Live Feed

12/06/2023

07:26

Wednesday's Political Agenda: Sejm to Discuss Energy Prices and Rule Changes

The Sejm will resume its session at 9:00 AM with the swearing-in of a member of the state commission for combating the sexual exploitation of minors under 15 years of age.

At 9:30 AM, first readings will take place concerning drafts for supporting recipients of electricity, gaseous fuels, and heat, as well as some other acts. The first draft was submitted by the government, the second by the opposition, which included provisions referred to as the so-called "wind farm act." Ultimately, a self-amendment was submitted last evening, which deletes the controversial entries. Two Sejm committees are scheduled to convene on this matter as early as 2:30 PM.

After 1:00 PM, the second reading of the government's draft amendment to the act on the functioning of hard coal mining will begin, and at 3:30 PM, the first reading of the draft amendment to the resolution on changing the Sejm's standing orders, presented by the Sejm presidium. In short, this concerns simplifying the procedure for selecting a prime minister during the so-called second step.

Wednesday is also the second day of the Monetary Policy Council's session.

08:02

Borys on Wind Turbine Regulations: The Law Must Await Government Procedure and Broader Consultations
- Everything indicates that this will be a government project, I'm talking about the part related to wind turbines. Following yesterday's self-amendment, which was submitted in the afternoon, we are excluding from the part of the act that freezes electricity prices and provides financial security for these surplus profits, and directing it to Orlen, which will cover these financial costs that it incurred, nearly 40 billion Polish zloty in profit. European and Polish law allow for this – said Piotr Borys in an interview with Stanisław Janecki on the program "24 Pytania" on PR24. - The law must await government procedure and broader consultations; it is arousing a great deal of emotion, and I think this is probably the best solution – he continued.

08:10

Borys:

After the exposé, we will begin work on the budget, there will be changes
- We are waiting for the new Prime Minister [...]. The budget is waiting, freezing bills are waiting, a number of other elements, many provisions were not included in the budget act that Prime Minister Morawiecki presented in September, so in reality, after the exposé, we will begin work on the budget, because also an element of the coalition's program, which will be announced in the exposé, will be changes to the budget, let's wait, certainly a law also related to credit holidays will take place - said Piotr Borys on PR24.

08:26

Horała on his CPK Successor: 'His Track Record, To Put It Mildly, Wasn't in Poland's Interest'
- Regarding the airport itself [CPK], there are, of course, several pathways, as with any investment. We are, one might say, at the very end of the administrative pathway, we can see the finish line, because we have submitted the application for the location permit […]. However, thanks to the CPK Act, based on the environmental decision, which is perhaps the most important and difficult one to obtain, we can commence, and have commenced, the first category of construction works, namely preparatory works – stated Marcin Horała on the program 'Sygnały Dnia' on PR1. - In terms of the business dimension, after very long and difficult, painstaking negotiations, a competitive procedure, technical dialogue, etc., we have selected the best offer from a minority investor, the Vinci and IFM consortium. Now, the technical conditions of the agreement, corporate approvals […], are being finalized. Mr. Maciej Lasek has invested himself quite heavily personally in opposing CPK, that's the first thing. Secondly, he has a track record, to put it mildly, that was not in Poland's interest – he continued.

08:33

Gramatyka:

My Candidate for Minister of Climate is Hennig-Kloska, and So Is My Political Circle
- My candidate for Minister of Climate is Paulina Hennig-Kloska. My political circle's too - stated Michał Gramatyka in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

08:34

Horała:

The Pegasus Scandal is Based on Pure Insinuations, the Visa Scandal was a Minor, Simple Criminal Matter
- The Pegasus [scandal] is based on pure insinuation. I haven't yet seen any shred of evidence in this matter that anything was amiss. Because the fact that in a democratic, modern Western state, special services, with the consent of the prosecutor's office and under court supervision, can, in criminal cases they are handling, for example, eavesdrop on suspects of being criminals, is obvious [...]. The visa scandal, which was a minor, simple criminal matter, and here a commission would be very interesting, but rather for media experts, social psychologists, on how one can take a rather small and simple criminal matter, detected and, so to speak, dismantled by the services, and turn it into some mega-scandal that probably even had some impact on the election results, so this is an interesting phenomenon, but not for a parliamentary investigative committee – said Marcin Horała in PR1.

08:39

Gramatyka:

I'm Not Happy About What's Happening to Hennig-Kloska. I Hope She Survives the Media Storm Around the Wind Power Act
- I'm not happy about what's happening to Paulina Hennig-Kloska. She is an extremely honest person, very hardworking, very deeply engaged, and knows the subject matter excellently. I hope she simply survives this media storm around the [wind power] act - said Michał Gramatyka in the "Morning Interview" on RMF FM.

08:47

Gramatyka:

I Will Not Vote for Any Expropriations for Wind Turbine Construction. Such Provisions Were Not in the Act Either
- In principle, there is no topic, because yesterday at a press conference, the Marshal of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, said that these two topics: the 'freezing' act on freezing energy prices [...] and the wind turbine act, will be separated - said Michał Gramatyka in the 'Morning Interview' on RMF FM. - There are no expropriations for wind turbine construction. [...] If it depended on me, there would be no expropriations. I will not vote for any expropriations for wind turbine construction. Such provisions were not in this act either - he continued.

