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06/21/2020

00:02

Sunday Political Schedule: Morawiecki in Gdańsk, Duda in Kraków, Trzaskowski in Podlasie, Kosiniak-Kamysz and Biedroń Continue Their Tours

As we reported on 300POLITYCE, at 9:15 AM in Gdańsk, in front of the gates of the Gdańsk Shipyard, Mateusz Morawiecki will speak about Rafał Trzaskowski's remarks concerning his comments on retirement age. Our sources explain that this location holds symbolic significance because it was here that Solidarity collected 1,000,000 signatures, which were then 'ground down' by Civic Platform.

Following this, at 9:30 AM, the Prime Minister will participate in a meeting with beneficiaries of the "Anti-Crisis Shield" program. Later, at 3:15 PM in Słupsk, a press conference will be held regarding the development program for the Słupsk region as compensation for the construction of the "Missile Shield".

At 10:00 AM in Suwałki, Rafał Trzaskowski will hold a press briefing. At 10:30 AM, the Civic Coalition's presidential candidate will meet with a Rural Women's Circle, and at 12:00 PM, with residents of Augustów. An appearance is planned for 4:00 PM in Białystok, and at 6:30 PM, flowers will be laid at the grave of Bishop Miron in Supraśl.

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will be visiting the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. At 10:00 AM in Dąbki, there will be a meeting with residents, and at 12:00 PM in Mielno, the West Pomeranian convention will take place. Another press conference by the PSL candidate will be held at 3:00 PM in Kołobrzeg, followed at 3:30 PM by a meeting with representatives of the tourism, fishing, and spa industries. At 5:30 PM in Golczewo, an open meeting with residents of Golczewo is scheduled, and at 8:00 PM in Szczecin, a press conference summarizing the visit to West Pomerania.

Krzysztof Bosak will be visiting Radom. At 10:15 AM, he will lay flowers before the monument to the Victims of June '76, after which a press briefing will be held. Another briefing is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

At 11:00 AM in Ciechanów, Robert Biedroń will participate in a charity computer game tournament as part of a fundraiser. At 12:00 PM, a press conference will be held by the Left candidate, Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, and Arkadiusz Iwaniak. Biedroń's next conference will be in Klice at 2:00 PM, followed by a meeting with volunteer firefighters for Weronika Lange and the opening of a charity football tournament. Later, at 5:00 PM in Pułtusk, a press briefing by Left candidate Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, and Arkadiusz Iwaniak will take place, along with a round table discussion on the situation of retirees.

At 4:00 PM in Kraków, President Andrzej Duda will meet with residents.

9:00 AM - Press conference by Elżbieta Rafalska in Warsaw
9:15 AM - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's address in Gdańsk
9:30 AM - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's participation in a meeting with beneficiaries of the "Anti-Crisis Shield" program
10:00 AM - Rafał Trzaskowski's press briefing in Suwałki
10:00 AM - Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's meeting with residents of Dąbki
10:15 AM - Krzysztof Bosak lays flowers before the monument to the Victims of June '76 and press briefing in Radom
10:30 AM - Rafał Trzaskowski's meeting with a Rural Women's Circle in Suwałki
11:00 AM - Robert Biedroń's participation in a charity computer game tournament as part of a fundraiser for Weronika Lange in Ciechanów
12:00 PM - Rafał Trzaskowski's meeting with residents of Augustów
12:00 PM - Press conference by Robert Biedroń, Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, and Arkadiusz Iwaniak in Ciechanów
12:00 PM - Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's West Pomeranian convention in Mielno
1:00 PM - Krzysztof Bosak's press briefing in Radom
2:00 PM - Press briefing by Robert Biedroń, Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, and Arkadiusz Iwaniak in Klice, followed by a meeting with volunteer firefighters for Weronika Lange and the opening of a charity football tournament
3:00 PM - Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's press conference in Kołobrzeg
3:15 PM - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's press conference on the development program for the Słupsk region as compensation for the construction of the "Missile Shield"
3:30 PM - Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's meeting with representatives of the tourism, fishing, and spa industries
4:00 PM - Rafał Trzaskowski's appearance in Białystok
4:00 PM - President Andrzej Duda's meeting with residents of Kraków
5:00 PM - Press briefing by Robert Biedroń, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, and Arkadiusz Iwaniak in Pułtusk, and a round table discussion on the situation of retirees
5:30 PM - Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's open meeting with residents of Golczewo
6:10 PM - Rafał Trzaskowski lays flowers at the grave of Bishop Miron in Supraśl
8:00 PM - Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's press conference in Szczecin summarizing the visit to West Pomerania


