Today – as announced – the government is set to present information regarding the situation in schools. “I think tomorrow will be an important day; following the meeting of the government’s crisis management team, we can expect further information concerning educational matters,” said Michał Dworczyk, Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, yesterday on PR24.

At 1:00 PM, the leader of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, will meet with the leader of Porozumienie, Jarosław Gowin.

At 3:00 PM, members of the European Council will discuss in a video conference the EU's current response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This will be the fourth such meeting. In the invitation, the President of the European Council proposed that EU leaders discuss joint actions in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. He also presented a common recovery plan, developed together with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The plan focuses on the single market, mass investments, global actions, and better governance and resilience.

“When I see all the bad things that Sasin, Kaczyński, and Duda are doing, of course, it gives me even more strength to fight, and this strength is needed today by the opposition that wants to fight, because this is the chance we have been waiting for in recent years. We didn't take to the streets to protest against President Duda, we didn't take to the streets in defense of the Constitution, only to not seize this opportunity today. We need to bombard Kaczyński’s mailbox, and I intend to do just that,” stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24’s “Rozmowa Piaseckiego”.

- I hope that no local government officials will yield to such political temptation, to exploit the difficult situation Poland finds itself in, because today Poland and Europe are in a difficult situation due to the pandemic. We also have elections, just as several other countries are facing or have already faced this challenge, like in Germany, in Bavaria, for example - said Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News' "Graffiti" program.

- We know that these elections are being prepared in a way that is scandalous and defies all norms. We know that the ballots are being printed today in violation of the law, but Kaczyński is counting precisely on demobilizing us in these elections, so that we don't go and vote, so that only PiS's disciplined, engaged electorate goes. And the opposition cannot raise the white flag. Those who tried to do so quickly abandoned that path. They realized that their voters want them to fight, to be on this battlefield, and not to give it up easily to PiS. I intend to fight. We don't know what the result will be, of course. After all, today's polls are completely unreliable, they don't capture all these tendencies - stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- We don't know what Kaczyński will do, whether these elections will truly be conducted reliably. Nothing indicates that today, but even in countries like Russia or Belarus, the opposition runs to exist, to not leave their citizens alone, to show that there is an alternative, and this must be done in these elections - stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

I am convinced that all preparations being undertaken are being conducted according to the highest standards and whether it's our data or all other elements of this process related to the difficult, let's say it directly, elections, because we would wish it were possible to go and vote in a traditional way at a polling station. To cast one's vote into the ballot box. But we have the situation that we have. Today, the only safe way to vote is by correspondence – said Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News's "Graffiti". 

- I will talk, as much as possible, about my vision for Poland, about how this government is failing, for example, in saving the Biebrza National Park or people who are losing their jobs today. I will talk about the crisis benefit that The Left proposes for these difficult times for everyone who loses their job. I will talk about the decline of district hospitals, underfunded for years. Today, we must be the conscience, precisely, reminding us of all these wrongdoings that the PiS government, and previous governments as well, have neglected - stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

Jarosław Gowin wanted to talk about changing the Constitution, which we have defended in recent years. It was the Left that gave Poland the Constitution, President Kwaśniewski signed it in 1997, and we also have a moral duty, not just a political or party-based one, unlike another part of the opposition, to defend this Constitution, and we will defend it – stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- I am a member of the EP's budget committee. There is a mechanism for a fund there, intended to support specific countries in the event of natural disasters, such as fires, and such a solidarity fund is needed for Poland. Today I will appeal to Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Morawiecki to utilize this fund, and I will assist in securing these resources for the rescue of this park and other national parks in Poland threatened by drought - stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- As can be seen, these talks did not end well for Borys Budka and Civic Platform themselves. It is evident that Jarosław Gowin is Jarosław Kaczyński's emissary, intending to sow even more confusion in these troubled waters. We in The Left are not falling for these tricks. We will always defend the Constitution, but today, during this crisis, we will primarily focus on those losing their jobs, closing their businesses, on hospitals, and on the fire service, which is also currently underfunded and where many firefighters are contracting the coronavirus. We will talk about all of this, about how to help these people - stated Robert Biedroń in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- Today, nothing in the European Union is routine. We are all operating not only under pandemic crisis conditions but also in a serious internal dispute. Not only within the eurozone, but within the Union as to how the Union should respond to this unprecedented crisis that will affect all economies - said Konrad Szymański in a conversation with Beata Michniewicz on "Polityczny Salon" (Political Salon) on Polskie Radio Trójka.

Prime Minister Morawiecki, even during the budget debate, raised at least three very serious proposals regarding new funds. Firstly, these are indeed new EU resources, such as a pan-European digital tax, a tax on financial transactions, and on multinational corporations that derive extraordinary profits from the common market, and therefore have reasons to pay. This is the first package of proposals we are putting on the table. Secondly, we point out that an unfair rebate system is still in place in the European Union, which allows the wealthiest states, those that benefit the most from the common market, to pay disproportionately less to the common budget. We should put an end to this, as it would be a significant injection of funds that we currently lack. There is also a third element. Cooperation among member states in tax zones to eliminate tax havens, which also operate within the EU," said Konrad Szymański in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Polskie Radio Trójka's "Salon Polityczny".

