It Would Be a Speculation on Gold Prices; the European SAFE is Safer.
- Sikorski on Nawrocki's Proposal
Hot Topic
Live Feed
09/20/2020
10:06
Żukowska:
MEP Spurek Represents Only Herself, We Are Not Responsible for Her Current Activities. We, However, Want to Introduce a Ban on Cage Farming.
- MEP Spurek represents only herself; we are not responsible for her current activities, she has left us. We, however, want to introduce a ban on cage farming. Keeping hens in cages where they cannot even move is unacceptable to us. This law is a significant step forward, we are pleased that PiS has adopted our proposals, and I feel satisfied that such a parliamentary majority has been found - said Anna Maria Żukowska on Woronicza 17.
10:02
Buda:
We Counted on Consequences. MPs' Concerns Stem from Lobbyists' Actions and Misinformation. We Will Debunk These Falsehoods
- The President himself has often said he is sensitive on this point. One must be authentic in this and, when the opportunity arises, present solutions. We counted on the consequences - we knew there would be an opposing group, but we don't understand this situation because we argued that the whole world is moving in this direction. The MPs' concerns stem from the actions of lobbyists and the misinformation being fed to them. We will debunk the false information that is emerging about the act. We have shown that we can rise above divisions - said the Deputy Minister of Regional Policy, Waldemar Buda.
10:04
Buda:
We Won't Go Further on This Matter. However, There's No Talk of Further Restrictions on Raising Animals for Food. Our Commissioner Supports Animal Welfare, But Also Agricultural Production
- We will not go any further in this matter. Fur farming is inhumane, but consumption has also decreased. Animal suffering is excessive. However, there is no question of further restrictions on raising animals for food. If the left wants to go further here, we will not accompany them. What Ms. Spurek is saying is absurd. All animal breeders and those involved in animal production can sleep soundly. Our commissioner supports animal welfare, but also agricultural production - said Waldemar Buda in Woronicza 17.
10:11
Mucha:
There is broad public and parliamentary consensus on banning fur farming. Much inaccurate information needs to be corrected.
- The discussions suggest that changes can be expected in the Senate, and it cannot be ruled out that senators will submit amendments based on certain understandings. If such amendments appear, the Sejm will decide which ones to adopt. There is no certainty about the final shape of the bill, and the president makes a decision concerning the final shape of the bill. This is a bill in progress, and I consistently adhere to not anticipating the president's decision. Regarding the ban on fur farming, there is broad consensus among the majority of public opinion and parliamentarians. There is a lot of inaccurate information that needs to be corrected, stating that agricultural activity will not be restricted, and Commissioner Wojciechowski is drawing attention to this - said Paweł Mucha in Woronicza 17.
10:21
Buda:
Our Coalition Partners Increased Their Appetites; They Wanted to Negotiate Every Single Law. Negotiating Individual Laws is Characteristic of Minority Governments, and All Indications Point Towards Us Heading in That Direction
- Our coalition partners increased their appetites; they wanted to negotiate every single law. More and more issues appeared on the table, which raised our concerns because the coalition partners were presenting dozens of new matters, and this caused us concern. We had the impression that the talks were being deliberately prolonged. Negotiating individual laws is characteristic of minority governments, and all indications point towards us heading in that direction. We will negotiate such matters individually, but our coalition partners will not be in the executive bodies. If there is an appetite for more, we will not agree to it. Our desire for a friendly discussion about the coalition agreement is diminishing. We cannot afford to allow everything - said Deputy Minister of Regional Policy, Waldemar Buda.
10:25
Buda:
Resignations and a Coalition-Free Reconstruction are the Obvious Consequence. Too Many Things Have Happened, and This is the Most Likely Scenario
"The obvious consequence is government resignations and a reconstruction without the participation of coalition partners. Too many things have happened, and this is the most likely scenario," said Buda.
10:26
Żukowska:
A Minority Government Offers the Opposition Far Greater Opportunities to Influence Political Reality. We Are Absolutely Open to Talks on Specific Solutions.