10:11

Prime Minister at the Shipyard: We Know Campaigns Have Their Own Rules, But There Are Moments When You Have to Say 'Enough.' Enough of Manipulation, Distortion of Facts. In 2012, the PO Government Raised the Retirement Age Against the Will of Poles

- We know that campaigns have their own rules, but there are moments when you have to say: enough. Enough of manipulation, of distorting facts. In 2012, the PO government raised the retirement age and did so against the will of Poles – the Prime Minister said at a morning briefing before the Gdańsk Shipyard.

- If someone today says they will not sign a bill to raise the retirement age, and forgets that yesterday they were against lowering it, is such a person credible? That is why here, in this symbolic place, we say: Enough of this. We must stick to the truth – the Prime Minister said.

- We are in a place where "Solidarity" was born, where "Solidarity" led to the regaining of freedom – said Morawiecki, and appealed to the KO candidate for president for respect for the dignity of workers.

- In 2012, the PO government, the PO government, whose vice-president is Rafał Trzaskowski, raised the retirement age for men by 2 years and for women by 7 years. And it did so against the will of 80 percent of Poles. It was done by Donald Tusk's government despite the fact that earlier, there was no mention in the party's program of raising the retirement age – said Morawiecki.

10:17

Prime Minister: Trzaskowski Says He Won't Sign Pension Age Hike Bill, But Forgets He Voted Against Lowering It
- Credibility must be the foundation of politics - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. - PO Vice-Chairman Rafał Trzaskowski says he will not sign any bill concerning raising the retirement age, but yesterday he forgets that he was a Member of Parliament 4 years ago and he doesn't remember, he doesn't mention that he voted against lowering the retirement age. Poles don't need to be reminded of this, but Trzaskowski does - Morawiecki said.

10:17

Prime Minister: Trzaskowski is a true child of Civic Platform's political marketing; this is not the first time Trzaskowski has treated truth with contempt
- Trzaskowski is a true child of Civic Platform's political marketing, where political marketing replaces loyalty to ideals - Prime Minister Morawiecki stated before the Shipyard. - We must speak about facts, because this is not the first time Trzaskowski has treated truth with contempt. He recently claimed that there are now one million additional unemployed people, while today we have defended several million jobs - Morawiecki emphasized.

10:26

PM:

We're Spending PLN 2 Billion Daily on the Financial Shield, Yet Where Were 2 Million Unemployed Even When Governed in Comfort? In the Face of the Greatest Crisis in 100 Years, These Facts Speak for Themselves.
- Where is the truth? Today, when we are spending PLN 2 billion daily on the financial shield, what about the places where they governed in comfort and still had 2 million unemployed? - the Prime Minister asked. - We cannot distort facts like this; it's enough to compare statistical data - added Mateusz Morawiecki: - Today, before the gates of the Gdańsk Shipyard, we say enough of this distortion of facts, we must stick to the facts. - In the era of the greatest crisis, which economists say is the greatest in 100 years, these facts speak for Andrzej Duda - Morawiecki said: - If someone says they won't vote, and then forgets, everyone should consider whether such a person is credible.

10:33

Ministry of Health: 311 New Coronavirus Infections in Poland, Including 128 in Silesia. 10 Deaths

The Ministry of Health (MZ) reported on Saturday that there were 311 new cases of coronavirus infection in Poland. The largest number of new infections was recorded in the Silesian Voivodeship, with 128 cases.

