We are facing the third, penultimate stage of easing coronavirus-related restrictions. Starting today, we will be able to use the services of hairdressers and beauticians, as well as dine in restaurants and cafes. We will reach these places faster, as the passenger limit on public transport will be increased.

At 11:00 AM in Krakow, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will hold a press conference. Also at 11:00 AM in Warsaw, Robert Biedroń will hold a press conference with entrepreneurs on the topic of economic recovery and the situation of small businesses, at Marszałkowska 17, Bar Świetlica.

Furthermore, today, on the 100th anniversary of John Paul II's birth, President Andrzej Duda will be in Wadowice and Krakow.

- I have always believed and still believe that one must stand by one's well-thought-out and made decisions. Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska was chosen by the national convention as a presidential candidate, but that was a long time ago, in December. Much has changed since then, the situation has also changed, and that is why this decision was made, but the election date has also changed. Those elections, in which Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska ran, where such a difficult campaign took place during the pandemic, they are behind us. Today we face new elections, hence a new decision and a new candidate. Everything has changed - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

- The decision that was made by the national board [regarding the change of candidate in the presidential election] was, of course, risky, or rather, is risky, but I understand it and I believe that today, in this situation, every voter of Civic Coalition, Civic Platform, every rank-and-file member or activist, must stand firm and support Rafał Trzaskowski as the candidate for KO today, and in the second round, I am convinced, all voters of the democratic opposition - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

- I believe in Rafał Trzaskowski and I believe in this campaign. I believe because I ran a campaign with him in Warsaw a year and a half ago, or even more than two years ago. I saw his enthusiasm, his commitment, his good connection, a great connection with people, and in the end, a spectacular success. And I know he will be a good candidate – stated Grzegorz Schetyna in "Piasecki's Conversation" on TVN24.

– It was also that unfortunate call for a boycott of the May elections, which was understood or interpreted by the majority, by voters, as Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska's withdrawal. I believe that this certainly also had, perhaps even a decisive, impact on this drop in the polls and on this entire situation, but this is a matter for calm analysis, which will certainly take place at the party leadership level, but for that, we need time, distance. The most important thing is Rafał Trzaskowski's engagement in the election campaign – stated Grzegorz Schetyna in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

Nothing will kill the Civic Platform and the possibilities of our supporters, voters, all of us. I believe that one also cannot... These signals that are appearing, from the PiS majority or from the Chancellery of the Sejm, that this time [for signature collection] might be short or should be short, I consider these signals to be absurd. Showing that once again PiS wants to break democracy and such behavior is absolutely unacceptable. We will, of course, be mobilized. The point is that this hour zero or this enter button, pressed on our computers, to be ready, so that the structure, the people are ready to collect signatures, to do it lightning-fast. But I believe that it must take this time. Recently, we had well over 4 weeks for this and we collected 500,000 signatures. This is about 100,000, but I can't imagine it being a few days. It must be at least, I don't know, 10 days, two weeks. It can be done, after all. I can't imagine that Marshal Witek would want to limit the possibilities of the opposition candidate, Rafał Trzaskowski, in this way. That means she wants to influence the elections in this way. I cannot imagine it. It would mean that the second person in the state does not respect democracy and the rule of law - stated Grzegorz Schetyna in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

The Prime Minister has said this from day one, from the very first announcement about the unfreezing, that in a situation where the number of infections rises sharply, we are ready to pull the handbrake. This means we are unfreezing, we are observing what is happening with the number of new infections, and if their number increases excessively, we will not hesitate; we will be ready to revert to the previous state, and we are communicating this honestly – Jadwiga Emilewicz said in a conversation with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".

- Last week, we heard a discussion within the European Commission between two commissioners who held different positions. On one hand, the stance of Commissioner Vestager, the Commissioner for Competition, who states that tourism must return for holidays in Europe and that we can expect borders to open around mid-June, with discussions centering on June 14th or 15th. On the other hand, another commissioner mentioned that it is still too early to speak about this today, as the epidemic situation varies across different countries - Jadwiga Emilewicz said on Radio ZET.

“The pedophilic acts, the heinous pedophilic acts, that have been discussed recently, are acts from many years ago, when PiS did not yet exist, so linking the United Right camp to these acts is an exceptionally vile manipulation,” said PiS MEP Adam Bielan in an interview with Dominika Wielowieyska on Radio TOK FM's "Poranek". 

„The claim that the prosecution was more lenient towards child abuse during our rule is absolutely untrue. These crimes took place many years ago, over 20 years ago in some cases. Various governments have ruled during this time” - stated PiS MEP Adam Bielan on TOK FM. 

“The fact that politicians are today dealing with the ratings of the Trójka (Program III) hit parade is something completely absurd. I know that the management of Polish Radio has published a statement indicating some irregularities in the calculation of the voting results. I don't know any details. I would like to wait until this matter is clarified. Certainly, there can be no talk of censorship in any radio station” - said PiS MEP Adam Bielan in an interview with TOK FM. 

- When I was asked after those first strikes, of course, I said I was ready to meet. At that time, these entrepreneurs, let's recall that their leader is one of the presidential candidates, so it's always worth considering how much this protest, what is its character. Is this truly an entrepreneurs' protest, or does it have the character of a political rally? But I am putting that aside for now. On Wednesday, I met with four entrepreneurs representing those protesting in a teleconference. We discussed the agenda of issues. Some very prudent, justified demands. One of them concerning, for example, the financial shield - Jadwiga Emilewicz said on Radio ZET.