- A minority government offers the opposition far greater opportunities to influence political reality. To influence individual regulations and the shape of laws, and here we are absolutely open to talks about specific solutions that have not yet garnered interest, e.g., protection of employee rights, persons with disabilities. We will support such solutions and propose our own. The left is absolutely ready for discussions on concrete solutions. But for now, there is no resignation and there isn't. However, I firmly declare that the left is ready for any variants, even the 'nuclear' option and elections, to which we will go even broader than to the previous ones - said Anna Maria Żukowska.
10:34
Żukowska on Constructive Vote of No Confidence: We Are Not Ready for Parliamentary Cooperation with Konfederacja; Differences on Values and Ideas Are Too Great. We See No Possibility of Agreement Here.
- We are not ready for parliamentary cooperation with Konfederacja; the differences in our programs regarding values and ideas are too great. We see no possibility of agreement here. We have very good relations with Civic Coalition and PSL, but we rule out such a possibility with Konfederacja - said Anna Maria Żukowska on Woronicza 17.
10:37
Mucha:
We are aware of the arithmetic. I view a constructive vote of no confidence with great skepticism; such a solution is improbable, and a minority government leads to early elections.
- The situation can foresee various variants. Nothing in politics is certain. After the President's decisive victory, we expected this situation to be very stable. The achievements of the United Right are very positive. These are huge social changes, 500+, the 13th pension. And this is an argument for unity. We are aware of the arithmetic. I view a constructive vote of no confidence with great skepticism; such a solution is improbable. Two scenarios seem more likely to me – an agreement between the partners of the United Right after clarifying contentious issues, or a minority government that seeks support from various sides on specific projects. In the long run, this doesn't always work, and the prospect of early elections emerges. In 2015, Andrzej Duda's victory opened the way for program implementation, and now another victory has shown significant public support for continuation - Paweł Mucha said in Woronicza 17.
10:46
Zybertowicz:
I primarily wanted to express regret towards Civic Platform activists who, instead of enjoying their weekend, have to follow MP Budka's orders for full readiness.
I primarily wanted to express regret towards Civic Platform activists who, instead of enjoying their weekend, have to follow MP Budka's orders for full readiness. They are running around, lining up, sharpening their minds - said Prof. Andrzej Zybertowicz on Polsat News Breakfast.
10:56
Zybertowicz:
I hope the experiences of the past five years will curb those right-wing politicians whose egos exceed their ability to create actual policy
- In the Polish constitutional system, the president cannot act as a gamekeeper with a shotgun, reconciling warring parties, but can act as a moderator. However, at the current stage, there is no need for presidential intervention in the government reconstruction process. I believe the parties will reach an agreement in the end. I base this on a look at the past; the last five years saw the country go through a development process, and our economy, despite all the opposition's incantations, developed well. Key promises were fulfilled, and even RPO, Mr. Bodnar recently, said that the state functioned efficiently during COVID. And I hope these experiences will curb those right-wing politicians whose egos exceed their ability to create actual policy - said Prof. Andrzej Zybertowicz in an interview on Polsat News's "Śniadanie".
11:14
Suski:
It Was a Political Decision to Vote Against. I Don't Believe That Among These Two Small Groups of Our Former Coalition Partners There Are So Many Supporters of Skinning Animals.
- It was a political decision to vote against. I don't believe that among these two small groups of our former coalition partners there are so many supporters of skinning animals and murdering them in a cruel way. It was a kind of declaration of war on the coalition, and today this coalition does not exist. They put matters of morality, conscience, and love for animals on the scales of the coalition – said Marek Suski in the "Śniadanie" program on Polsat News.
11:32
Suski:
If Necessary, We Will Go to Elections. For Now, Platforma is Unprepared, They Aren't Even Ready to Choose Their Club Leader
- If necessary, we will go to elections. For now, Platforma is unprepared, they aren't even ready to choose their club leader. It's a knife-fight among them, it's a gang war there - said Marek Suski in the "Śniadanie Polsat News" program.