Ten people died from COVID-19. The majority of these deaths were among individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

The Ministry of Health also provided an update on the total number of infections and deaths since the beginning of the epidemic.

(Please note: The provided links are to Twitter. As an AI, I cannot directly access external websites or real-time data. The translation above is based on the *expected content* of such announcements from the Polish Ministry of Health regarding COVID-19 statistics.)


10:42

Trzaskowski:

We no longer need to discuss 500+, as we all support maintaining this program. Today, we don't need to discuss retirement age, because we won't raise it.
It is precisely in Suwałki that we must primarily talk about the future, and that is the main task of the President of the Republic of Poland, to focus on what will be, not on what was. Unfortunately, it is so, all those who watched the presidential debate know that today the ruling party wants to concentrate mainly on what was, on those disputes we had a few years ago. Today, we no longer need to talk about 500+, because we all support maintaining the 500+ program. Today, we do not need to talk about retirement age, because we will not raise retirement age. I will say more, we will do one thing, namely, we will create incentives to be able to work longer, but only if someone wants to work longer. And there is no question of resolving these disputes differently. Therefore, there is no point in arguing about what was, what has long been settled. There is also no point in arguing about issues such as, for example, adopting the euro, because today it is not a problem for us. Today, we are not deciding whether we will adopt the euro or not. Today, we must focus on what is most important today and on what will be most important in the future, and this is how I differ from my opponents: I am primarily thinking about what will be. Today, the world has turned upside down with the epidemic, and today we must primarily defend jobs, focus on how difficult the situation is concerning the labor market, because unemployment is approaching a million people. These are truly serious numbers. Today, we must consider how to solve the problem of healthcare, we must talk about security. These are the real topics that concern Poles today, and therefore the president's task will not be to rehash those disputes that occupied us 5 years ago or a few years ago, but to look forward - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in Suwałki.

10:44

Bielan:

I Don't Know How One Can Forget Such an Important Vote for Millions of Poles. That's Why This Hero – The Number 67 – Will Be Featured at Every Rally I Attend.
- I don't know how one can forget such an important vote for millions of Poles. That's why this hero – the number 67 – will be featured at every rally I attend. This is the retirement age introduced by Civic Platform politicians. Trzaskowski called it the modernization of Poland - said Adam Bielan at a briefing at Andrzej Duda's campaign headquarters.  - We could observe bizarre situations yesterday at the rallies of the Civic Platform candidate. First, he denied that he was even a Member of Parliament four years ago when the vote on lowering the retirement age took place. Then he remembered that he was an MP at the time, but claimed he didn't recall such a vote and didn't participate in it. Finally, for the third time, he changed his mind and said that, yes, he remembered, he voted against lowering the retirement age, but now he has changed his mind - said Bielan.  Bielan presented archival statements by Rafał Trzaskowski regarding the retirement age.  - He appealed to us to abandon this promise, he appealed for us to break our word to Poles - said Bielan. 

10:50

Rafalska:

Trzaskowski's Camp Introduced Poland's Most Anti-Social Law; This Law Caused Human Harm
- It was Trzaskowski's political camp that introduced the most anti-social law in Poland. It was Andrzej Duda who prepared the project that restored elementary justice. This law caused human harm - said Elżbieta Rafalska at a briefing of Andrzej Duda's campaign headquarters.

10:52

Rafalska:

"The Civic Platform Deceived All Poles; This Harm Affected Women, Who Were Given a Retirement Age 7 Years Higher, and Even 12 Years Higher for Female Farmers."
- At that time, all Poles were deceived. This harm affected women, who were given a retirement age 7 years higher, and even 12 years higher for female farmers. How does today's presidential candidate vote? Not only against lowering the retirement age but also forgets how they voted in such an important ballot and makes further unsubstantiated promises - said Elżbieta Rafalska. - It's not possible, we heard this phrase everywhere, nothing could be done - Rafalska added.