- The entire climate policy of the European Union is currently the most expensive EU policy. This means that when a crisis suddenly arises, it should undergo some adaptation. We should reflect on whether we can afford such a model of climate policy. This does not mean we should not pursue it. Of course, we have our commitments and our plans, but I think they should be thought through in terms of cost-effectiveness - said Konrad Szymański in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Radio Trójka's "Political Salon". 

“In our baseline scenario, we have assumed that the economy in all segments will return around July, however, I cannot say this with complete certainty today. We are unfreezing the economy in sequences, most likely in sequences every 2 weeks, although before each one, we will evaluate the number of cases that appear” - Deputy Prime Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz said on Polskie Radio Jedynka.

“Today, Jarosław Kaczyński's dream would be for opposition candidates to resign right now, while the fight for safe and fair elections is still ongoing, because then he would introduce a state of natural disaster and subsequently hold elections with a single candidate. We are showing that there is an alternative and we are doing everything to ensure that voters from other parties also understand that this is a fair way of framing the issue. If it turns out on May 7th that instead of elections we will have a plebiscite and voting under extremely dangerous conditions, then we will communicate our decision. The candidate for Civic Coalition (KO) was, is, and remains Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska”” – said PO chairman Borys Budka in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM. 

- In the situation we have today and which we can see, these May elections or a May vote are unacceptable. Therefore, I believe that the only sensible alternative is a good agreement among all political forces to navigate this difficult situation, which is possible - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Piasecki's Conversation".

- Today we should all decide how to postpone these elections, so that they can be organized in a way that guarantees the constitutional provisions concerning elections, and at the same time allows for a normal, open election campaign. This is possible, but it is certainly not possible to organize them in May. That is out of the question - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Piasecki's Conversation".

- Either we are in a constitutional democracy, or we are in a country that is ruled by President Kaczyński. Let us answer this question directly. If we assume, and I hear this in your question, Mr. Editor, that Kaczyński will be the one deciding and will actually intimidate the political class and all of us, saying: either you agree to the so-called elections or to holding a vote in May, or I will introduce a state of emergency and effectively enforce it. This means he feels like the owner of this country. That it has nothing to do with democracy. I do not agree with such logic – stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- Everything [regarding the presidential elections] will be decided on May 7th. This is, of course, a 'test' for the entire project of Jarosław Gowin and his party, for his parliamentarians, who owe their presence in political life, in parliament, precisely to Jarosław Gowin. Whether there will be a dozen or so of them, or just a few, whether it will be enough to stop this madness, whether it will help the opposition. I am not pre-judging this outcome today, but I believe it is worth doing everything to stop the madness and prevent these elections from taking place in May. We will do everything to make it happen - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- It seems to me that Jarosław Gowin has chosen not to participate in this process of breaking democracy and the Constitution, and I acknowledge this step and believe it influences and will influence Polish politics, because his declaration and gesture are very clear and emphatic. Therefore, I believe that an integrated opposition, broadened in discussions, in a political outlook for the future by Jarosław Gowin's grouping or parliamentarians, MPs, and senators, perhaps offers a new quality in politics - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- I don't think there's a chance to build a parliamentary majority, a Sejm majority, for Jarosław Gowin to become the Marshal of the Sejm. However, there is much that can be done together, on the basis of constructive cooperation, which will give chances to show that an integrating opposition is capable of stopping PiS. I will do everything, and I believe we should all do everything, to avoid the Hungarian scenario, meaning Fidesz has 55%, and the next opposition party has 12%. That is the end of democracy, and then one can do anything, make decisions about a state of emergency or govern on the basis of an undeclared state of emergency, as Jarosław Kaczyński wants today. This must be stopped today, and any cooperation with all those who share such a perspective makes sense. Jarosław Gowin is also such a person today - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- I believe that in this situation, when we talk about these elections, she [Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska] is the best candidate for today, but also for the post-pandemic period. Because I believe that the presidency will then have a completely different dimension. A presidency that will also have to unite all these activities of opposition circles, groups, and parties, that will be needed then. There is no alternative today, tomorrow, or the day after for Marshal Kidawa-Błońska's candidacy - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

I saw orders sent by voivodes, they don't cite any law, they just issue orders to disclose personal data and hand it over to the post office. So there's no reference to specific regulations, to specific laws. This is already baseless, unlawful – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus's "Sedno Sprawy" (The Heart of the Matter). Far-reaching caution. There is no basis, no legal basis is presented, so such lists cannot be issued – added the leader of the Polish People's Party (PSL). 