- We also met before Saturday's protest. I invited them to the ministry. We talked at our ministry. At the request of these entrepreneurs, I also included the spokesperson for entrepreneurs' rights in the conversation. Mr. Tanajno participated in these discussions, as did two entrepreneurs representing the transport industry. We discussed the issue of extending the financial shield so that individuals who do not employ anyone can also benefit from it. I promised, I committed that we would discuss this. This will require notification of such a new scheme by the European Commission. Secondly, we discussed the Labour Dialogue Council, aiming for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, those who are self-employed and are to a small extent represented in the RDS, to be represented. We agreed on legislative work here. This will be carried out by the spokesperson for entrepreneurs' rights with my participation – Jadwiga Emilewicz said on Radio ZET.

„On our watch, it has become clear how weak the PiS government is and unprepared to cope with a fundamental change for all of us, as the world is changing completely before our eyes. It is known that today an 'arbiter' president is necessary, one who will spur the government into action, hence my motivation for a president to be characterized by entirely different qualities, to act differently, so as not to be merely a silent witness to actions” – said Rafał Trzaskowski, candidate for president and Mayor of the Capital City of Warsaw, in an interview with Dominika Wielowieyska on Radio TOK FM's morning program. 

- We need to tell the truth. There is a great, tremendous opportunity for a president to sit in the Presidential Palace, instead of a person who is an extension of power from Nowogrodzka. A president who will be a showcase for Poland on the international stage. A president who understands local governments, a president who knows that today is the time for new solidarity - stated Borys Budka in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

- It is Warsaw residents who will choose their president. I believe it will be a joint nomination of Civic Coalition. It is too early to talk about it. Every scenario is possible. For now, let's win the presidential election, and then we will propose the best candidate, so that the residents of Warsaw have no doubt that Warsaw will not fall into the hands of, unfortunately, people who cannot manage a city - stated Borys Budka in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM, when asked if Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska would be a candidate in the presidential election in Warsaw if Rafał Trzaskowski became president.

- Formally, there is no signature collection campaign. We are prepared to launch it when it becomes permissible. I don't have a single signature, apart from my own, which I will sign when it becomes possible and I will ask my closest relatives - stated Borys Budka in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

- I know very well that there is an incredible response to this candidacy [of Rafał Trzaskowski]. I am not collecting any signatures. Instructions have been sent out for everything to be done in accordance with the law. We are prepared, the campaign will start when it is legally permissible - he continued.

- Many signals are coming in that people want to collect these signatures. I cannot say whether someone in Poland, not from Civic Platform but among the voters, is not conducting some spontaneous actions. We emphasize everywhere that the forms will be ready, and that signature collection will be possible when the election campaign begins - emphasized the leader of Civic Platform.

– I know the common fear that Rafał Trzaskowski's victory would lead to Law and Justice appointing a commissioner to Warsaw – said Julia Pitera in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus's "Sedno Sprawy" (The Gist of the Matter).

– It is enough for PiS, before the inauguration of the new mayor, for Andrzej Duda to sign amendments to the Act on Municipal Self-Government, and [the commissioner] will be in office for three years. I perfectly remember the times of Mirosław Kochalski, who, completely unlawfully, served as commissioner in Warsaw. The law was also changed for him, etc. If PiS could manage to deal with the constitution, then PiS can manage to deal with the Act on Municipal Self-Government. That is why I would appeal to the Civic Platform leadership to calm Warsaw residents' anxieties by naming the future candidate to replace Rafał Trzaskowski. I think this would greatly help Rafał Trzaskowski – she added. 

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz is in Krakow today, where he has a conference scheduled for 11:00 AM. Earlier, the leader of the Polish People's Party (PSL) visited the grave of John Paul II's parents, where he prayed, laid flowers, and lit candles.

The Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that there are 217 new cases of coronavirus infection in Poland. The largest number of new infections was recorded in the Silesian Voivodeship, where 163 cases were confirmed. Unfortunately, 4 people have died.

The data was published on the official Twitter account of the Ministry of Health:

Mamy 217 nowych i potwierdzonych przypadków zakażenia koronawirusem z województw:

163 z woj. śląskiego
17 z woj. małopolskiego
13 z woj. dolnośląskiego
6 z woj. łódzkiego
5 z woj. opolskiego
4 z woj. wielkopolskiego
3 z woj. mazowieckiego
2 z woj. pomorskiego
1 z woj. podkarpackiego
1 z woj. lubuskiego
1 z woj. warmińsko-mazurskiego

Z przykrością informujemy o śmierci 4 osób.

— Ministerstwo Zdrowia (@MZ_GOV_PL) May 18, 2020

W związku z #koronawirus na Śląsku wprowadzamy kolejne obostrzenia. Od poniedziałku 18 maja br. obowiązywać będzie bezwzględny nakaz zasłaniania nosa i ust w miejscach publicznych, w tym również na drogach.

— Ministerstwo Zdrowia (@MZ_GOV_PL) May 18, 2020

Due to the high number of infections in Silesia, new restrictions are being introduced in the region. From Monday, May 18, 2020, it will be mandatory to cover your nose and mouth in public places, including roads.