08:58

Szydło:

Marshal Hołownia is Pushing the Boundaries of Seriousness. Perhaps He Lacks Much Knowledge in This Area, as He is Only a First-Term MP.
Marshal Hołownia is starting to push the boundaries of seriousness with such behavior. Perhaps he lacks much knowledge in this area, as he is only a first-term Member of Parliament. All constitutional procedures have been fulfilled. President Andrzej Duda, in accordance with the constitution, appointed the prime minister and the government. Whether the marshal likes it or not, many people may be surprised that the marshal announces in two years that he might no longer be the marshal, but these ministers are constitutional, and the prime minister has a mission to form a government - stated Beata Szydło in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program “Gość Radia Zet”.

09:03

Sawicki on the Wind Turbine Act: Lessons Learned from PiS's Poor Practices
- Lessons were likely drawn from the Law and Justice party's poor practices, where every act contained numerous insertions, which the then-opposition criticized, and now they have fallen into the same trap and wanted to use a similar variant - stated Marek Sawicki in an interview with Marek Pyza on the program “Kwadrans Polityczny” on TVP1.

09:04

Sawicki:

We Had 8 Years of Practicing Not Listening to Public Opinion and Media, Now We Have a Policy of Listening
- That is what public opinion is for, that is what you as media are for, to draw attention, and we are politicians for that purpose, to listen or not to listen, and we had 8 years of practicing not listening to public opinion and media; now we have a policy of listening, and this provision was abandoned, although this wind energy act could have been improved - stated Marek Sawicki on TVP1. - It was necessary to return to the original distance proposed over half a year ago, which is a minimum of 500 meters from buildings. Perhaps also to add this element of environmental impact, meaning noise or interference related to the rotation of wind turbines, so all these elements could have been taken into account - he added.

09:07

Sawicki:

The Prosecutor's Office Cannot Establish Facts Regarding Pegasus and Lost Evidence, Yet Launches Proceedings on a Bill Project. Congratulations, Wishing You Success
- I am very pleased that two bodies in the Polish state have gotten to work after the elections: the Constitutional Tribunal and the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor's office, for some reason, is unable to establish and initiate proceedings concerning matters such as Pegasus and lost evidence, yet here it is initiating proceedings on a bill project, which doesn't even exist yet and is only a draft. Congratulations, I wish you success, I await the results - stated Marek Sawicki on TVP1.

09:08

Sawicki:

I thought Morawiecki would at least resolve the border conflict with Ukraine, but he hasn't
- For another 6 days, they must not lose hope, they really should try. I thought that during this time, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki would at least resolve the Polish-Ukrainian border conflict. No, he will be chasing alleged criminals in a bill project that isn't a bill yet - stated Marek Sawicki on TVP1.

09:11

Morawiecki:

Zero VAT on Food Legislation Ready, but New Parliamentary Majority Faces Obstacles Due to its Government Origin

- The legislation for zero VAT on food for the first half of 2024 is ready. However, the new parliamentary majority is encountering difficulties in its adoption because it was authored by our government. They are inventing various excuses, for example, that we did not secure the funds for it in the budget. This is, of course, untrue, because the money is there. The Polish budget is in a very good state. In previous years, we introduced zero VAT on food by regulation, and no one complained. But if someone is looking for excuses, they will always find them. Like that ballet dancer from a well-known proverb - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in a recording published on social media.

- Listen to the Civic Platform candidate for finance minister [regarding VAT returning to 5%]. So, as usual, they simply do not want this solution. For their approach, Poles will unfortunately pay at the checkouts of local shops and supermarkets - he emphasized.

09:14

Sawicki:

I'm Not a Fan of Further Credit Holidays
- If only banks, and not consumers, were to profit from the law on credit holidays, then it's better that its proceedings have been temporarily halted and that better solutions are being prepared - stated Marek Sawicki on TVP1. - I am not a fan of further credit holiday solutions for people, because they will have to repay these loans someday. What is delayed is not lost - he added.

09:15

Szydło:

Gaining Confidence Vote Will Be Very Difficult, But Not Because the Proposal for Poland is Bad or Due to a Game. No, the Show is Happening in the Sejm Right Now

- Gaining a confidence vote will be very difficult, but not because the proposal for Poland will be bad or because it's some kind of game, a show. No, the show is happening in the Sejm right now. This government was truly appointed constitutionally by the president. Even if this government were to be appointed for a single day, if the constitutional procedure is fulfilled and the president has entrusted the mission to this government, then it is a government - stated Beata Szydło in the program "Gość Radia Zet".

09:23

Szydło on Generational Change in PiS: "Certainly, Many More New Ideas and Dynamics Are Needed"

- Certainly, many more new ideas and new dynamics are needed. Yes, young people are needed - stated Beata Szydło on the program "Gość Radia Zet".

09:25

Hołownia:

I will propose to the Presidium that at the beginning of each session day, we have statements from caucuses and parliamentary groups on current matters

- I understand the essence of formal motions, that this is the moment when we can speak on matters that are pressing for us. I will propose to the Presidium that at the beginning of each session day, we have statements from caucuses and parliamentary groups on current matters, so that everyone can have their say on pressing issues, rather than claiming that something which is not a formal motion is a formal motion - stated Szymon Hołownia in the Sejm.