- Pushing for elections at all costs, against common sense, against the opinions of epidemiologists and infectious disease doctors, is madness, not prudent action. Politics is meant to be a prudent action, caring for the common good. I do not see, from all opposition politicians, from Konfederacja, through Platforma, Lewica, through us, Polska Koalicja, actions that would be against the citizens. But I do see actions against the citizens, because they want to secure their power in May at all costs, rather than prepare for genuine elections - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus's "Sedno Sprawy".

We can discuss it, but there must be a vote in the Sejm on the Senate's amendments concerning postal voting. This is crucial. The question is whether Porozumienie will support the Senate's amendments or a resolution rejecting the postal voting act in its entirety. If so, then there is something to discuss, said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus's "Sedno Sprawy".

Tomorrow the Prime Minister will present further information regarding both educational matters and also potentially the next stage of regulatory changes that were introduced in connection with the coronavirus – said Michał Dworczyk in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News’s “Graffiti”. 

"To dispel the doubts of all those who fear for the state budget, we are clarifying the solutions regarding the method of paying compensation and the entities that will receive this compensation in such a situation. We are clearly indicating that compensation will be paid to all entities that pay taxes in Poland. We want to dispel all doubts and ensure the protection of the state budget" - said the Civic Platform (PO) leader, Borys Budka, at a press conference in the Sejm.

“Today it is a binary choice. Either a farce and mockery of elections, meaning a plebiscite that Mr. Sasin and the government are organizing illegally, defying all democratic principles, or a comprehensive plan guaranteeing safe and fair elections. Today, illegally, the public administration is demanding that local government officials hand over voter lists or ballot boxes. This is an illegal action, as there are no regulations governing this to date” – said PO chairman Borys Budka at a press conference in the Sejm.

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- I have appealed to the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to allocate funds from the Solidarity Fund to combat the fire affecting Biebrza National Park - said Robert Biedroń during a press conference in the Sejm.

- We've created a bill that is a real cushion, protecting people from poverty. It consists of two pillars. Firstly, a crisis benefit. Now, during the epidemic, when it's not only easy to lose your job, but when it's very difficult for people to find work, we need to guarantee people a simple tool with which they can simply turn to the authorities. Turn to them with a simple application. Receive support in the form of a crisis benefit of PLN 2100 net, for the entire duration of the epidemic state - said Adrian Zandberg during a press conference.

- The second pillar is a change in the system of aid for the unemployed. Little is being said about this in Poland yet, but even when the epidemic ends, we will still be struggling with high unemployment for a long time. The period when finding a job was easy will not return quickly. Meanwhile, our system of aid for the unemployed is in many respects obsolete. Its foundations were laid 30 years ago. It was a different Poland, a different economy, different challenges and problems that our country faced - he continued.

- We propose a modern system of support for the unemployed, operating on the principle that the guaranteed benefit for people losing their jobs is half of their last salary - Zandberg added.

- Today, we are submitting this bill. A project of the coalition club Lewica. But if Mr. Mateusz Morawiecki's dignity and honor do not allow him to vote for this bill, we authorize him. Let him take it, let him rewrite it, and let him submit it as a government project - he assured.

Here are the results of the April Kantar poll:

Andrzej Duda - 59%

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz - 7%

Szymon Hołownia - 7%

Robert Biedroń - 5%

Krzysztof Bosak - 5%

Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska - 4%

Regarding the elections, I want to say that the law is currently being discussed by the Senate, but we are very concerned about the way the elections are organized. Therefore, we are still discussing this with the Presidency of the Council. We are ready to hold a new debate on this subject based on Article 7. It is important that the Council can analyze the situation, which poses problems not only concerning the organization of elections but also the conduct of a campaign that would be fair and allow all candidates to compete with each other” - said Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. 

- Regarding the bill concerning changes to electoral rules, which is currently being processed in the Senate, Lewica is unequivocally against this bill. Consequently, it will vote in the Senate to reject this bill. The bill will then return to the Sejm with the Senate's recommendation, as I believe, to reject it. Lewica will vote in favor of rejecting this bill on this matter - stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty during a press conference in the Sejm.

- The act mandating the Sejm to order the government to introduce a state of natural disaster is unconstitutional. It contradicts Article 232 of the Constitution, which states that a state of natural disaster is introduced by the government for 30 days, and any extension of this state requires Sejm approval - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty during a press conference in the Sejm.

- The Left, despite the fact that these elections are being conducted with all the flaws currently being undertaken, with this arrogance of power, believes that we must participate in elections and sever the serpent's head - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty during a press conference in the Sejm.

We cannot let them steal fair elections, and if they conduct them unfairly, then in our opinion, based on logic, on plain common sense, we should go and win these unfair elections in order to reintroduce an honest system. Because if they get through these unfair elections and solidify their grip, they will establish a dictatorship here, perhaps a military dictatorship, and for months, for years, we will have no say. Whether it's the voters of one party or another. Everything will be cemented. This is a fight for freedom, including the freedom of those who today support the ruling party and who may want to change their minds in the future. This is a fight for the freedom of all of us - stated Szymon Hołownia during a Facebook Live session.