- It is Madam Speaker [Witek] who will make the decision regarding the electoral calendar, but I want to state that we would not have this problem, this challenge, if not for two issues. Firstly, the Senate's consideration of another electoral ordinance, another amendment to the electoral ordinance, taking longer than usual. I am not saying that the Senate should consider this bill immediately upon its arrival from the Sejm, but as a rule, the Senate deals with bills in the week following their reception. In the case of the previous change to the ordinance, as we know, Speaker Grodzki held up that bill for 30 days. The full 30 days granted to him by the Constitution. If it is the same with this bill, then considering the June 28 deadline we have spoken about, only two weeks will remain for conducting, for all electoral deadlines. So, one could say that Civic Platform itself may be bringing this fate upon itself, and this problem, of collecting signatures, would obviously not exist if Platforma were doing what it says and promises – stated Adam Bielan in Onet Rano.

- Regarding the Senate holding up the bill, President Gowin's role was nil, of course, as it was Marshal Grodzki's decision. However, when it comes to preventing the organization of elections in May, then yes, you are right, all those politicians from PSL, The Left, or also my own party, who contributed to postponing the elections, saved the Platform. Because the political consequences of this decision will be that Rafał Trzaskowski will likely find himself in second place; we'll see, he has a tough fight ahead of him for that spot. Szymon Hołownia won't give up that place, nor will Mr. Kosiniak-Kamysz, without a fight. But if Civic Platform survives this crisis, they can certainly thank colleagues from PSL, The Left, or certain Agreement politicians - stated Adam Bielan on Onet Rano.

- This government promised a shield, but what it actually gave Polish entrepreneurs was a political club. It was the pacification, in the worst times, of people who came to Warsaw to demand their dignity. Unfortunately, all these similarities to the PRL, to what once was, are becoming a reality. We have censorship in the Third Programme of radio, we have incredible propaganda on so-called public television, and we have the beatings of people who are demanding dignity, respect, and the right to work. I hope all of this will pass soon and that changes in Poland will begin from the Presidential Palace - said Borys Budka in Wadowice.

Today we have a choice. A president who wants to build a community, a president who knows that Poland, as part of the European Union, will be strong when EU relations are based on partnership, and today no one is more needed than a president who understands needs. And no one understands needs better than a local government official. A person who has been solving these problems for over a year. He has shown effectiveness in Warsaw; he will also show effectiveness in the position of President of Poland – said Borys Budka in Wadowice.

- You remember that when I started my campaign for the Mayor of Warsaw, I began with issues related to a program for women, and then I promised free nurseries for all Warsaw residents, that throughout the term we would increase the number of free nurseries. Today we have reached 13,000, over 13,000 nursery spots, and therefore I am very glad that we will be able to open nurseries and kindergartens after the epidemic, because we know how important this is for the residents of Warsaw who will be slowly returning to work - stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press briefing.

- We have taken on significant responsibility, primarily for preparing nurseries and kindergartens. Today, we are reopening them with very specific operating procedures. Smaller groups, children cannot bring their own toys, temperatures are being measured. We are ensuring appropriate conditions regarding the hours when parents bring children to nurseries and kindergartens. We are adhering to hygiene principles. Most importantly, we have purchased all personal protective equipment, millions of gloves, tens of thousands of liters of disinfectant, and we have also bought visors and masks. These are million-euro investments, and I appeal here, just like other local government officials from across Poland, to the government to consult us on future similar decisions, because we simply must prepare for them thoroughly – stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press briefing.

- Today, all nurseries and kindergartens in Warsaw will be open. We have already collected declarations from parents regarding how many children are expected to attend nurseries and kindergartens. 34% of parents declared they would like to send their children to nurseries, and 24% to kindergartens. We know from the experiences of other cities that opened their kindergartens and nurseries a few days ago that in practice, there were fewer children, but we are prepared for this – continued the Mayor of Warsaw.

- I remember words he uttered in the 1970s during one of the Corpus Christi processions in Krakow, when he thundered: let no one dare to teach us our love for our homeland. Each of us carries such love for our homeland within us. Jan Paweł II taught entire generations this kind of love for the homeland. He took his attachment to Polish soil, Polish tradition, and Polish history far from here, to Rome. From there, we often heard him speak about how important patriotism is, how important patriotism, attachment to the homeland, and devotion are. But Jan Paweł II's teachings never contained even a shred of nationalism. Jan Paweł II's teachings were inclusive. He included everyone in the community of free people - said Bogdan Klich in Wadowice.

You know that regardless of politics, I cooperate with the government on these most important matters concerning the fight against the epidemic and returning to normalcy, and I try to approach the issue here 100% seriously. Sometimes I have doubts whether the other side treats us with similar gravity, but let's hope that this return to normalcy will take place under conditions that are primarily safe, because there is probably nothing more important than the safety of our children, parents, and caregivers – stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press briefing.

- We must introduce a crisis benefit. A crisis benefit of PLN 2600, which will guarantee sustenance for the coming months while searching for work. But also a higher unemployment benefit, which today is negligible and should amount to PLN 1400 - said Robert Biedroń during a press conference. - As the Left, we are ready to sit at such a round table. We organized a round table concerning our elections, let's organize such a round table in the case of the difficult economic situation of micro-entrepreneurs, all those who are losing their jobs today - he added.