11:45
Fogiel:
Coalition Cannot Function If Members Have Separate Agendas or Punch Above Their Political Weight. From Our Side, the Message is Clear: Functionally, the Coalition No Longer Exists
"A coalition cannot function if its individual members have separate agendas or if they try to box above their political weight. From our side, the message is clear: functionally, the coalition no longer exists. I don't think any of the laws were the root of the problem; they surfaced because after a few days, agreements are being broken and could essentially be shelved," said Radosław Fogiel on "Kawa na ławę."
14:36
Duda:
Animal Welfare is Crucial to Me, but We Must Not Forget the Farmer's Livelihood Comes First
- Work on the bill has not yet concluded, but I promise, while animal welfare is certainly very important to me – that they are treated humanely, that they live in the best possible conditions – we must not forget that the farmer's livelihood, the quality of their life and their family's life, comes first. This must also be remembered during all legislative work - said President Andrzej Duda during the presidential harvest festival, which, due to the pandemic, was held in front of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw.
- From this place, I promise Polish farmers, while calmly observing parliamentary work, to remain calm. The work is ongoing, it has not yet concluded. The final form of the work will of course reach me, so that I can make a decision regarding its further fate. When making this decision, I will, of course, take into account the issues of humane treatment of animals, animal welfare – all those that are important, but I will also consider the livelihood and quality of life of Polish farmers. You can be sure of this - added the president.
19:47
Political Week Ahead: PiS Leadership Meeting, President Duda's Vatican Trip Sets Timeline for Potential Government Reshuffle, EU Summit, 'Five for Animals' Public Hearing
The upcoming week in politics will primarily be characterized by ongoing discussions regarding the future of the ruling coalition. The leadership of the Law and Justice party (PiS) is scheduled to meet on Monday. Should decisions be made for a swift government reshuffle, these changes would need to be implemented by Tuesday noon at the latest, as President Duda is set to depart for the Vatican thereafter and will not return until Friday.
Other key topics for the week include the Senate's work on the so-called 'Five for Animals' legislation – a public hearing will be held during a committee meeting – as well as the European Council meeting, the Civic Platform's National Council, and an update to Poland's credit rating by Fitch.
*****
PiS Leadership. - "Right now, to be honest, I don't know [what Zbigniew Ziobro could do]. Because all our arrangements have, in a sense, been left hanging. So let's wait, on Monday the PiS leadership will convene and decide what we will do and how we will proceed in the coming days," announced Ryszard Terlecki, the PiS parliamentary group leader, a few days ago.
PAD in the Vatican. President Andrzej Duda will travel to Italy and the Vatican on Tuesday afternoon. His return is planned for Friday evening, meaning that if a decision for rapid government changes is made, the deadline is Tuesday noon. Furthermore, President Duda's schedule this week includes appointments for Adam Lipiński and Marta Gajęcka to the National Bank of Poland (NBP).
CJEU on the so-called new Supreme Court Judges. On Tuesday, a hearing will take place before the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union, concerning preliminary questions from the Supreme Court regarding the Disciplinary Chamber and the Chamber of Extraordinary Control and Public Affairs of the Supreme Court, as well as the individuals appointed to them with the involvement of the so-called new National Judicial Council (KRS).
'Five for Animals' Public Hearing. On Wednesday at 11:00 AM, the Senate Legislative Committee will address the so-called 'Five for Animals,' which is an amendment to the Animal Protection Act. As senators have announced, a public hearing will be held on this day as part of the Senate's proceedings.
European Council. On Thursday and Friday, EU leaders will meet in Brussels to discuss the single market, industrial policy, digital transformation, and external relations – particularly with Turkey and China. The summit will also be an opportunity to assess the situation related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Poland's Rating Update. On Friday, Fitch – one of the three major rating agencies – will update Poland's credit rating.
Civic Platform National Council. According to the announcements of the leader of the largest opposition party, Borys Budka, the Civic Platform's National Council is scheduled to meet on Saturday.