- We are at a historic moment. A moment we will tell our children and grandchildren about. That 30 years of Polish democracy has led us to a point where it has become so worn out, so spoiled, it gnawed and gnawed, but ultimately died, and we see this today in the legislative proposals, in the actions of Minister Sasin. He will be an emblem. He and Jarosław Kaczyński will be emblems, about which children will learn in civics and history lessons, about what a degraded, eroded democracy, a democracy that has simply rotted from within, can lead to - stated Szymon Hołownia during a Facebook Live.

- We must now rebuild it [democracy], and we can only do that with you. I can only do this with you, the free citizens of the Republic of Poland. What I said yesterday and what has spread across portals and various places. Let them falsify these elections. We will overwhelm them. We will cast so many votes for the one we believe should receive them, that they won't have time to falsify, to add more, that they won't be able to keep up, that their hands will get tangled, their sight lost in all their lies, hypocrisy, and deceit. This is what needs to be done. We need to overwhelm them. Because there are more of us. If several million citizens of the Republic of Poland express their will and come forward, they will be helpless, they will not be able to handle it, and what if 10 million, 15 million, half of Polish voters come forward? We are capable of doing anything, we just need to mobilize - stated Szymon Hołownia during a Facebook Live.

- We need balls now to go and win against a cheater, and then show that cheater how politics and democracy should be done in Poland. It's as simple as ABC, but it needs to be done - stated Szymon Hołownia during a Facebook Live.

- It is of great value that we are talking to each other across divisions, government-opposition. As Paweł Kukiz said, the main topic of today's talks was not election deadlines. Deadlines on which we indeed have largely different positions. We talked primarily about what unites us and what all politicians should be dealing with today. About the fight against the epidemic, the fight for the health and lives of Poles, but also about the fight to lead the Polish economy out of a state of collapse, hibernation. In these areas, there is a significant convergence in the way of thinking of Porozumienie and the Polish Coalition, which is why we decided to establish a joint expert team that will work on solutions contained, on the one hand, in Sośnierz's plan, proposals from our party, and on the other hand, in the Plan for Poland, which are the proposals of the Polish Coalition. I want to say that experts will be meeting both this week and next week. Another meeting will take place, just like today, at the level of the leaders of these two political groups – stated Jarosław Gowin at a press briefing after a meeting with the leaders of the Polish Coalition, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Paweł Kukiz.

- During today's meeting, we discussed the possibility of finding a compromise option, and we do not rule out that holding elections in August would be such a compromise option. I will discuss this matter with the leaders of the United Right, with the leaders of PiS, while our partners from the Polish Coalition will discuss it with representatives of opposition parties - stated Jarosław Gowin at a press briefing after the meeting with the leaders of the Polish Coalition, namely Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Paweł Kukiz.

- Without conversation, without dialogue, we will not get out of this stalemate. We will not get out of the crisis caused by the coronavirus. Life, health, work, wages, jobs, entrepreneurs – this is the delivery of functioning. If we want to restore normality, to return to normal life, we must unfreeze the economy as quickly as possible, and here we have a common stance. We will strive to unfreeze the economy as quickly as possible, while maintaining safety, health, and life considerations, of course. Another matter is the common acceptance of the direction of action regarding many elements of the Sośnierz plan from our side, such as increasing the number of tests, and repairing the functioning of healthcare, truly fixing it, and acting on this as quickly as possible. On the other hand, we thank you for supporting the direction of thinking about the liquidity fund. And this is a joint agreement that we will work on these solutions – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press briefing after a meeting with Jarosław Gowin.

- We jointly believe that the elections in May should not take place. For many reasons, primarily those that plague the largest number of Poles today, meaning what is happening with health, life, and the economy. And another matter – regarding the proposal presented by Jarosław Gowin's Porozumienie (Agreement) to postpone the election date, they suggest a two-year change, while we propose a one-year change. For now, we are sticking to our positions on this. But there is also a common point, which I think is very important. If we were to introduce a state of natural disaster, there is a possibility, provided the conditions are met, to hold elections in August. And elections in August are certainly much better than elections in May, as it is the worst possible date due to life, health, and safety concerns. We will continue to work on these issues, but already today, at least on matters of life, health, the economy, and the approach to election dates resulting from these, we have some common views, and this is very important. We must seek broader agreement, and this is an invitation to all political circles to discuss the matters we have managed to agree on, both economic and social, as well as those related to elections. The sooner social and economic life returns to normal, the sooner elections can be held normally. In May, this is simply impossible – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press briefing after his meeting with Jarosław Gowin.