- As you can see, I am working for the city. We are opening nurseries and kindergartens. Today, the situation is so important and serious concerning the epidemic, that we must focus on what is most important, and that is what I will do. Regarding the days I will be outside of Warsaw, I will take vacation then. We haven't planned it precisely yet. I am not yet an officially confirmed and registered candidate. I am a candidate only confirmed by a political party, and at this moment we will be making precise decisions on how the coming days will look, but I assure you that managing Warsaw and the capital city in this very difficult moment is the most important thing. This is my main responsibility - stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press briefing.

- In these past few months, we have clearly learned one thing. It is possible to manage a city remotely, and it doesn't matter if it's done from the next room or even from the other end of the city - he continued.

- I sincerely hope that these elections, which will likely take place in June, will be democratic elections, that it will not be a farce. We are in a situation where we have entirely new elections. The process is starting anew, with candidate registration. I cannot imagine a situation where PiS would want to turn this into a farce and give literally hours for registration or an hour to collect signatures. However, we expect everything and know that PiS will throw obstacles in our path. The more they attack us, the more they make our lives difficult, the tougher we will become and the more prepared we will be. I am completely calm about this because I see this enormous, unbelievable mobilization today. The moment it is possible to collect signatures, I am convinced that we will collect them - stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press briefing.

- I will not rest until dialogue and agreement, but also the memory and identity of our history, tradition, and culture, will always have a dignified place in the Republic. Let us rejoice in this day. Let us rejoice in the role that Poland played, through John Paul II, thanks to John Paul II, in its liberation from the Iron Curtain – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during a press conference in Krakow.

Karol Wojtyła is not a statue or a monument, he is a man. Zbigniew Siłkowski, a colleague from Wadowice, recalled that the bond between Wojtyła and his father was extraordinary. They were inseparable, playing a makeshift football game at home: Lolek had the doors behind him which served as goalposts, and his father took penalty kicks - wrote Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Facebook. Meanwhile, parishioners in Niegowić, which was the young Wojtyła's home from 1948 to 1949, disliked one gesture in particular. John Paul II, then a curate, helped a robbed woman and gave her his bedding, a gift from the parishioners, and slept on a bare mattress himself from then on. Saintly, yet ordinary. Serious, yet with a sense of humor. A poet, actor, philosopher, and clergyman in one person. Poland's uncrowned king. He spoke to millions, yet did so as if conversing with each individually. Karol Wojtyła was and will be with us forever - PMM emphasized.

- Poles expect change, a change in the office of the president. A departure from the politicized, party-dominated, but also enfeebled presidency of Andrzej Duda, in favor of an independent president with experience, who can gather votes and represent all of Poland, not just the large cities. Rafał Trzaskowski is a good representative in the capital, but beyond it, neither Rafał Trzaskowski nor Szymon Hołownia understand local, county-level Poland. I know it inside out and I understand the needs there, how diverse Poland is, and how different approaches are needed for different regions, with respect – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during a press conference in Krakow.

- Poles will decide, and I hope that this awareness, I know that this awareness will be present before the first round, not about whether the coolest candidate from their point of view will make it to the second round, but the most effective one. And I am the most effective because I have a chance to gain votes in large cities, but also in even the smallest villages – he added.

- We've decided to gradually restore normal operations in single-purpose hospitals. Naturally, we will start with places where there are the fewest new infections and the fewest patients - stated Łukasz Szumowski at a press briefing.

- We are, of course, leaving infectious disease wards as a buffer, where we still have a good number of free beds. This does not mean we are dismantling this network of hospitals, because we know that there is increasing talk of a second wave, of an increase in infections in the autumn. This network will remain - said the Minister of Health, adding that this process will begin on June 1st.

- If it turns out that these indicators in the województwos remain stable, then perhaps regionally we will issue such a decision, as I said, meaning that in open spaces, outdoors, masks will be allowed to be removed, while in closed spaces, on public transport, in shops, in all places where the air is not flowing freely, they will of course remain. I think this decision will be made within one to two weeks - stated Łukasz Szumowski at a press briefing.

- No, God forbid. That would be arrogance and a certain blind optimism [stating that we have defeated the virus and the epidemic is over]. I am far from that. We are in a phase of flattening and a slight downward trend, but as you can see from the mines, such outbreaks can erupt at any moment if we do not adhere to this regime and if these principles, such as those just introduced in hospitals, where we know that a patient must be tested before being admitted for surgery, and that staff should be tested at any doubt, show that we will have this sanitary regime all the time. The epidemic is not disappearing. Perhaps we are at a low point in the course of this epidemic, but on the other hand, let's use it to work for patients with conditions completely different from COVID - stated Łukasz Szumowski at a press briefing.

- Our government treats culture as a field for some ideological struggle, as a place where people are patronized, to use that Gombrowicz-esque language. Really, are we, grown adults, in the 21st century, in need of a father figure who will tell us which songs are decent and which are not? Do we need someone to stand over us with a whip and tell us which film to watch and which to abandon? - Szymon Hołownia stated during a press conference.

- Eliminating public media entirely is not a solution, it's absurd. You can't eliminate everything, you can't eliminate people in terms of jobs, just everyone across the board - he continued.

- The state should, as quickly as possible, focus on supporting not only institutions but also people of culture. It can do this in many ways. By expanding ministerial support programs and making access to them easier. Immediately. But also by supporting local governments, because they very often finance cultural activities - Hołownia stated.