09:30

Szydło:

Regarding Mining, We Made No Mistakes

- Regarding mining, we made no mistakes. We did everything to, above all, initiate new investment processes. For mining to be able to develop, investments must be made. PO and PSL didn't invest at all. The investment process for a new wall takes several years. It can't be done overnight - stated Beata Szydło on the program "Gość Radia Zet".

10:45

Gadowski:

Had the government been formed immediately after the elections, we, as MPs, wouldn't have had to prepare this bill.
- Today you are presenting a bill. I will say: it's good that you are presenting it. The question is only, why today? Why did you submit it so late? Why did this project only arrive on November 23rd? You had the legal instruments ready, and you are stretching this string between Poles until the very end. You are keeping Poles in suspense all the time - said Krzysztof Gadowski during a Sejm session. - What have you done with the funds that go into the budget, the revenue from CO2? What have you done with those billions, tens of billions of zlotys? Where are the funds from the KPO for network modernization, for energy sector modernization? Where is that money? [...] Your bill, which freezes prices and was submitted only in November 2023, forced us, or rather provoked us, to submit our own motion alongside it. To submit our own bill that will protect Poles, because you haven't considered anything at all, which is why a parliamentary bill emerged - he continued. - Until December 11th, despite having a majority in this chamber, the democratic opposition cannot form a government because you are blocking [...] Had this government been formed immediately after the elections, we, as MPs, would not have had to prepare this bill. But since experts, since the President of URE [...] says that electricity prices for ordinary Poles could jump by almost 70%, and you are not reacting, we are submitting such a bill. [...] We submitted this bill to the Speaker of the Sejm to protect Poles from your energy policy, from the increases that you have provided, because you have been unable to protect Poles for eight years - he continued. - Since the submission of this parliamentary bill, a broad debate on this topic has taken place. It's good that it happened, that our project was subject to broad consultation with Poles. [...] We truly respect their voice, we respect their remarks and amendments, which is why yesterday we submitted an amendment to this project. [...] We believe that these [energy] prices should be frozen at this year's level. [...] We are talking about this freeze being in effect for six months. Why? Because our sudden takeover of power showed that economic indicators started to rise after the elections. The energy price frozen by you is practically dead for entrepreneurs, because today the market is already setting a lower price [...]. We are also changing the way money is accessed to pay for this entire freeze. [...] On behalf of the sponsoring MPs, on behalf of the parliamentary majority, the democratic one, I move for the adoption of the solutions presented in the discussed project - he added.

10:45

Buda:

Hennig-Kloska is this term's Rywin in a skirt

- The role and situation of MP Gadowski are exceptionally difficult. MP Hennig-Kloska got scared, she didn't appear, she is no longer backing this project. She exposed Mr. Gadowski, and so he had to defend something indefensible. This is indefensible. Polish parliamentarism does not remember anything like this. A classic law on freezing electricity prices, the PiS government presented solutions a few weeks earlier that had already been working for a whole year. There was no doubt, they provided relief to millions of households, and suddenly a provision appears, a bill that clumsily copies our solutions, but to this are added provisions whose origin – we still don't know – stated Waldemar Buda in the Sejm.

- MP Hennig-Kloska is this term's Rywin in a skirt. Rywin in a skirt. It is already evident that every bill of yours needs to be examined word by word, because lobbyists are lurking around you and want to pursue their interests – he continued.

10:45

Buda:

It's a Flawed Piece of Work That Will Be Written About in Books

- It's a flawed piece of work that books will be written about, and you, after 4 days of saying it's a perfect project, are submitting an amendment - mind you - of 69 pages. Such a perfect project it was, that 69 pages of amendments are needed - stated Waldemar Buda in the Sejm.

10:46

Buda:

It Was Supposed to Be Civic Coalition, But It's a Lobbying Agency

- Today one can say - it was supposed to be Civic Coalition, but it's a lobbying agency - stated Waldemar Buda in the Sejm.

10:53

Hennig-Kloska on Withdrawing from Part of the Law: We Cannot Allow Ourselves to Give President Duda a Pretext to Veto the Bill, and You to Do Everything to Make That Happen
Why did we withdraw from part of the law? We cannot allow ourselves to give President Duda a pretext to veto the bill, and you to do everything to make that happen. Then Poles would pay more for their bills, for electricity, for gas, for heating. We cannot. The well-being of Polish women and men is the most important to us, unlike to you. Unlike you, we will also rebuild Poland's energy sovereignty - stated Paulina Hennig-Kloska in the Sejm.

11:01

Flowers for Hennig-Kloska at the End of Her Speech

Paulina Hennig-Kloska – right after concluding her speech in the Sejm – received a bouquet of flowers, likely from MPs of the parliamentary majority.

11:14

Hennig-Kloska:

You are leaving Poland in a state of economic danger, exposing citizens to it by abandoning the government

- This is the fifth time in a row that everyone in Poland is concerned about a gigantic crisis in energy, heating, and gas prices. This is the fifth year that the Sejm convenes in December to try, through legislation and state budget subsidies, to counteract the extremely difficult price increases we have been facing since January 1st of the following year. I will remind you once again of December 28, 2018, when MP Suski rushed into the Sejm in a panic, calling for an extraordinary session so that before the 2019 elections, you wouldn't experience gigantic energy price hikes - stated Paulina Hennig-Kloska in the Sejm.