10:55

Trzaskowski on Retirement Age: The Difference Between Me and My Competitors Is That I Can Clearly Say, Straight to the Cameras: Yes, We Had a Different Opinion a Few Years Ago

- When it comes to the retirement age, the difference between me and my competitors is that I can clearly say, straight to the cameras: yes, we had a different opinion a few years ago. However, we are constantly talking with citizens who tell us: we want to decide, and many Polish women and men want to work longer, but they want to decide this themselves. And that is why I am clearly stating that I will veto any law that seeks to raise the retirement age, because this must be the citizens' decision. However, a system must be built that will make it worthwhile for everyone who wants to work longer, and that's what it's about, being able to clearly say to the cameras: yes, in some matters we have changed our minds, listening to the citizens - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in Suwałki.


10:56

Bielan:

The Darling of Warsaw's Salons Set Off Across Poland and Learned How Poles Assess the Pension Age Increase. I Appeal for His Staff Not to React Aggressively to This Mascot.
- The darling of Warsaw's salons set off across Poland and learned how Poles assess the pension age increase, started lying and pleaded amnesia. That's why we say: Rafał, don't lie. This mascot will accompany Trzaskowski, and I appeal for his staff to keep their nerves in check and not react aggressively to this mascot, - said Adam Bielan.

10:57

Trzaskowski:

Where is PAD's Credibility? After All, He Promised Aid to Swiss Franc Loan Holders, a Tax-Free Amount, and Tax-Free Pensions
- I ask where Andrzej Duda's credibility is. After all, he promised aid to Swiss franc loan holders, he promised a tax-free amount, he promised tax-free pensions. Where are all these fulfilled promises? - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in Suwałki.

12:20

Dulkiewicz:

Prime Minister's Frequent Visits to Gdańsk are Welcome, but a Missed Opportunity for Dialogue on Crucial Issues

“This morning, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki visited our city, Gdańsk. I am very pleased with the Prime Minister's frequent visits to Gdańsk. It is a pity, however, that they do not serve the purpose of enabling us to discuss important topics that concern Poles, the residents of Gdańsk, and the people of Pomerania together. Behind us is historical Gate No. 2, and further on is the BHP Hall, where 40 years ago, the communist authorities and the striking shipyard workers, working people, and intellectuals reached an agreement with the government. I have repeatedly appealed for dialogue, for an agreement, for joint decision-making on important issues, and we have many of them. This year, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of local government. The Prime Minister often says we should talk about facts, but facts represent the whole truth. The whole truth about local government is that over the last 5 years, since 2015, revenues have been growing, but expenditures have been growing disproportionately more than these revenues. Yesterday, we presented very specific figures. For example, regarding the preparation of the education reform, which some call a de-form of education, we received about 10 million zlotys from the government in Gdańsk, while the preparation of this reform cost nearly 60 million. Taxes have increased, but current expenses, which we all must bear, including the city as a good host, have increased by 60%. The erosion between the two is growing ever larger” – said Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, the Mayor of Gdańsk, at a press conference. 


12:29

Bogdan Lis on PM's Visit to Gdańsk Shipyard: He Comes to Exploit Poland's Recent History for Political Gain. He Divides Poles. I Wonder if He Didn't Learn It at Home, Because in the 80s Kornel Morawiecki Also Divided Poles, Divided 'Solidarity'

The Prime Minister is coming here not to talk about 'Solidarity'. He talks about those events in a way that divides Poles into those who are good Poles and those who should not be respected because they do not deserve it. I wonder if he didn't learn this at home, because in the 80s, during martial law, Kornel Morawiecki also divided Poles, divided 'Solidarity'. What the Prime Minister is doing today is a repetition of this kind of activity. He comes here to campaign for the incumbent President Andrzej Duda. He comes to exploit Poland's recent history for political gain. I, as a witness to those events, and also my friends, do not agree with this, we protest against it” - said Bogdan Lis at a press conference.