- The second point is the necessity of amending the law on conducting cultural activities, which was passed in the 90s. Time has accelerated so much that today we are in completely different realities. It doesn't recognize where culture happens today. It doesn't see the network - he added.

- A significant mistake of the ministry is that it notices, if at all, only the parts of the cultural world that are willing to cooperate with it. Please note that besides artists, we have all the technical aspects related to culture. A minister who wants to see honey and collect honey, but doesn't see the bees, will lead to culture suffering even more - assessed the presidential candidate.

- Finally, there is a task here for the president. This is the moment when the president, instead of gaining polish by rapping about sharp shadows and mist, should consider what he can do as president to launch, ad hoc, a support program, real patronage, help culture professionals reach those who could be recipients of this culture. To provide patronage for a book series, organize a concert series, stream it - Hołownia assessed.

"We don't have officially announced elections yet. No formal activities can take place. However, in recent days, following the announcement of Rafał Trzaskowski's candidacy, and especially after suggestions from the ruling camp that there might only be two days to collect signatures, we are receiving hundreds, thousands of signals of readiness to collect and help," said the Deputy Chairman of Civic Platform, Tomasz Siemoniak, in a conversation with Roch Kowalski on TOK FM Radio's Popołudnie. "These are not specific signatures. Our structures have received instructions. We are ready for the machine to start. I am convinced we will manage to register Rafał Trzaskowski. We collected over 500,000 signatures for Kidawa-Błońska in 4 weeks. I know our people, I know our structures. I can assess the mood, and I assure you that we will certainly collect those signatures, even if it takes only two days," he added.

- We are hearing that Platforma [Civic Platform] activists, without legal standing, are starting to collect signatures, while Rafał Trzaskowski is already beginning his election campaign. Trzaskowski, as the Mayor of Warsaw after a year in office, according to a ranking by Warsaw councillors, has failed to fulfill as many as 55 out of 59 promises he made during his 2018 election campaign. At the beginning of the epidemic in Poland, he went on sick leave. His spokesperson explained it then as fatigue. Today, he intends to take leave related to conducting his election campaign. He is starting to travel across Poland, while numerous matters in Warsaw are faltering. What Warsaw residents, and especially Warsaw entrepreneurs, expect today is the unblocking of micro-loan implementation, which are part of the so-called anti-crisis shield. Polish entrepreneurs have received over PLN 30 billion from government programs in recent days. These funds are being transferred, among other things, through micro-loans. Unfortunately, Warsaw is absolutely at the very end of the list in Poland regarding the degree of implementation, and here the services subordinate to Rafał Trzaskowski are failing. We appeal to President Trzaskowski to finally get to grips with managing the city, because this is what he will be held accountable for by his voters - stated Adam Bielan at a press briefing.

"Of course not [the Platform will not nominate a candidate for Warsaw mayor after Trzaskowski's potential victory]. First, there are the presidential elections, and Rafał Trzaskowski has a real chance of winning, but first he has to become president. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. This won't calm anyone down, and certainly not PiS. PiS can always theoretically change the law on municipal government. It would be the wrong move to try to run a second campaign on this occasion right now. The sequence is clear. Understanding Julia Pitera's concern, I believe such a decision doesn't need to be made at this moment" - said Tomasz Siemoniak, Vice-Chairman of Civic Platform (PO), in an interview with TOK FM.

„Committees are working, so matters are moving forward. That's what I think [that the Senate decision on electoral law will be next week]. Speaker Grodzki mentioned two weeks. I believe that for this type of law, that is a reasonable minimum. Let's not go crazy thinking that one can work like in the Sejm, where drafts are delivered half an hour before a session, and no one is invited. The Senate is restoring elementary order. Two weeks are enough” - said Tomasz Siemoniak, Deputy Chairman of Civic Platform (PO), in an interview with TOK FM.

- We also appeal to Rafał Trzaskowski not to muzzle the media. Yesterday we saw his statement, I don't know if it was a press conference or a program presentation, in which he began to attack journalists asking him uncomfortable questions. I don't know how Trzaskowski imagines the role of the media in a democracy. I think he might have a distorted opinion on this matter due to his cooperation with Kozak-Zagozda, one of the founders of the most hateful portal in Poland, the Facebook profile "Sok z Buraka" [Beetroot Juice]. However, we want to say this clearly. If Rafał Trzaskowski continues to avoid answers to difficult questions posed by journalists, we will raise these questions during the election campaign - stated Adam Bielan at a press briefing.

“I assess this situation as completely unnecessary, as fundamentally harmful to the ‘good change’ camp. [The camp] does not have direct influence [on public radio], but it is presented in such a way that precisely during the times when legislative changes concerning the functioning of public radio and television took place, there is an attempt to shift responsibility for what is happening in public media onto the ‘good change’ camp, and this is contrary to the actual facts” – said PiS senator Jan Maria Jackowski in an interview with Roch Kowalski on Popołudnie Radia TOK FM. 

„Yesterday I said that values are security, health, and the issue of work. Today, I want to speak about two equally important words – the issue of honesty and equality before the law. With concern, and even indignation, I observe that some politicians are trying to exploit these difficult times to build family fortunes, with colleagues, to exploit difficult times and the moment when we are all concerned about security and jobs, to build their personal profit from this. With equal indignation, I observe those who are trying to exploit this difficult situation for immediate political purposes and attempted to organize undemocratic elections. As the President of the Republic of Poland, I will never pardon people who broke the law in such a way. What is most important is honesty, but also equality before the law” – said Rafał Trzaskowski, Civic Coalition’s presidential candidate and Mayor of Warsaw, at a press conference.