In my assessment, organizationally, using procedures compliant with the law, it is impossible to hold elections on May 10th. There is simply not enough time. The deadlines of May 17th or 23rd are unconstitutional, because here, the stance of the overwhelming majority of constitutional lawyers, to be honest, all the constitutional lawyers I spoke with, is that the decree of the Marshal of the Sejm, the Marshal of the Sejm cannot change an established deadline. So, we won't make it by the 10th [of May], the 17th/23rd [of May] are unconstitutional deadlines – stated Jarosław Gowin at a press briefing after a meeting with the leaders of the Polish Coalition, namely Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Paweł Kukiz.

“The position of the National Electoral Commission (PKW), which was issued today, instructs electoral commissioners to inform mayors, city mayors, and presidents that they are obliged to issue personal data if a Polish Post employee requests it and provides a prime ministerial decree as formal justification for doing so. As a presidential candidate, I have the right to file a complaint with the Supreme Court against this PKW decision, a clarification by the PKW effectively issued in the form of a resolution. Filing this complaint suspends the execution of the decision, suspends the effect of this resolution until the Supreme Court hears the case,” said presidential candidate Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

“The presidential elections are being held at the post office. This is a horror, a disgrace, a mockery, not an organization of elections for the most important office in the state. It is an opportunity for manipulation, for electoral fraud. If, as a result of my complaint, we manage to stop this process, which has already begun completely with impunity, even for 7 days, within which the Supreme Court must consider this complaint, then it was already worth doing,” he added.

This fire did not appear out of nowhere. It stems from years of neglect regarding water management and the underfunding of national parks for fire suppression. We all know that the management of this national park received PLN 150,000 in its budget for firefighting. That was enough for one day of firefighting operations. This cannot continue, because the parks cannot cope; they are too weak financially. This must change, and I hope that if this tragedy teaches us anything, it will teach us that adequate funds must be allocated for such situations - Robert Biedroń said during a press conference in Goniądz. We will appeal to Prime Minister Morawiecki, to the authorities, to prepare a strategy for drought prevention in our country and for these types of fires. Such a strategy is not prepared for the entire country - Biedroń assured.

A video conference meeting of the European Council is currently taking place, with the Prime Minister of Poland (PMM) participating.

Source: https://twitter.com/PremierRP/status/1253321860197974016

“I am a sociologist and I know how surveys are conducted, what the first question is. The first question concerns participation in elections. People are afraid of these elections. They don't want to participate in these elections due to their health. They are afraid of getting infected. I understand that Poles want safe, free elections, conducted by the National Electoral Commission (PKW). These surveys don't impress me at all” – said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, candidate for President from Civic Coalition (KO) and Deputy Marshal, at a press conference. 

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- Today, the Prime Minister responded to my appeal from yesterday and told me unequivocally that he also consulted with the European Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski. There will be an opportunity to support the payment of these compensations also with European funds. In light of the above, I hope that in the near future, the compensations that still remain to be paid – and it's not a large number, as about 10%, 90% has been paid, the remaining 10% I hope will be paid out soon - said President Andrzej Duda in an online Q&A.

- Today, the book industry is in a very difficult situation due to the coronavirus and the related crisis. We considered how to help the book market and how to help and strengthen reading in Poland. We agreed with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Prime Minister Piotr Gliński that the Polish government will turn to the European Commission to enable the introduction of a zero VAT rate on books in Poland, which will naturally lead to a reduction in their prices – said President Andrzej Duda in an online Q&A.

- Today I spoke with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and he showed me studies which indicate that the total amount prepared for this anti-crisis shield is currently around PLN 400 billion, which is a gigantic sum. One of the largest support programs in Europe - said President Andrzej Duda in an online Q&A.

- The responsibility for the health and lives of Poles today, primarily in a political sense, but also directly, lies with the Minister of Health, Professor Łukasz Szumowski, who, as we know, is a professor of medical sciences and a very experienced doctor. He has managed the coronavirus epidemic very well so far. I have said this several times already. Especially if one looks at what is happening in Poland against the backdrop of other countries, even European ones, in this regard. His statement on this matter was unambiguous: that elections conducted through postal voting, that this system of conducting elections in general, is a safe system. Besides, please note that Poczta Polska [Polish Post] and courier companies are constantly delivering parcels right now, during the ongoing epidemic. Something is happening because of this – said President Andrzej Duda in an online Q&A. 

I hope this situation will soon calm down, that there will be an opportunity to elect a new First President of the Supreme Court, and that the Supreme Court in our country will finally function normally. It will cease to be a venue for political demonstrations and will become a place where important civil matters are dealt with honestly and issues related to the disciplinary responsibility of judges are handled in a fair manner – said President Andrzej Duda during an online Q&A.