12:46

Trzaskowski:

Enough Disputes Over Settled Matters; We All Agree - 500+ Will Remain, I Will Veto Any Law Raising Retirement Age. Today, We Must Look Forward

Our most important goal today is the activation of seniors. We are doing this in large cities, we are doing this in medium-sized cities, but we also need to do it in rural Poland. I am so pleased that the types of meetings we organize show how much strength there is among people who want to help others. Today, instead of going back to the past and discussing the issue of 500+, which everyone agrees on – 500+ will remain, instead of discussing retirement age, where we also all agree that I will veto any law that wants to raise the retirement age, there is consensus here. Unlike our political competitors, we are able to say one thing – we talk to people. We draw conclusions from what people tell us. Enough disputes over issues that have been settled. Today, we must look forward” – said Rafał Trzaskowski, the KO candidate for president and Mayor of the Capital City of Warsaw, in Augustów.


12:47

Trzaskowski:

I Will Establish a Special Commission for Wrongs Under the President's Office to Aid Those Harmed by the PiS Government
“Under the President’s Office, I will establish a special commission for wrongs, so that every person who has been harmed by the PiS government can receive help and advice. This is to draw conclusions from what has happened and to ensure there is no acceptance of the authorities treating people in this manner, which they are doing to teachers, miners, and many individuals who have been left to fend for themselves today. To this, we loudly say, ‘We’ve had enough’,” stated Rafał Trzaskowski, the Civic Coalition’s presidential candidate and Mayor of Warsaw, in Augustów.

13:17

Trzaskowski's Campaign Staff Audits President Duda's Unfulfilled Promises in New Ad: Tax-Free Amount, Farmer Subsidies, 'Frank-Loan' Relief, and Medical Fund

Rafał Trzaskowski's campaign staff, in their latest ad, juxtaposes the declarations made by candidate Andrzej Duda during the 2015 presidential campaign with their actual implementation. The video begins with the president's statement that he "will keep his word, because he is a person who holds his word as sacred."

The campaign staff of the Civic Coalition (KO) candidate highlights issues such as the increase of the tax-free amount for everyone, the equalization of direct subsidies for Polish farmers, and relief for "frank-loan" holders. The latter promise is contrasted with a statement by Jarosław Kaczyński from an interview with Polish Radio, in which the Law and Justice (PiS) party leader said that "frank-loan" holders should take matters into their own hands.

The last point mentioned in the recording is the announcement of the creation of a Medical Fund, a pledge the president made during the signing of the bill concerning compensation for TVP.


16:32

Trzaskowski:

New Politics Means Learning from Both Successes and Failures, and Listening to People, Not Just Self-Satisfied Rulers

Right at the beginning of the election campaign, I said that a new kind of politics is needed today. New politics means drawing conclusions from what was done well, but also drawing conclusions from what was done poorly, so as to be able to admit that decisions are made under the influence of conversations with people and sometimes different conclusions are reached. This is the essence of new politics – listening to people, not the self-satisfaction of those currently in power

” – said Rafał Trzaskowski, the Civic Coalition's candidate for president and the mayor of Warsaw, in Białystok.


16:39

Trzaskowski:

They're Trying to Hold Us Accountable Despite Ruling for 5 Years. Truly, the Slogan 'And You for the Last 8 Years' Will Unfortunately No Longer Convince Anyone

"The President has not fulfilled the promises he made. They are trying to hold us accountable, despite ruling for 5 years. Truly, the slogan 'And you for the last 8 years' will unfortunately no longer convince anyone. Today, they are the ones in power, and it is them who must be held accountable, and difficult questions must be asked of them. Simple questions must be posed to the ruling party and to President Duda. What about aid for 'Frankowicze' (people with Swiss franc mortgages)? Where is the tax-free allowance? Where are tax-free pensions? Where are the significantly reduced waiting times in healthcare? What about education, which you are trying to destroy and plunge into complete chaos? These are the questions for today" – said Rafał Trzaskowski, the Civic Coalition's presidential candidate and Mayor of Warsaw, in Białystok.