- What is the situation today? You are leaving Poland in a situation where, starting from the new year, households face energy price increases of 76%, gas by 48%, and heating, depending on the source, from 31% to 196%. This is an economic danger to which you are exposing citizens by abandoning the government and handing it over to the next administration - she added.

11:18

Hennig-Kloska:

This Is How You Govern – You Can't Say What Energy Prices Will Be

- What the minister told us today is appalling. I don't know, Minister, if you realize what you said here today. It is December 6th, and you admitted from the parliamentary rostrum today that you are unable to say what the tariffs will be for small and medium-sized enterprises from January 1st next year. This is how you govern – you can't say what the prices will be - stated Paulina Hennig-Kloska in the Sejm.

- And do you know who the URE reports to, who the Minister reports to, because it seems to me that it's the Prime Minister, so who should tell Polish entrepreneurs today what prices they will receive from January 1st. You should, and you cannot answer this question - she added.

11:30

ORLEN Invests in Energy Efficiency at Czech Refinery

PARTNER TEXT

Unipetrol, part of the ORLEN Group, is building a heat recovery installation at its production plant in Kralupy nad Vltavou. This investment will improve the refinery's energy efficiency – the heat from exhaust gases, which previously escaped into the atmosphere, will be used to heat water for technological processes. This will allow for savings of up to 5 MW of thermal energy per hour. Over the year, the installation will enable the recovery of enough heat to warm nearly 10,000 households. The installation will utilize innovative solutions developed by engineers from ORLEN Unipetrol. The project, valued at approximately CZK 0.5 billion (around PLN 100 million), is part of the ORLEN Group's efforts to achieve emission neutrality by 2050.

– ORLEN, as a leader in the energy transformation in Central Europe, is taking concrete actions to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. The construction of the heat recovery unit at the refinery in Kralupy, Czech Republic, will contribute to improving the plant's energy efficiency, which will not only provide a beneficial environmental effect but also reduce its operating costs. The investment will utilize unique polymer heat exchanger technology, an original solution from ORLEN Unipetrol. Research and development in green technologies will be a significant element of the concern's development in the coming years, contributing to the achievement of the Group's strategic goals and aspirations – says Daniel Obajtek, President of the ORLEN Management Board.

The investment at the Kralupy refinery involves the construction of a heat recovery installation from exhaust gases generated, among other things, during the crude oil distillation process. ORLEN Unipetrol will use this energy to reheat boiler water, from which steam is produced to power the most important equipment in the catalytic cracking unit at the Kralupy refinery.

– Improving energy efficiency is one of ORLEN Unipetrol's strategic goals and a necessary step towards achieving emission neutrality for the ORLEN Group by 2050. By 2030, we plan to spend approximately CZK 30 billion (around PLN 5.3 billion) on projects related to reducing CO2 emissions and improving energy efficiency. The investment in the exhaust gas heat recovery installation is among the company's key initiatives – says Maciej Romanów, member of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group Management Board.

Boiler water has specific physicochemical properties that enable its use in energy installations. Currently, all boiler water used at the ORLEN Unipetrol plant in Kralupy is supplied by a municipal combined heat and power plant powered by natural gas. By heating the water to a high temperature, it is easier to produce steam, which occurs within the refinery itself. After use, the steam cools and condenses, and the resulting condensate is sent back by Unipetrol to the combined heat and power plant for reheating. The launch of the heat recovery installation will enable ORLEN Unipetrol to independently heat a portion of the condensate for steam production, using exhaust gas heat for this purpose. These gases have an energy output of approximately 5 MW, which will allow for heating approximately 330,000 cubic meters of water per hour to a temperature of 170°C. This means the Kralupy refinery will be able to produce about 1/3 of its required boiler water independently, without the need for additional fossil fuel combustion. This translates to a potential reduction in CO2 emissions by 15,000 tons per year in the overall process of obtaining boiler water.

The heat recovery installation being built in Kralupy utilizes an innovative solution developed by engineers from the Czech ORLEN company. It involves the use of polymer heat exchangers, which are resistant to the acids formed from the combination of water and other substances contained in the exhaust gases. This allows for the recovery of even more heat by cooling the gases below the temperature at which acid condensation occurs. In the case of commonly used metal heat exchangers, the gases must maintain a higher temperature to prevent corrosion caused by acid.

The ORLEN Unipetrol Group is the largest refining and petrochemical company in the Czech Republic. It has been part of the ORLEN Group since 2005. It is involved in crude oil processing and the production, distribution, and sale of automotive fuels and petrochemical products – particularly plastics and fertilizers. In all these areas, it is a key player in the Czech Republic and holds a strong position in the Central European market. The ORLEN Unipetrol Group includes refineries and production plants in Litvínov and Kralupy nad Vltavou, Paramo in Pardubice, Spolana in Neratovice, REMAQ in Otrokovice, and two research centers in Litvínov and Brno. ORLEN Unipetrol also owns the ORLEN fuel station network in the Czech Republic, as well as the ORLEN network in Slovakia and Hungary. ORLEN Unipetrol is one of the largest companies in the Czech Republic by turnover. It employs nearly 6,000 people. ORLEN Unipetrol is also a socially responsible company, particularly in the areas of supporting sustainable development, education, local communities, and the environment.