- This is a natural disaster. When it's a natural disaster, it's known that the situation can be dynamic. At the moment, the commanders assure us that they are controlling the situation and we are slowly moving towards, certainly, securing the area to prevent this fire from spreading further, and then towards extinguishing the interior - Michał Woś said in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

According to sources speaking to 300POLITYKA, a meeting between SLD leader Włodzimierz Czarzasty and PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will take place on Friday at 1:00 PM. The discussion is expected to focus primarily on the current political situation, including topics related to the coronavirus and the issue of presidential elections. Our informants emphasize that a key issue will be raised during the meeting: the bill on postal voting, which awaits Senate consideration. The opposition will not reject the PiS proposal or introduce amendments without the votes of Left and PSL senators.

- I am refuting this because many different fundraisers have emerged. The basic information is that there have always been, are, and will be sufficient funds for the firefighting operation for the national park – said Michał Woś in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on the program "Wydarzenia i Opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

- We will discuss it [holding presidential elections in August]. Because in order to change the Electoral Code and ensure these solutions are in line with the Polish Constitution, we need to wait six months, as any changes to electoral law, especially as profound as those concerning postal voting, should have a vacatio legis period, but I think we will be able to discuss this deadline. The most important thing is to stay within the bounds of applicable law, within the Constitution, and for that, a government decision is needed, a decision to introduce a state of natural disaster, because in fact we are in such a state, but unfortunately it is not being introduced for political reasons - stated Borys Budka in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on Polsat News' "Gość Wydarzeń".

I am stating clearly: elections cannot take place in May; it is simply impossible, both in terms of security and the adopted formula, which I hope will be rejected. Under this formula, postal voting does not guarantee its fairness, reliability, secrecy, equality, and universality – stated Borys Budka in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on Polsat News' "Gość Wydarzeń" (Guest of Events).

- Simply postponing these elections while maintaining the correspondence formula is not enough, because it doesn't change the fact that ballots are to be printed by officials, or that commissions are to be appointed by officials, as this does not guarantee what the National Electoral Commission (PKW) guarantees, i.e., a process independent of the government. And then there's the control of the ballots. It cannot be that an electoral package is thrown into an indefinitely defined box, because many of us are registered at an address different from where we actually live. It cannot be that one cannot register to vote. It cannot be that someone can legally trade electoral packages, and today these packages, as Mr. Sasin himself admitted, do not even have the status of a document, because they are printed before the regulations came into force. The Senate has not yet adopted them - stated Borys Budka in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on Polsat News' "Gość Wydarzeń".

- Based on the expertise we have, it follows that this wave of the pandemic, epidemic will end around autumn this year and on this basis we have calculated the further electoral calendar, meaning the introduction of legislative changes, then the so-called 90-day constitutional silence and then the electoral process - stated Borys Budka in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on "Gość Wydarzeń" Polsat News.