Photo: Google Maps
20:00
Tusk:
Good advice for the opposition too. When your opponent starts making mistakes, don't get in their way
- Frankly, and I think this is also good advice for the opposition. When your opponent starts making mistakes, don't get in their way. Don't interfere, and you will probably understand me well when I say that today I am one of the last people who would want to give political advice to this team - stated Donald Tusk in an interview with Piotr Kraśko on TVN24's "Fakty po faktach".
20:09
Tusk:
It Seems Kaczyński Holds All the Cards, Except One: The Alleged Materials, the Hooks
- From the perspective of the country's interests, it seems rather insignificant to me who prevails. However, Zbigniew Ziobro is known for his rather ruthless cynicism and readiness to use all possible instruments of power, and Kaczyński is not far behind in earning the title of the first cynic in Polish politics. So, frankly, I am quite indifferent as to who takes the upper hand. It seems that Kaczyński holds all the cards, except for this one. That is, these alleged materials, the hooks, because this political formation practically hangs by hooks, and its success has always hung by hooks and by playing with these political and criminal traps and instruments. So, of course, the fear in the eyes of Kaczyński and his associates is also visible - stated Donald Tusk in "Fakty po faktach" on TVN24.
20:18
Tusk:
Kaczyński is intimidating his political counterparts, especially Ziobro, but I'm almost certain he won't dare to call early elections right now
I have it somewhat fresh in my memory, it was quite some time ago, but it had an impact on my entire life, including my political life. I'm talking about the early elections in 2007. And I have the impression that Jarosław Kaczyński remembers that loss in the early elections and the loss of power well. Actually, completely unnecessarily, considering what he had in his hands, just as he has almost everything in his hands today. So risking that seems irrational. But as we've already said, at least I said, Kaczyński sometimes steps outside of such rationality, even if it's a slightly mafia-like rationality, but he often acts rationally. And indeed, he sometimes steps out of line, and then he experiences very serious trouble. Just as he never wanted to return to public debate with his opponents again, because he had that painful feeling of defeat in 2007, so I don't think he would want to repeat the political experiment that early elections would be. So, if you ask me for an assessment, I think Jarosław Kaczyński is intimidating his political counterparts, especially Mr. Ziobro, but I am almost certain that he will not dare to call early elections at this time. Therefore, it is ultimately a bit of a game of appearances and blackmail without substance – stated Donald Tusk in TVN24's "Fakty po faktach".
20:22
Tusk Warns Against 'Government of Everyone' Against PiS, Emphasizing Need for Electoral Mandate to Govern
– I would certainly caution against thinking about building, for example, a government of everyone in parliament today against PiS, because such signals have also appeared in the public sphere, suggesting that a majority coalition in this parliament, directed against PiS and Kaczyński, is possible. The same scenario was suggested to me in 2007. I believe the situation in the country is so serious that to govern, one needs a truly good, strong mandate and a good, strong, and as cohesive a team as possible. To put it plainly, to govern in difficult situations, one needs a mandate derived from winning elections – stated Donald Tusk on TVN24's "Fakty po faktach".
20:30
Tusk Urges Opposition Leaders to Consider Joint Action, Exclude Negative Emotions
- I would urge all opposition leaders, without exception – I mean the democratic part of the opposition – not to exclude joint action in their thinking. I would tell them to discard any negative emotions towards their competitors, but at the same time, potential allies on this democratic side of the opposition, and that’s where I would start preparations for what I hope will be a swift takeover of power, within 3 years at the latest – stated Donald Tusk on TVN24’s “Fakty po faktach”.
recommended
Scandalous Behavior.
- Kosiniak-Kamysz Calls for Suski's Punishment
Hot Topic
Let's Strengthen the Polish Army Without Risk.
- A New PiS Infographic
Hot Topic
Zero Concrete Details for Now.
- Szłapka Calls on Nawrocki Regarding SAFE
Hot Topic
Tusk Must Have Received an Ultimatum from the European Commission. Błaszczak on SAFE
Hot Topic
Perhaps the Timing Could Have Been Better.
- Fogiel on Morawiecki's Friday Press Conference
Hot Topic