12:58

40% of Adult Accounts at Bank Pekao S.A. Now Opened Online via "Selfie"

40% of adult accounts at Bank Pekao S.A. are now opened online, via "selfie". The bank is introducing a new feature – customers can now verify their identity by logging into another bank during this process. Those who use this method can receive up to PLN 200 for opening an account and enjoy a promotional 6.5% interest rate on their savings account.

Pekao was the first in Poland to implement the online account opening process using selfies in 2019. Since then, over 340,000 people have used this method to open an account with the bank. This solution allows customers to open an account conveniently, without leaving home, avoiding the need to fill out additional documents or arrange for a courier visit. The entire process is conducted entirely online.

The bank has now expanded the range of identity verification methods for remote account opening. During the account opening process, a customer can verify their identity by logging into their account at another bank. The new process allows for opening a "Konto Przekorzystne" (Advantage Account) conveniently and easily within minutes. The bank uses the AIS (Account Information Service) for identity verification, which involves transferring account data and transaction history with the customer's consent.

"Customers expect increasingly simpler and faster solutions, and we are responding to these needs. The new method of customer identity verification using AIS within open banking is another implementation as part of the bank's digital transformation strategy. Our innovative solutions are a response to the changing needs of the market and we believe they will contribute to strengthening our position in the banking sector," says Bartosz Zborowski, Director of the Innovation and Remote Channels Department.

A customer who wishes to verify their identity during the remote account opening process now has three options to choose from: identity confirmation at a bank branch, verification via selfie, and logging into their account at another bank. To open an account using the new method, select the "Confirmation at another bank" option. Then, provide basic details and log in to your account at the previously indicated bank to verify your identity. After reviewing the documents and giving the necessary consents, the agreement must be confirmed with an SMS code. The service is available via a web browser, including a mobile version. Identity verification using the new method will soon be available in the PeoPay application. Currently, individuals with a personal account at Santander Bank Polska, mBank, BNP Paribas, ING Bank Śląski, Alior Bank, Bank Millennium, VeloBank, Bank Pocztowy, and Credit Agricole can use this service.

As part of open banking, Bank Pekao S.A. also offers:

– viewing balances and transaction history for accounts at eleven other banks: Alior Bank, BNP Paribas, Bank Millennium, ING Bank Śląski, Inteligo, mBank, PKO BP, Santander Bank, Credit Agricole, Bank Pocztowy, and VeloBank.

– making domestic or SEPA and SWIFT international transfers from an account at another bank via the Pekao24 online service from accounts at Alior Bank, Bank Millennium, ING Bank Śląski, mBank, PKO BP, Inteligo, BNP Paribas, Santander Bank, and VeloBank.

– income verification for cash loans by logging into one of the other banks: Alior Bank, BNP Paribas, Bank Millennium, ING Bank Śląski, Inteligo, mBank, PKO BP, Bank Pocztowy, Credit Agricole, Santander Bank, and VeloBank.

– identity confirmation when entering into an installment loan agreement and an Electronic Loan Application for SME clients.

Bank Pekao is running a special promotion for new customers opening a "Konto Przekorzystne" with a debit card online. Individuals who decide to open an account online by January 8, 2024, can receive a bonus of up to PLN 200 from the bank. They will receive the first PLN 50 simply for opening an account with a debit card, Pekao24 online banking, and the PeoPay mobile app. The second part of the reward, up to PLN 150, can be earned if they actively use their debit card or the PeoPay app. Additionally, customers can take advantage of a promotion offering 6.5% per year on a savings account (up to PLN 100,000, with guaranteed promotional interest for 152 days, i.e., approximately 5 months), as well as a PLN 150 bonus in the form of welcome points in the Mastercard Bezcenne Chwile program, which customers can exchange for vouchers to their favorite stores.

Promotion details available at: https://www.pekao.com.pl/konto

13:21

Müller:

If You're Copying Amendments, Copy Them Completely So This Shield Protects All Citizens All Year
- A few questions: Firstly, why does this draft bill stipulate that the shield of aid, support for energy and gas, will be for six months and not for a year, as the government's draft assumes? Why do you only want to protect Polish citizens, Polish companies, for half a year? Actually, not companies, because that's the second question: why does this shield not cover small and medium-sized enterprises? Why, as even your coalition partners from the PSL rightly point out, are amendments due in this regard, and why are you so ineptly copying the government's draft into your own project? If you are copying these amendments, copy them completely so that this shield, in fact, protects all citizens for the entire next year - said Piotr Müller during a Sejm session. - The last question, Madam MP, finally tell us honestly: who wrote these wind turbine regulations? Who wrote these regulations? Tell us, personally, was it someone from Civic Platform? Don't be ashamed, after all, you consider them to be good regulations - he continued.