-- LIVEBLOG 300POLITYKI: PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES 0% VAT ON BOOKS 300: TOMORROW CZARZASTY-WKK MEETING BUDKA ON THE OPTION IN AUGUST https://300polityka.pl/live/2020/04/23/ ***** POLSAT EVENTS -- LESS AND LESS TIME, AND MORE AND MORE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. -- THE GOVERNMENT WANTS THEM TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE CONSTITUTIONAL TERM, i.e. MAY 10, BUT BY POST. -- MEETING OF THE LEADERS OF KOALICJA POLSKA AND POROZUMIENIE. -- A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE INDICATES AN INITIAL AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED - Grzegorz Kępka. -- THE PLAN ASSUMES A SHORT-TERM STATE OF NATURAL DISASTER, AMENDING THE LAW ON POSTAL VOTING, AND POSTAL ELECTIONS IN AUGUST - Kępka continues. -- THE LEFT'S REACTION IS RESERVED - Kępka. -- KOALICJA OBYWATELSKA SPEAKS WARMLY ABOUT THE NEW PROPOSAL - Kępka. -- IT WILL BE MOST DIFFICULT TO CONVINCE PIS TO HAVE ELECTIONS IN AUGUST - Kępka continues. -- A LOT DEPENDS ON JAROSŁAW GOWIN; THE VOTES OF POROZUMIENIE MPS WILL DECIDE WHETHER THE POSTAL VOTING LAW PASSES AND IN WHAT FORM; THIS IS THE ONLY FORM OF PRESSURE ON THE RULING PARTY - Kępka. -- NEW KANTAR POLL. -- MAŁGORZATA KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA FARES EXCEPTIONALLY POORLY, WITH ONLY 4% SUPPORT - Kępka. -- THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES PREPARATIONS FOR THE MAY ELECTIONS; THE OPOLE VOIVODE HAS ASKED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PROVIDE VOTER REGISTRIES TO POCZTA POLSKA; SIMILAR EMAILS HAVE BEEN SENT TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY BY THE POST OFFICE - Kępka continues. -- WE NEED TO RESUME TREATMENT FOR OTHERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE; UNFORTUNATELY, CORONAVIRUS HAS FRIGHTENED PATIENTS WITH OTHER AILMENTS. -- THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH IS WORKING ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WHICH AREAS OF TREATMENT SHOULD BE GRADUALLY RESUMED AFTER THE EPIDEMIC PEAK. -- TODAY, 343 NEW CASES; 28 PEOPLE HAVE DIED. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INFORM TOMORROW ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH CLOSED SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS. -- LEADERS OF EU COUNTRIES, INCLUDING PRIME MINISTER MORAWIECKI, MET TODAY TO DISCUSS A EUROPEAN RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC. -- THERE IS NO AGREEMENT ON THE SHAPE OF THE FUTURE RECOVERY FUND, BUT EVERYONE AGREES WITH THE POLISH PRIME MINISTER'S WORDS THAT THE EU'S FUTURE DEPENDS ON HOW IT DEALS WITH THE CONSEQUENCES - Dorota Bawołek. ***** FAKTY TVN -- EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN PLAN FOR THE ELECTIONS, AND PIS DOES ITS OWN THING. THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION HAS COMMENTED ON HOW IT DOES THIS - in the preview. -- POCZTA POLSKA IS REQUESTING OUR PERSONAL DATA; THERE IS A DISPUTE AGAIN; MUNICIPALITIES SAY THIS IS SENSITIVE DATA - Knapik. -- A LETTER SENT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND WITHOUT A SIGNATURE - Knapik. -- ACCORDING TO THE PKW, THE DATA CAN BE PROVIDED TO THE POST OFFICE, BUT THE REQUEST MUST BE SIGNED - Knapik. -- HOŁOWNIA'S APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT. -- THE SITUATION WORRIES THE EU - Knapik. -- ZIOBRO'S RESPONSE. -- WITHOUT PROCEDURE - Budka. -- MANY MEETINGS IN PARLIAMENT, BUT FEW CONCRETE RESULTS - Knapik. -- GOWIN'S VOTES ARE NEEDED TO REJECT IT, BUT IT'S UNKNOWN HOW MANY THERE WILL BE - Knapik. -- KIDAWA IS NO LONGER CALLING FOR A BOYCOTT; NOW SHE IS COUNTING ON A CHANGE OF DATE; THE LEFT DOES NOT WANT TO EXTEND DUDY'S TERM - Knapik. -- IT CAN BE INFERRED THAT THE PKW PARTIALLY SUPPORTS PIS'S POSITION, BUT NOTHING MORE IS KNOWN BECAUSE, ACCORDING TO OUR INFORMATION, THERE IS A DISPUTE WITHIN THE COMMISSION - Knapik. -- MANY WORDS BUT LACK OF SPECIFIC DATES; THERE ARE PROMISES, BUT NO MONEY; THIS IS NOT SHIELD 2, IT IS SHIELD ZERO - in the preview: Many words, but no dates. The government talks about further tranches of aid for entrepreneurs and local governments. There are many promises, but the money has still not arrived in many accounts. ***** WIADOMOŚCI TVP -- ALMOST A QUARTER OF A MILLION CORONAVIRUS TESTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED IN POLAND - preview: Statistics in Poland are more optimistic than in Western European countries. -- EU LEADERS HAVE BEGUN WORK ON ESTABLISHING AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUND - preview: Prime Minister