT HAS SUMMARIZED THE FIRST EFFECTS OF THE ANTI-CRISIS SHIELD; COMPANIES ARE BENEFITING FROM AID, BUT IT IS TO BE EVEN MORE INTENSIVE. -- THE NUMBER OF INFECTED PERSONS ACROSS POLAND IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING 10,000. -- THE FIRST LAWSUITS FOR CORONAVIRUS HAVE BEEN FILED; LOCAL AUTHORITIES ARE SUING THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE HOME IN CZERNICHÓW, WHERE 26 PEOPLE WERE INFECTED WITH CORONAVIRUS. -- A DISPUTE OVER THE ELECTION DATE, BUT ALSO OVER AID FOR FAMILIES. -- PIS ASKS WHETHER OPPOSITION PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES WILL WITHDRAW THE 500+ BENEFIT; ALL DECLARE, HOWEVER, THAT THEY WILL NOT. -- FOR THE PAST FEW HOURS, THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTORAL MESSAGE FROM ANDRZEJ DUDA AND HIS CAMPAIGN [ABOUT MAINTAINING SOCIAL PROGRAMS] - Grzegorz Kępka. -- THE QUESTION IS NOT NEW [WILL THE OPPOSITION MAINTAIN THE PROGRAMS], AND THE ANSWERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN GIVEN - Kępka continues. -- HOWEVER, THE OPPOSITION IS DRAWING ATTENTION TO OTHER WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT [ABOUT 500+] - Kępka. -- YESTERDAY, ANDRZEJ DUDA REACTED SHARPLY TO SUCH COMMENTS [THAT PIS WILL TRY TO SUSPEND 500+ AFTER THE ELECTIONS] - Kępka continues. -- THE VERY IDEA OF HOLDING ELECTIONS IN MAY IS ALSO CAUSING AN INCREASINGLY HEATED DISPUTE - Kępka. -- THE VOTES OF THE POLISH COALITION MAY DECIDE WHETHER THE ELECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN MAY; THE FATE OF THE LAW INTRODUCING POSTAL VOTING DEPENDS ON THEM - Kępka continues. -- KRYSTYNA ŁYBACKA HAS DIED. ***** FAKTY TVN -- IT IS WORRYING THAT FEW TESTS ARE BEING PERFORMED HERE, AS THIS IS THE KEY TO KNOWING WHERE WE STAND - in the preview. -- THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH SPEAKS ABOUT ACCESS TO TESTS FOR MEDICAL PERSONNEL STILL IN THE FUTURE - Arleta Zalewska. -- THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH PUBLICLY REITERATED THE ASSURANCE HE GAVE 10 DAYS AGO, DESPITE NOT EVEN GETTING CLOSE TO 15,000 DAILY TESTS - Zalewska. -- POLAND RANKS 5TH FROM THE BOTTOM IN THE EU FOR TESTS PER MILLION INHABITANTS - Zalewska. -- THOSE FOR WHOM THE CHOICE IS UNDISPUTED SHOULD DECIDE, AND THAT IS THE PROBLEM - in the preview. -- ADAM STRZEMBOSZ ON THE LEGAL DEFECT IN THE ELECTION OF JUDGES BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE JUDICIARY. -- GERSDORF'S STATEMENT ON WHETHER WE REALLY WANT THE PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT TO INDICATE CASES TO BE RESOLVED IN ORDER. -- IF WE DO NOT HAVE SUCH A PRELIMINARY RULING, THERE IS A DANGER THAT THE RULING WILL BE CHALLENGED - Strzembosz. -- THE PROBLEM IS THE LACK OF AGREEMENT FROM PART OF THE OPPOSITION ON EXTENDING DUDA'S TERM BY A YEAR, NOT CONSTITUTIONAL DOUBTS REGARDING PO'S PROPOSALS - KKZ. -- GOWIN HEARS NO FROM EVERYONE, BUT WITHOUT GOWIN IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO BLOCK POSTAL VOTING - KKZ. -- EPIDEMIOLOGISTS' POSITION. -- IT'S ABOUT MAINTAINING POWER, BECAUSE IN A FEW MONTHS, SUPPORT FOR PIS MAY DROP SIGNIFICANTLY - KKZ. ***** WIADOMOŚCI TVP -- CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL. -- FOR MANY FAMILIES, SOCIAL PROGRAMS INTRODUCED BY LAW AND JUSTICE HAVE BECOME A FINANCIAL SHIELD - preview: However, due to opposition politicians, questions about their future are returning. -- KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA IS AVOIDING THE TOPIC OF CHANGES IN SUPPORT PROGRAMS - Dominik Cierpioł. -- THE DEMAND FOR CHANGES IN 500+ IS STILL IN THE PLATFORM'S PROGRAM - Cierpioł. -- WLADYSŁAW KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ IS THE FACE OF RAISING THE RETIREMENT AGE - Cierpioł. -- NEW SPOT FROM ANDRZEJ DUDA'S CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS. -- "THE APPOINTMENT OF A JUDGE IS THE EXCLUSIVE COMPETENCE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND" - THIS IS HOW THE CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL RESOLVED THE COMPETENCE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE SUPREME COURT AND THE SEJM AND THE PRESIDENT - preview. -- YESTERDAY, THE CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL RULED THAT THE JANUARY RESOLUTION OF JUDGES FROM THREE CHAMBERS IS CONTRARY TO THE CONSTITUTION - Konrad Wąż. -- "GAZETA WYBORCZA" IS MOBILIZING JUDGES FOR POLITICAL FIGHT - Wąż. -- THE MARSHAL OF THE SENATE HAS BEEN DELAYING THE CONVENING OF A SESSION AND MAKING A DECISION ON THE LAW ON POSTAL VOTING FOR 15 DAYS, WHICH IS MEANT TO ENSURE POLISH CITIZENS' SAFETY DURING THE PANDEMIC - preview. -- "GRODZKI DID NOT LET HIS MOTHER GO EVEN WHEN HIS FATHER WAS DYING" - THIS IS HOW A NEW WITNESS IN THE SO-CALLED "ENVELOPE SCANDAL", WHOM JOURNALISTS FROM "GAZETA POLSKA" REACHED, REMEMBERS THE MARSHAL OF THE SENATE - preview.