13:30

Tomczyk:

Under your rule, margins were increased by 7000%
- Margins were increased by 7000%, and the producers increased them, [...] state monopolists, under your rule. 7000%, anyone who goes to the store knows what margins look like. There was high cost of living during your times, there was inflation, but 7000% is beyond comprehension. A 1500% increase in margins at Orlen and Lotos, when it comes to refineries, who did that, excuse me, not you, not your people, not Mr. Obajtek? - said Cezary Tomczyk during a Sejm session. - For eight years, Poles often couldn't afford to buy any plot of land or property, but Mr. Obajtek, by strange coincidence, bought several dozen, and now he has transferred everything to his son. This is a strange trend altogether, Morawiecki to his wife, Obajtek to his son, but I will tell you one thing in the end: you will take responsibility - he continued.

13:33

KGHM Honored in Lower Silesian Companies Ranking 'Golden Hundred'; Polish Copper Secures 2nd Place in 'Companies with Revenue Above PLN 2 Billion in 2022' Category

#KGHM ⚒️ has been honored by @gazetawroclaw in the Lower Silesian companies ranking 'Golden Hundred'. Polish Copper secured 2nd place in the category "Companies with revenue above PLN 2 billion in 2022". ? In 2022, KGHM Group's consolidated revenues amounted to PLN 33.8 billion, with a net profit of PLN 4.8 billion. pic.twitter.com/33hzPAmXex

— KGHM Polska Miedź (@kghm_sa) December 6, 2023

14:02

Sejm Rejects Government's Energy Price Freeze Bill in First Reading; Civic Coalition and PL2050 Bill Sent to Committee

The Sejm rejected the government's bill on freezing energy prices in its first reading, while a bill prepared by Civic Coalition and Poland 2050 MPs was sent for further work. Sejm committees are convening on this matter at 2:30 PM.

15:19

Schreiber:

Serious Objections to Article 106, Aiming to Reduce Parliamentary Budgetary Control

- There are serious objections to Article 106, which you want to implement to reduce parliamentary control over the budget. Not all committees would have to review the budget draft, allowing the finance committee to proceed without them, and that is fatal. This is a very bad change. In my eight years in this chamber, even with PiS marshals like Marshal Kuchciński and Elżbieta Witek, such ideas were never conceived, nor were they ever introduced. They always ensured that parliamentary control was maintained. We want to submit a package of amendments that will ensure what you yourselves have appealed for, what the Marshal himself has appealed for - stated Łukasz Schreiber in the Sejm.

15:21

Schreiber to Hołownia: You say you've abolished the freezer, but the fridge remains, and projects are likely spoiling even faster there

– It is incomprehensible, this chamber, that the projects Poles are waiting for are still waiting, but where exactly? Where is zero VAT, where are credit holidays? We are not talking about these projects at all. One could say, Mr. Speaker, that you say you have abolished the freezer, but the fridge remains, and projects are likely spoiling even faster there. Because credit holidays and zero VAT in April will make even less sense – stated Łukasz Schreiber in the Sejm.

15:39

Pekao Analysts on Interest Rates: Nothing Will Happen Here for Many Months. Important European Context and Continued Disinflation in the Core Basket.

15:58

PKO BP Analysts: Our Opinion is that Rates Will Remain Hibernated in Winter, a Potential Awakening Possible in March

16:00

Smoliński:

We Propose Changes to Strengthen Parliament's Authority and Oversight Function
We are proposing changes to strengthen Parliament's authority and its oversight function. We propose introducing an obligation for all parliamentary clubs and groups to submit declarations when granting or refusing support to the Council of Ministers. Declarations regarding the adoption of a vote of confidence are submitted by individual clubs and groups. If they do not grant support, they then gain the right to ask questions of the Prime Minister and members of the Council of Ministers – Kazimierz Smoliński stated in the Sejm. Furthermore, we propose introducing regulations allowing the Marshal of the Sejm to grant the floor outside the order of registered speakers whenever the chairpersons of the clubs request to speak on agenda points, limited to one intervention per agenda point – he added. In addition, we want to replace the current 'current information' and 'questions on current matters' with a solution in the form of questions to the Prime Minister and members of the Council of Ministers, and we believe that such a 189-minute debate on this topic would be sufficient – he emphasized.

16:30

European Funds for Mazovia: Funding for Business Development and Renewable Energy
PARTNERSHIP TEXT

The Mazovia Voivodeship will allocate PLN 360 million (including PLN 271 million from EU funds) for the development of Mazovian businesses and renewable energy sources. The funds will be managed by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK).