16:41

Trzaskowski:

Five Years Ago, We Paid the Price for Not Listening Enough and Making Difficult Decisions. Today, It's Time for Those Who Ruled for the Last Five Years to Pay the Price.

Today, it’s truly not the time to hold governments accountable for what they did five years ago, because they paid the price for it. To be clear – yes, we paid the price for it five years ago. Including for not listening enough, and also for making decisions that were difficult. And that price was paid. Today, the time has come for those who ruled for the last five years to pay the price” – said Rafał Trzaskowski, candidate of Civic Coalition for the presidency and Mayor of Warsaw, in Białystok.


16:46

Trzaskowski:

No government in history has tried to stigmatize such a large group of our fellow citizens. They started with soldiers and police officers who worked at least one day before 1989. It doesn't matter that they later worked 30 years for a free Po

No government in history, in recent history, has tried to stigmatize such a large group of our fellow citizens. Do you remember? They started with soldiers and police officers who worked at least one day before 1989. It doesn't matter that they later worked for 30 years for a free Poland; PiS still wants to stigmatize them. We've had enough” – said Rafał Trzaskowski, Civic Coalition (KO) presidential candidate and Mayor of Warsaw, in Białystok.

Then they tried to stigmatize diplomats, thanks to whom we are in NATO and the EU today. We're talking about people who worked for many years in the diplomacy of an independent Republic of Poland. Those who are guilty should be judged, but they were judged long ago. Today, it's only about who worked even one day before 1989, and that was enough to stigmatize them. To stigmatize judges, teachers – this is perhaps the greatest sin of this government, to attack entrepreneurs” – he added. 


17:06

Andrzej Duda: I Fulfilled the Vast Majority of My Promises, Including Lowering the Retirement Age, Despite Trzaskowski Voting Against It

- I kindly ask Rafał Trzaskowski to, in that case, compare the promises he made to the residents of Warsaw with how many of them he has kept, because I have kept the vast majority of my promises, such as, for example, lowering the retirement age, even though Rafał Trzaskowski voted against lowering the retirement age. The retirement age was lowered as I promised. 500+ was introduced, even more than I said, because I promised it would start with the second child in the family, and today it is paid for every child in the family. In addition, there is also 300+ for a good start, the 13th pension for seniors, its fair valorization, and I promised that pro-family policy would be implemented, that first and foremost, after long years of PO-PSL rule, because it was 8 years when the retirement age and VAT were raised. We, on the other hand, completely abolished the income tax for young people up to the age of 26. They do not pay tax at all, precisely so that they can find work faster, easier, and do a little more, so I kindly ask Rafał Trzaskowski's team to behave honestly, to compare these promises, and besides, I assume that I have another 5 years to fulfill my commitments, and therefore, I ask all my compatriots, voters, to support me, because I want to continue to implement the tasks that I have undertaken, which lead to Poland becoming a wealthier country, where life is simply better - stated President Andrzej Duda at a press briefing in Krakow.


17:10

President Duda: Medical Fund Act to be Submitted to Sejm 'Literally in the Coming Days'

- The Medical Fund Act will literally be submitted by me to the Sejm in the coming days. The final legislative works in the Chancellery of the President are currently underway on this matter. Today, I was still receiving information from my colleagues who are dealing with legislation - stated President Andrzej Duda at a press conference in Krakow.


17:27

President Duda on PO-PSL Government: They Were a Worse Virus Than Coronavirus, Worse for the Polish Economy

- Look at the pages of history. Look at the fact that in 2015, when we took over power from the PO-PSL coalition, unemployment was over 9%. At the worst moment of the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment rose to 6%, meaning it was lower than when they were in power. They were a worse virus than coronavirus, they were worse for the Polish economy than coronavirus – stated President Andrzej Duda in Krakow.