Morawiecki calls for swift and ambitious actions, but it is unlikely that the leaders will agree on the details right now. -- EXCERPTS FROM PMM'S ARTICLE IN FAZ - Damian Diaz. -- PMM SPOKE WITH MERKEL AND V4 LEADERS - Diaz. -- THE POLISH PRIME MINISTER ENCOURAGES THE EU TO SEEK NEW SOURCES OF INCOME - Diaz. -- ZERO VAT ON PRINTED BOOKS - POLAND IS SUBMITTING THIS REQUEST TO THE EU - preview: The Ministry of Culture is allocating half a billion for new libraries and books. -- PRINTED BOOKS MORE ACCESSIBLE AND CHEAPER - THIS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE POLISH GOVERNMENT AND PRESIDENT DUDA. -- GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR DROUGHT VICTIMS. -- AT THE BBN, THE PRESIDENT HELD A VIDEOCONFERENCE WITH THE MINISTERS OF INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT AND THE STAFF MANAGING THE FIRE-FIGHTING OPERATION IN THE BIEBRZA NATIONAL PARK - Magdalena Wierzchowska. -- KANTAR POLL: PAD - 59%, WKK - 7%, HOŁOWNIA - 7%, BIEDROŃ - 5%, BOSAK - 5%, KIDAWA - 4%. -- IT HAS BEEN 17 DAYS WITHOUT A DECISION FROM MARSZAŁEK GRODZKI. THE SENATE HAS STILL NOT TAKEN A POSITION ON THE POSTAL VOTING ELECTIONS - preview. -- FACED WITH A DRASTIC DROP IN RATINGS, THE OPPOSITION IS INCREASINGLY URGING FOR A POSTPONEMENT OF THE ELECTION DATE - Michał Adamczyk continues. -- KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA IS DRAMATICALLY AND RAPIDLY LOSING VOTER SUPPORT, WHICH IS WHY SHE HAS STARTED CRITICIZING POLLS ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLE "BREAK THE THERMOMETER, AND YOU WON'T HAVE A FEVER" - Maciej Sawicki. -- AS RECENTLY AS FEBRUARY, KIDAWA HAD 29% SUPPORT. TODAY IT IS 4% - Sawicki. -- THERE IS NO LACK OF OPINIONS THAT THIS IS THE RESULT OF A SERIES OF COMPROMISING STATEMENTS BY KIDAWA. EXPERTS TALK ABOUT STAFF MISTAKES AND INEFFECTIVE ELECTION CAMPAIGNING - Sawicki. -- KIDAWA IS NOW DEMANDING THE INTRODUCTION OF A STATE OF NATURAL DISASTER, ALTHOUGH SHE WAS OPPOSED TO IT DURING THE DROUGHT UNDER THE PO-PSL GOVERNMENT - Sawicki. -- KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA'S CREDIBILITY WAS ALSO DAMAGED BY BUDKA'S BEHAVIOR, WHO WAS SUGGESTING TO HIS CANDIDATE WHAT TO SAY - Sawicki. -- THE KIDAWA-BUDKA DUO HAS BECOME THE SUBJECT OF JOKES - Sawicki. -- WHAT WORRIES KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA ENCOURAGES DUDY'S SUPPORTERS TO MOBILIZE EVEN MORE IN THE FIGHT FOR RE-ELECTION - Sawicki. -- FRAGMENT OF A SONG OF SUPPORT FOR ANDRZEJ DUDA. -- THE POLL GIVES THE HEAD OF THE PEASANT PARTY ONLY 7% SUPPORT. KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ, FACED WITH DUDY'S COLOSSAL ADVANTAGE, IS EVEN ENCOURAGING POROZUMIENIE MPS TO CHANGE THE ELECTION DATE - Sawicki. -- THE SENATE HAS STILL NOT TAKEN A POSITION ON THE POSTAL VOTING LAW - Sawicki. -- AMONG POLES, THE OPPOSITION IS BEING SPOKEN OF IN INCREASINGLY BITTER TERMS - Sawicki, based on the statement of one passerby. -- ON MAY 6 AT 8:30 PM, A PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WILL TAKE PLACE. TEN CANDIDATES HAVE CONFIRMED THEIR PARTICIPATION. -- KGHM DEMANDS A CORRECTION FROM "GAZETA WYBORCZA" - preview. -- FAKE NEWS AGAINST THE POLISH GOVERNMENT - banner. -- PRIVATE STATION TVN HAS ALSO ENGAGED IN FURTHER MANIPULATION - Adamczyk continues. -- YESTERDAY'S FAKTY TVN: TVN EMPLOYEES, FOLLOWING THE OPPOSITION, PUBLICLY ASKED "BY WHAT RIGHT" [ARE ELECTION BALLOTS BEING PRINTED], FORGETTING OR INTENTIONALLY OMITTING THAT THIS IS DUE TO A DUTY IMPOSED BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE MARCH SPECIAL LAW - Marcin Tulicki. -- SUMMARY OF THE "GW" ARTICLE ON MASKS FROM CHINA. -- SOME MEDIA ATTEMPTS FROM THE BEGINNING TO DISCREDIT THE TRANSPORT WHICH ARRIVED IN POLAND ON THE WORLD'S LARGEST AIRCRAFT - Tulicki. -- JOURNALISTS FROM THE TVP INFO PORTAL HAVE COLLECTED DOZENS OF LIES, HALF-TRUTHS, AND MANIPULATIONS FROM TVN IN ONE PLACE, SUCH AS ATTRIBUTING WORDS TO JAROSŁAW KACZYŃSKI THAT HE NEVER SAID - Tulicki. -- Tulicki points out a report about Kinga Duda's improperly parked car. -- A SIMILAR EXAMPLE OF KIDAWA-BŁOŃSKA AND TRZASKOWSKI. THEIR DRIVER PARKED ON A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING BEFORE A PRESS CONFERENCE, UNDER THE GAZE OF TELEVISION CAMERAS. THERE IS SILENCE ON THIS TOPIC ON TVN - Tulicki. -- HE ASKS THE JUSTIFIED QUESTION ABOUT DOUBLE STANDARDS - Tulicki. -- THE FIRST DAYS AND WEEKS AFTER THE SMOLENSK CATASTROPHE WERE AN INFORMATION WAR - Tulicki on the conversation between Joanna Komolka and Michał Cholewiński about a statement that was not made: "If we don't land, they will kill me."