„When the election campaign begins, I will announce everyone who will cooperate with me. This is also proof of the incredible chaos that PiS has created, wanting to organize elections in a few weeks, and the procedure has not even started yet” – said Rafał Trzaskowski, the KO candidate for president and Mayor of Warsaw, at a press conference.

"The Senate is hampering progress on this bill. There is talk that perhaps next week the bill will be voted on in the Senate, but these are all rumors. The Senate has already done quite a lot of damage during the work on the previous bill on postal voting" - said PiS MEP Adam Bielan on Polish Radio 24.

"[Trzaskowski] became known as a politician who shifted Civic Platform very much to the left. He initiated the entire campaign for LGBT communities, related to the sexualization of children. It was his deputy Paweł Rabiej, his right-hand man, who as Deputy Mayor of Warsaw began to speak about staging when it comes to demanding various postulates for homosexual communities. He said that first civil unions, then marriages, and finally child adoption. This is Rafał Trzaskowski's program, very strongly left-wing, but he also became known for very aggressive actions on the Internet" - stated PiS MEP Adam Bielan on Polskie Radio 24.

“There's no doubt that the place for Agreement is within the United Right. I hope all the rumors about us leaving the United Right and flirting with the Polish People's Party and the Polish Coalition will end now” - said PiS MEP Adam Bielan on Polish Radio 24.

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"For instance, Jacek Sasin, who managed the entire process and instead of dealing with state treasury companies, enterprises, particularly those in Silesia that have fallen into trouble, or dealing with people who genuinely have problems today, organized elections that had no basis and would have been undemocratic" - said the Civic Coalition's presidential candidate and Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News's 'Gość Wydarzeń' (Guest of Events).

“It's about eliminating TVP Info, the editorial block. It's about this nest of hate and how this television became completely subservient to the party. It's not about specific people. It's about an institution that breaks the spines of these people, not about the people themselves. PiS is the specialist in scaring people or firing them from their jobs” - said Rafał Trzaskowski, Civic Coalition’s presidential candidate and Mayor of Warsaw, on Polsat News.

“Regarding civil partnerships, everyone knows my view on this matter. I am for civil partnerships. Paweł Rabiej is neither in my party nor works in my staff. I have clearly defined my views and I say clearly that I am for civil partnerships, like the vast majority of Polish women and men, and I deeply regret that such solutions were not adopted sooner” - said Rafał Trzaskowski, the Civic Coalition (KO) candidate for president and the Mayor of Warsaw, on Polsat News.

„I assure you that if I become president, I will strongly urge the mayor of Warsaw from the opposition, who will be elected in my place, to do exactly the same [submit the draft resolution on naming a street after Lech Kaczyński]. I said I didn't want to frame this discussion within the election campaign. Lech Kaczyński deserves a street in Warsaw, and I don't want the political clamor on this matter to start anew” - said Rafał Trzaskowski, KO's presidential candidate and Mayor of Warsaw, on Polsat News.

If the polls decided who would be president, then by now we would have President Komorowski, and in Warsaw, we would have Mr. Jaki. So, with these polls, one can be calm. There is still some time until these elections. Let's wait and see how the situation resolves itself. However, honestly, I feel very sorry for Ms. Kidawa-Błońska, because it certainly wasn't her decision to run in the elections. She was anointed by PO and then left to fend for herself – stated Paweł Kukiz in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program “Wydarzenia i opinie” on Polsat News.

- I suspect that if Trzaskowski doesn't meet the particular hopes of Civic Platform members, they will also leave him alone. They won't change [their minds], they will simply forget about him in some way. On that basis. I don't suspect that this candidacy will enjoy the support of absolutely the entire Civic Platform. Because Mr. Trzaskowski is a very left-leaning politician, and I'm not saying this maliciously or for political tactical reasons, but it's obvious to any average observer of political life that he's a figure more associated with the SLD than with Civic Platform, especially its conservative-liberal wing. I doubt that this conservative-liberal wing will wholeheartedly accept this candidate, and if they do, it will be for one reason only. Opportunism, meaning our candidate must get as many votes as possible, because otherwise our party will sink - stated Paweł Kukiz in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News's program "Wydarzenia i opinie".