20:29

Consumer Watchdogs Push Their Agenda in Election Campaign, Questioning Candidates on Social Tariffs and New Tech Taxes
In a letter to presidential candidates, Poland's oldest consumer organization, with branches and activists across the country - the Consumers' Federation - is asking for answers to three questions that are currently of greatest interest to consumers. They are inquiring about the energy market, the so-called reprographic fee (a tax on smartphones), and issues related to food safety. Interestingly, the Consumers' Federation's questions have garnered a significant response on social media for a non-political organization's campaign – in just one day, it received over 1,000 user reactions and almost 100 shares. This is a tactic familiar from, for example, American campaigns, where consumers exert pressure on politicians during election season to obtain commitments, something that is difficult for consumer organizations, which are less financially equipped than large business groups, to achieve. Papers were sent to President Andrzej Duda, Rafał Trzaskowski, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Robert Biedroń, Szymon Hołownia, and Krzysztof Bosak. The first question concerns the energy market and the so-called social tariff for electricity and gas. As the Consumers' Federation writes: "In the absence of a social tariff and a clear definition of energy poverty for all involved entities in Poland, the actions taken so far are ineffective, inconsistent, and inefficient, which threatens the exclusion of numerous social groups. Therefore, we ask the candidates whether they believe a social tariff for electricity and gas should be adopted in Poland." The second question relates to government plans regarding the introduction of a reprographic fee on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. *"The adoption of this solution means a new tax on everyday devices and an increase in their prices. We expect the pretenders to the office of President of the Republic of Poland to clearly declare whether they support this idea or are against it"* - writes the Federation. The Federation states that this would mean introducing a new tax: *"Hidden under the name 'reprographic fee' is a new tax on everyday devices. Ultimately, every consumer who buys new equipment will pay it. Besides taxes from which artists receive subsidies, users independently choose and pay for streaming platforms. These platforms pay a portion of their profits to artists, and moreover, the Polish government recently imposed a new 1.5 percent tax on VoD platforms."* The third question is related to actions for food safety. "As many as 60% of Poles want to buy healthy food. A new European strategy, encompassing the stages of production, processing, as well as trade and consumption, i.e., the entire 'farm to fork' cycle, is intended to guarantee, among other things, food safety. We asked the candidates whether they intend to support consumer organizations' efforts in this regard" - reads the letter from the Consumers' Federation.
Elections are around the corner. The Consumers' Federation has decided to send three specific... Posted by Federacja Konsumentów on Saturday, June 20, 2020

20:53

Political Week Ahead: Final Stretch, PAD in the USA, Trzaskowski's Campaign Enters New Phase, Hołownia's Large-Scale Door-to-Door
PAD in the USA. On Wednesday, President Andrzej Duda will meet with President Donald Trump in the USA. Earlier, on Monday, the head of state will sign a program agreement with the National Council of Agricultural Chambers in Warsaw, and in the afternoon in Wierzchosławice – a program agreement with the NSZZ “S” RI and will meet with the residents of Tarnów. A visit to Podhale is planned for Tuesday, and on Thursday evening – an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat. Further meetings will take place in Poland on Friday, but our interlocutors stress that the entire schedule may change due to the visit to the USA.

Trzaskowski's Campaign Enters New Phase. On Monday, Rafał Trzaskowski's campaign team is launching a new phase with the “Report on the State of the Nation” initiative. Over the last 120 hours of the campaign, each day will be dedicated to a different theme. The first theme is work and workplace safety. On Monday, Rafał Trzaskowski will meet with representatives of various trade unions, including OPZZ and the LOT employees' union, as well as representatives of nurses' unions and other sectors. Within the next week, Trzaskowski will also visit Podkarpacie and the Lublin region.

Hołownia's Large-Scale Door-to-Door. According to Szymon Hołownia's campaign team, a press conference by the candidate on foreign policy is planned for Tuesday, and on Wednesday – the largest "door to door in Poland". A major door-to-door campaign is scheduled to take place across the country, in towns, cities, and villages.