Loans for Entrepreneurs Preferential loans will be available for micro, small, and medium-sized entrepreneurs from Mazovia. This will help them improve their companies' competitiveness in the local market. As emphasized by Marshal Adam Struzik, the new financial perspective 2021-2027 presents a huge challenge, but also support for the Mazovian region. "In this perspective, repayable assistance is particularly important for the Warsaw capital region. Thanks to the loans, many new business investments for SMEs and environmental investments in RES will be realized. I hope their effect will be a reduction in development disparities, an improvement in air quality, and a decrease in energy and heat procurement costs for the region's residents. This is a huge opportunity to strengthen Mazovia's economy and potential," said Adam Struzik, Marshal of the Mazovian Voivodeship. Entrepreneurs will be able to use the obtained funds to purchase production machinery and equipment or to introduce new services and products. This will enhance the innovativeness of enterprises, reduce operating costs, and enable more efficient resource utilization. The resulting savings will, among other things, increase the number of jobs and improve working comfort for employees. "We are pleased that BGK will once again cooperate with the Mazovian Voivodeship government. Our experience shows that entrepreneurs readily use preferential support. Low-interest loans offer them a chance for development and increased competitiveness. It is worth noting that in the new perspective, funds from the European Funds for Mazovia program will also go towards investments in renewable energy sources, which in turn means sustainable development and future savings," stated Paweł Chorąży, Managing Director of the European Funds Division at BGK. Loans for Renewable Energy Sources (RES) RES is the second area of support intended for entrepreneurs, housing cooperatives and communities, TBSs (social housing corporations), SIMs (social housing initiatives), managers of multi-apartment residential buildings, cooperatives, and energy clusters. EU funds will finance the construction and expansion of renewable electricity and heat generation installations, along with associated infrastructure such as energy and heat storage and grid connection. This type of support can significantly contribute to reducing electricity and heat procurement costs for Mazovia's residents and modernize their acquisition methods. Funding Sources On December 4, 2023, the Management Board of the Mazovian Voivodeship signed an agreement with Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego within the framework of the regional program European Funds for Mazovia 2021–2027 (FEM 2021–2027) for an amount exceeding PLN 360 million. Based on this agreement, preferential loans will be granted from funds originating from the European Union budget. The pool of funds, including national co-financing, amounts to approximately PLN 245 million (including over PLN 186 million from EU funds) for business development loans, and approximately PLN 115 million (including PLN 85 million from EU funds) for renewable energy sources. In accordance with the agreement's terms, BGK will select financial partners who will provide loans directly to interested entities.

17:53

Borowski:

Glapiński Received No Support from the ECB. The Letter Needs Careful Reading
- That he [Adam Glapiński] is afraid is visible, it's visible to the naked eye [...] he speaks, he says various things, he wrote a letter to the European Central Bank [...]. What support, no, from where [he received no support]. This letter needs to be read carefully, it's a short letter that contains two phrases that could have been cited without the letter, namely that protection exists if it is "unlawful," and secondly, that if he considers it unlawful, he can appeal to the Court of Justice of the European Union, that is, to this body [...] which is disregarded by him, by his political colleagues from PiS, and considered a form of oppression exerted on Poland - Marek Borowski said in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET". - This shows that when in distress, one turns to Europe. But I emphasize, the word "unlawful" there is extremely important, because on the other hand, European regulations clearly state that central bank governors [...] must behave politically neutrally - he continued.

18:06

Borowski on Hołownia: After PiS Speakers, a Speaker Who Speaks a Normal Language, Doesn't Growl, Doesn't Turn Off the Microphone, Already Gains Favor
- After the rule of PiS, after the Speakers from PiS, the Speakers and Deputy Speakers, a Speaker who starts speaking a normal language, who doesn't growl, doesn't turn off the microphone when he hears something he doesn't like, that already gains favor, simply. And if, in addition, he can smile, can crack a joke, disarm a growling PiS politician, one who is causing a ruckus, then that is well received - said Marek Borowski on Radio ZET. - PiS is full of politicians who have thoroughly broken the law, broken the Constitution [...] Prime Minister Morawiecki, Mr. Sasin [...]. There are people there who should stand [...] before investigative committees, therefore such, I would say, shortening the distance with them, I would advise against it. [...] There is a whole mass of people there who want to show off, who want to shine, and here a more relaxed, more lively or witty attitude of the Speaker towards them is indicated - he continued. - Ms. Witek says it's a show and this is not a place for a show. Ms. Witek showed what is acceptable in parliament, turning off the microphone, suddenly making a revote unlawfully, etc., it's better if she doesn't comment on this matter - he added further.

18:11

Borowski:

I think the deal with the Sejm Marshal stemmed from Hołownia's plans to run for president
- I think that the arrangement that took place, meaning two years Marshal Hołownia, two years Marshal Czarzasty, stemmed precisely from Hołownia's plans. He, moreover, doesn't seem to hide it particularly, and his colleagues don't hide it either, that he intends to run in the presidential elections, and if he intends to run in the presidential elections, then he certainly wants to present himself from the Marshal's position as someone who has gained sympathy, support, etc. [...] Whether all of this will elevate him to the presidency, we shall see; it's difficult to say today - said Marek Borowski on Radio ZET.

18:14

Borowski:

I Wouldn't Open the Parliamentary Corridors Now
- Specifically regarding the parliamentary corridors, I wouldn't open them up at this moment. [...] These corridors serve, among other things, for several politicians to step out, sit on the benches there, and arrange something that is about to happen [...] and they would like to do it quietly - Marek Borowski said on Radio ZET.

18:21

Borowski:

Let's not talk about lobbyists, it's clear we're talking to the wind industry
- Let's not talk about any lobbyists, because it's clear that we are talking to the wind industry, that's obvious. [...] I'll remind you that this 300 meters was intended for very quiet wind turbines - said Marek Borowski on Radio ZET. - The provision on so-called expropriations, that farmers can be expropriated in order to erect a wind turbine [...]. I read this provision, it was indeed ambiguously formulated, I agree. Ms. Hennig-Kloska explained that it's not about the wind turbine itself, but about the connections - he continued.