-- 300POLITYKA LIVEBLOG: TRZASKOWSKI ON NOT PARDONING SASIN KUKIZ ON HOW ELECTIONS WOULD BE DECIDED BY POLLS, KOMOROWSKI WOULD STILL BE PRESIDENT BIELAN ON THE PLATFORM'S SHIFT TO THE LEFT https://300polityka.pl/live/2020/05/18/ ***** POLSAT EVENTS -- THERE IS STILL NO DECISION ON WHEN THE ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD, BUT THE UNOFFICIAL CAMPAIGN IS GAINING MOMENTUM. -- THE WARSAW OFFICIAL'S ENTRY INTO THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE HAS RAISED THE EMOTIONAL LEVEL - Mira Skórka. -- PIS POLITICIANS ARE CONVINCING THAT TRZASKOWSKI IS NOT COPING WITH MANAGING THE CAPITAL, AND THE CITY HALL IS DELAYING THE PAYMENT OF MICRO-LOANS FROM THE GOVERNMENT'S ANTI-CRISIS SHIELD - Skórka further. -- POLARIZATION AND A SHARP CLASH WITH THE PIS CANDIDATE IS THE CAMPAIGN METHOD - Skórka. -- THE PRESIDENT OF WARSAW HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IF THE COURT CONVICTS THE POLITICIANS WHO PREPARED THE ELECTIONS FOR MAY 10TH, HE WILL NOT GRANT PARDONS - Skórka further. -- THE REMAINING CANDIDATES ASSURE THAT THEY ARE NOT AFRAID OF RIVALRY WITH TRZASKOWSKI - Skórka. -- RAFAŁ TRZASKOWSKI DOES NOT INTEND TO RESIGN FROM HIS POSITION AS PRESIDENT DURING THE CAMPAIGN - Skórka further. -- IT IS UNKNOWN HOW MUCH TIME HE WILL HAVE TO COLLECT 100 THOUSAND SIGNATURES, THE ELECTIONS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED - Skórka. -- THE MARSHAL CANNOT ANNOUNCE THE ELECTIONS BECAUSE THE NATIONAL ELECTION COMMISSION'S RESOLUTION ON THE FAILED MAY 10TH ELECTIONS HAS NOT BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - Skórka further. -- THE PRESIDENT DID NOT CAMPAIGN TODAY, HE PARTICIPATED IN WARSAW IN THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE POPE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY - Skórka. -- QUEUES AT THE HAIRDRESSER, AND APPOINTMENTS AT THE BEAUTICIAN BOOKED A MONTH IN ADVANCE - THE THIRD PHASE OF THE ECONOMY'S UNLOCKING HAS STARTED. ***** TVN FACTS -- NEW PHASE OF UNLOCKING. -- MEMORY OF JP2. -- ENTRY INTO THE POLITICAL ARENA HAS MOBILIZED COMPETITORS - in the preview: Rafał Trzaskowski announces that if he becomes President of Poland, he will not pardon politicians who break the law and destroy democracy. His entry into the political arena has mobilized his competitors. First, they underestimated him, now they are arguing with him. The election campaign is coming alive, even though it is not formal. -- HE ACHIEVED WHAT HE PLANNED - HE DREW THE ATTENTION OF HIS COMPETITORS - KKZ. -- AS YOU CAN SEE, HE IS WORKING FOR THE CITY - RT. -- HE ASSURES THAT HE IS CAPABLE OF WORKING FOR THE CITY SIMULTANEOUSLY, AND WHEN HE TRAVELS AROUND POLAND - HE WILL TAKE LEAVE - KKZ. -- THE PRESIDENT CANNOT BE IN TOTAL OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT - RT. -- FOR NOW, HE HAS USED THE SITUATION TO IMPOSE HIS OWN TOPICS; AT THIS PRESS CONFERENCE, THE COMPETITOR'S CAMPAIGN STAFF WERE REFERRING TO ISSUES PROPOSED BY THE NEW CANDIDATE - KKZ. -- HE HAS FORCED COMPETITORS, NOT JUST THOSE FROM PIS, TO TAKE A STAND - KKZ. -- COMPLETE ELIMINATION IS ABSURD - SH. -- TRANSFER MANAGEMENT TO CREATORS, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS - WKK on TVP. -- HE KNOWS HE HAS TO BE DISTINCTIVE BECAUSE HE IS TRYING TO BE RECOGNIZABLE OUTSIDE OF WARSAW - KKZ. -- FOR OPPOSITION CANDIDATES, HE FORCES A CHANGE OF STRATEGY - KKZ. -- THEY DON'T FEEL LOCAL POLAND - WKK. -- TIME FOR A NON-PARTISAN PRESIDENT - SH. -- ONLY BOSAK IS CALM, THEIR ELECTORATES DO NOT OVERLAP - KKZ. -- RT'S ENTRY HAS REVIVED THE RACE - KKZ: IT HAS REVIVED THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND PAD, WHICH WAS STRIVING FOR A FIRST-ROUND DECISION - KKZ. -- In Lubuskie, no new SARS-CoV-2 infections are being recorded, while the opposite is true in Silesia. The viral map of Poland shows that the situation varies across different voivodeships. ***** TVP NEWS -- 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN PAUL II'S BIRTH. -- FROM JUNE 1ST, HOSPITALS OF THE SAME NAME WILL RETURN TO PROPER OPERATION - announcement. -- RAFAŁ TRZASKOWSKI PROMISES TO INCREASE HEALTHCARE EXPENDITURE TO 6% OF GDP, ALTHOUGH THIS DEMAND HAS BEEN REALIZED BY THE UNITED RIGHT GOVERNMENT FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS - announcement: Right from the start, Trzaskowski has to face questions about his past promises to the people of Warsaw. -- THE NEW CANDIDATE EXPLAINS THE REASONS FOR HIS SICK LEAVE AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC - Krzysztof Nowina-Konopka. -- OFFICIALS