Hołownia on Foreign Policy. As we are told by the independent candidate's campaign team, the expected visit of the President to the USA will reopen the discussion on one of the President's most important powers – co-decision on the directions of foreign policy. Hołownia wants to use this to reintroduce his approach to Poland's position in international politics into the debate.

First Round of Presidential Elections. The presidential elections in Poland will take place on Sunday. Voting will be conducted using a mixed method, meaning both at polling stations and by mail for those who opt for it. 11 candidates are competing for the office of president. Polling stations will be open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A potential second round will take place on July 12th.

Photo: KPRP

20:56

Solidarity Leader Speaks Out on Retirement Age Dispute: "A True Lie and Contempt from Civic Platform and its Satellite Polish People's Party Towards Society, Towards Whom Donald Tusk Hid True Intentions Regarding Pension Plans."

In his statement, Piotr Duda, the head of Solidarity, writes that the "Prime Minister hit a raw nerve, provoking the opposition's genuine fury." "And yet, this was a true lie and contempt from Civic Platform and its satellite Polish People's Party towards society, towards whom Donald Tusk hid his true intentions regarding pension plans. Therefore, the reaction of Civic Platform politicians is not surprising, but Bogdan Lis's reaction is."

"I remind Mr. Lis that lowering the retirement age was one of the flagship postulates of August 1980. Mr. Lis not only forgot about this, but by supporting groups that pursue policies contrary to the August postulates, he forfeits his moral right to speak on behalf of 'Solidarity'," – emphasized the chairman of "S".

Piotr Duda also responded to the words of the legendary activist of underground Solidarity, and today the head of the board of the European Solidarity Centre: "Mr. Lis, it was not 'Solidarity' that betrayed you. It was you who betrayed 'Solidarity', using the Union for your personal career" – stated Duda. He added that "the exam on 'Solidarity' is passed every day, not just – despite your merits – 40 years ago, which is why you should remain silent today."


22:03

Prime Minister to Announce Record PLN 100 Billion Paid Out from Support Shields, Discuss Implementation Experiences with Entrepreneurs to Save 5 Million Jobs
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will announce on Monday that a record PLN 100 billion has already been paid out from the Anti-Crisis and Financial Shields – 300POLITYKA learns from the Prime Minister's associates. On Monday afternoon, at PGE Narodowy, Morawiecki will meet with entrepreneurs to discuss their experiences with the shields and present the horizon and scope of further planned mechanisms – we hear. In recent weeks, the Prime Minister has visited over a dozen beneficiaries of the shields and discussed how they have impacted job preservation. This weekend, in Gdańsk and Słupsk: "With exiting the crisis at a time when other countries are clearly sinking into recession. Here, cooperation between the Sejm, the government, the President, and local governments is key. That's why we quickly proposed solutions aimed at saving the Polish economy. Saving Polish jobs. And these solutions have been described by analysts as the largest fiscal package in Europe," the Prime Minister said on Sunday in Gdańsk. Morawiecki also signaled the prospect of expanding the shields: "Our shields, which we have already proposed to Polish entrepreneurs for job preservation, are a very good instrument that we must develop. We must broaden their scope. And we are doing that today," the Prime Minister said on Sunday.

22:19

President Visits Flood-Ravaged Areas
"The force of nature in the mountains is sometimes hard to imagine. A flood comes, destroys, and disappears. The residents of the Myślenice and Bochnia districts in Małopolska experienced this once again. Huge thanks to the PSP and OSP firefighters for their dedicated service and help to those in need" - the President wrote on Twitter. In the afternoon on Sunday, Andrzej Duda visited, among others, the municipalities of Pcim, Wiśniowa, and Raciechowice, which suffered the consequences of heavy rainfall in these areas. Earlier, the President attended a meeting of the provincial crisis management team in Krakow. At a press briefing, he assured that the Małopolska Voivode is prepared so that the payout of PLN 6,000 for flooded buildings can be implemented starting Monday.