18:28

Borowski:

I suspect if PiS had won the elections, they would have aimed to unfreeze energy prices
- This government didn't deal with this issue [freezing energy prices] at all. This government ruled until October. [...] There is no money in the budget to finance this shield. [...] I suspect that if PiS had won the elections, they would have simply aimed to unfreeze these [energy] prices, because nothing would have threatened them anymore - Marek Borowski said on Radio ZET. - What should the coalition do: the coalition must find financing. It found this financing in Orlen, but not for the whole year. This financing will last for half a year. During these six months, the new Minister of Finance, after an audit, after discussions, after new proposals, etc., will be looking for financing for the next six months - he continued.

19:41

Zgorzelski:

The Wind Farm Act will be a well-prepared project that will transform the reality of clean energy in Poland

- The Wind Farm Act will be a well-prepared project that will transform the reality of clean energy in Poland. I don't know if you are aware, Mr. Editor, how much one kWh from a wind farm costs? 25 groszy. And now, please recall when you looked at your electricity bill, how much was written there, 80 groszy, including transmission, 1.20 zł. This, dear ladies and gentlemen, is a grand indictment of this government, that citizens, instead of paying 25 groszy per kWh, are paying 80 - stated Piotr Zgorzelski in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

19:44

Zgorzelski:

Hennig-Kloska, Candidate for Climate and Energy Minister, is Well-Prepared and Competent

- Ms. Paulina Hennig-Kloska, who is the candidate for Minister of Climate and Energy, is a well-prepared, competent person. I assure you, sir, that in the Ministry of Climate, along with the leadership of the coalition forming the parliamentary majority, she will bring about changes to the energy sector in our country – stated Piotr Zgorzelski on the program „Gość Wydarzeń” on Polsat News.

20:00

Zgorzelski:

PiS is the last one who can say anything about legislation
PiS is the last one who can say anything about legislation. They railroaded it, they destroyed the legislative process. The famous democratic package they were supposed to introduce never saw the light of day. They are truly the last ones to say anything on this topic - stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Polsat News's 'Guest of the Events' program.

20:07

Zgorzelski:

Do You See a Need to Create a Ministry for Equality, Are There Any Irregularities Regarding Equality Occurring? I Don't See Any

- Do you see any significant need to create such a department [ministry for equality], that any irregularities concerning equality are occurring? I don't see any, and if there are, there are certainly appropriate bodies to react - stated Piotr Zgorzelski on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

20:21

President Appoints Soboń to NBP Management Board

- President Andrzej Duda, by decree of December 6, 2023, appointed Artur Soboń as a member of the Management Board of the National Bank of Poland. The presentation of the nomination took place at the Presidential Palace – informed the Presidential Chancellery.

20:33

Trzaskowski:

PiS Killed Renewable Energy Sources, Did Nothing for 8 Years, Thus We Must Accelerate and Adopt Such Solutions

- Well, that's the tragedy of the PiS government, that the money we negotiated, and that I, as Minister for European Affairs, secured special solutions to accelerate the fight against climate warming, has been squandered. PiS slowly killed renewable energy sources, did nothing for these 8 years, and therefore we must accelerate and, of course, we must adopt these types of solutions that will enable the development of renewable energy sources. However, this must be done professionally, at the moment when the government is formed, when the entire instrumentarium is available to professionally prepare these regulations. Of course, after consultations with citizens, these regulations will be prepared very quickly and introduced – stated Rafał Trzaskowski in the program "Fakty po Faktach" on TVN24.

20:34

Trzaskowski:

Duda had a chance to act in Poland's interest by appointing Tusk's government. He didn't take it.

- I hope that this farce has finally ended, that this government, which everyone is laughing at, which is simply lowering the dignity of our state, will cease to function in a few days. That President Duda will appoint Donald Tusk's government as early as next week and that we will simply stop wasting time. I am concerned because President Andrzej Duda had an opportunity to act in Poland's interest here. After all, we should all care about the voters' verdict being implemented as quickly as possible and about being able to start working immediately – said Rafał Trzaskowski on TVN24.

20:42

Karczewski:

Morawiecki Likely Won't Win Vote of Confidence. But It Was Good That This Government Was Formed
- There is a democratic tradition, not only in Poland since 1997, but in many European countries where democracy has a longer history and is more established – those who win elections always try to form a government – said Stanisław Karczewski in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "Kropka nad i". - Likely not [Mateusz Morawiecki won't win a vote of confidence], because everything points to this majority being stable, I'm talking about the parliamentary majority here. But it was good that this government was formed, also a moment of calm after a very aggressive, very difficult campaign – he continued.

20:44

Biejat:

For 2 weeks, Morawiecki pretended he could gather a majority. It's a disgrace for him and, unfortunately, for the President.
- In my opinion, they were completely unnecessary [the 2 weeks the government of Mateusz Morawiecki functioned], because unfortunately, during these 2 weeks, the Prime Minister was mainly occupied with pretending he could gather a majority. In my opinion, this is a disgrace for the Prime Minister and, unfortunately, also for the President, who participated in this whole charade - said Magdalena Biejat on TVN24's "Kropka nad i".

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