EXPLAINED THE REASONS FOR THE PRESIDENT'S ABSENCE IN EARLY MARCH COMPLETELY DIFFERENTLY - Nowina-Konopka. -- ACCUSATION OF MANIPULATION IS RAFAŁ TRZASKOWSKI'S FAVORITE WEAPON FROM HIS ARSENAL - Nowina-Konopka. -- IN LIGHT OF HIS PROMISES, THE QUESTION ARISES WHETHER HE HIMSELF IS NOT MANIPULATING - Nowina-Konopka. -- THE PO-PSL GOVERNMENT DID NOT DECIDE TO INCREASE HEALTHCARE EXPENDITURE FOR 2 TERMS - Nowina-Konopka. -- JACEK KOZŁOWSKI ANNOUNCED THAT HE WOULD NOT COLLECT SIGNATURES FOR RAFAŁ TRZASKOWSKI - Nowina-Konopka. -- PIS POLITICIANS ARE APPEALING TO TRZASKOWSKI TO FOCUS ON MANAGING WARSAW - Nowina-Konopka. -- Nowina-Konopka recalls the recorded conversation between Sikorski and Rostowski: "To promise twice is like not to keep once." -- TRZASKOWSKI DID NOT INTRODUCE FREE TICKETS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, HE ABANDONED THE MIDTOWN RING ROAD AND THE 4TH AND 5TH METRO LINES. PROBLEMS ALSO APPEARED WITH THE PAYMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR ENTREPRENEURS, AND EARLIER WITH 500+ - Nowina-Konopka. -- PO AUTHORITIES RECOGNIZED THAT HE CANNOT CHANGE AND TRZASKOWSKI'S AGGRESSIVE FRONT IS A CHANCE FOR ELECTORAL SUCCESS, WHICH KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ DID NOT FAIL TO POINT OUT - Nowina-Konopka. -- IN THE WORDS OF THE PSL CHAIRMAN, THE WORDS ABOUT CREDIBILITY RAISE DOUBTS AFTER THE PENSION REFORM - Nowina-Konopka. -- THE INTIMIDATION OF JOURNALISTS BY POLITICIANS IS A FLAGRANT VIOLATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH - THE MONITORING CENTER FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS SDP - Danuta Holecka. -- WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED! - banner. -- FOR YEARS, LISTENERS HAVE BEEN CREATING THE LIST OF THREE. IN THE RANKING FROM FRIDAY, MANUAL MANIPULATION WAS PERFORMED. THERE IS NO LACK OF OPINIONS THAT IT WAS TO PROVOKE A POLITICAL CONFRONTATION - Konrad Wąż. -- THE HOST OF THE BROADCAST DECIDED TO MOVE THE SONG TO THE FIRST PLACE, AND THE SONG WITH THE MOST VOTES DROPPED TO SIXTH PLACE - Wąż. -- MAREK NIEDŹWIEDZKI RESIGNED FROM HIS JOB. ALONG WITH HIM, SOME OF HIS COLLEAGUES, BUT PART OF THE COMMUNITY PERCEIVED THIS GESTURE AS A POLITICAL MANIFESTO - Wąż. -- PO POLITICIANS ARE INVOLVED IN THE CONFLICT. THEY TALK ABOUT CENSORING THE RADIO, ALTHOUGH THEY THEMSELVES OPENLY ANNOUNCE PURGES IN PUBLIC MEDIA - Wąż. -- TRZASKOWSKI'S WORDS CAUSED A STIR BECAUSE HE THREATENED TO FIRE JOURNALISTS WHO ASK QUESTIONS - Wąż. -- THE HEAD OF THE TVP PROGRAM COUNCIL REACTED TO TRZASKOWSKI'S THREATS - Wąż. -- THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT POLITICIANS OF THE SO-CALLED DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION THREATEN JOURNALISTS - Wąż. -- PO POLITICIANS ARE NOT USED TO MEDIA CRITICISM, BECAUSE WHEN THEY MANAGED TVP, IT LOOKED LIKE THIS - Wąż recalls wishes for Tusk, "censoring" Komorowska. -- HOWEVER, ATTEMPTS TO EXPOSE MISTAKES, SCANDALS, LIES, OR UNFULFILLED PROMISES OF THE PO CAUSE AGGRESSION AND HATRED FROM THE OPPOSITION'S SUPPORTERS - Wąż. -- THE ATTACK ON TVP JOURNALISTS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS - Wąż. -- DURING THE PO-PSL GOVERNMENT, OVER 400 PEOPLE WERE FIRED FROM TVP, INCLUDING MANY JOURNALISTS AND EDITORS - Wąż.

- I apologize, what do I have to [apologize] to Mrs. Jethon for? Mrs. Jethon should apologize to me for censoring my songs in 2014. She claims that because Kukiz was running for councilor in Wrocław, it wasn't just criticism of Michnik and friends that was the reason for this hounding, but rather that Kukiz was running for the regional assembly in Wrocław, and therefore the national broadcast would not play his songs, none of his songs, because it's candidate promotion – stated Paweł Kukiz in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Wydarzenia i opinie" (Events and Opinions) on Polsat News.

On Tuesday at 1:00 PM, the "Shield for Polish Firms - PFR Economic Forum" conference will take place with the participation of President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, PFR President Paweł Borys, and entrepreneurs from, among others, Browar Kormoran, Wiromet, 4F, and Imex.

As sources tell 300POLITYKA, the event aims to summarize the state's actions in combating the economic consequences of the coronavirus – specifically, the fight to maintain jobs, the fight to ensure company liquidity, and the protection of the Polish economy.

The agenda we have seen includes speeches by the President and the Prime Minister, as well as a Q&A session with entrepreneurs.