Aircraft to Support Evacuation of Poles from the Middle East. Tusk Submits Request to the President
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01/24/2024
07:27
Wednesday's Political Agenda: Senate on Budget, Government on 'Morning-After' Pill, Sasin Before Investigative Committee, Presidential Couple with Diplomatic Corps, PiS Politicians' Conferences in Sejm
At 10:00 AM, the investigative committee for the "envelope elections" will hear testimony from former Deputy Minister of State Assets Tomasz Szczegielniak, followed by former Minister of State Assets Jacek Sasin.
At 11:00 AM, the Senate will resume its proceedings. On the second day of the 5th session, the agenda will be expanded to include the consideration of the 2024 budget bill.
At 11:00 AM, the government will address amendments to the Pharmaceutical Law – in practice, these are regulations concerning the reintroduction of over-the-counter availability of the so-called 'morning-after' pill, in line with Prime Minister Tusk's announcement. Furthermore, they will hear information from Minister Maciej Berek on legislative projects submitted to the Sejm by the Council of Ministers from November 21 to December 8, 2023.
At 11:00 AM, a press conference by PiS with the participation of Zbigniew Kuźmiuk, Marcin Horała, and Grzegorz Puda will be held in the Sejm. Earlier, at 10:30 AM, a press conference with senators Grzegorz Bierecki and Jacek Włosowicz will take place, and at 1:15 PM – a press conference with Patryk Jaki, Jacek Ozdoba, Sebastian Kaleta, and Mariusz Gosek.
At 7:00 PM, at the Presidential Palace, President Andrzej Duda and his spouse Agata Kornhauser–Duda will participate in a New Year's reception with the Diplomatic Corps.
08:09
Mastalerek:
Kaczyński's words were quickly falsified, the men are free thanks to the President
- Thanks to President Duda, justice has prevailed over a part of the judiciary. One can very easily verify the words of Chairman Kaczyński, because from the moment Chairman Kaczyński said those words, that it might take another year, less than 3 days have passed and the men are free. Chairman Kaczyński's words were falsified very quickly, the men are free thanks to the President - stated Marcin Mastalerek in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.
- The President did not listen to Chairman Kaczyński's advice, which is why the men are free - he continued.
08:09
Paprocka:
The Attorney General's Opinion Has Been Analyzed. The Procedure Was Fully Executed
- In a formal sense, this is the second act referring to the first act from 2015. The legal situation surrounding this has not changed, nor has the President's stance. In 2015, an act of grace was issued, at a different stage, of course. That act of grace contained a formula for the discontinuation of proceedings, which, as is known, did not happen primarily as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling. However, the primary criterion for the President's renewed decision is the circumstances accompanying this case – said Małgorzata Paprocka in an interview with Marcin Fijołek on Polsat News' "Graffiti".
- Of course, it was analyzed. Just like any other request in this matter [the Attorney General's opinion looked like this]. I want to emphasize that the procedure here [...] was fully executed. Perhaps it's a shame it took so long, and it's certainly bad that the Minister [Bodnar] did not use his authority to suspend the execution of the sentence, but that is already in the past. [...] The Attorney General presented his arguments, which in his assessment argued against the application of the act of grace, whereas [...] the prosecutor's request is an auxiliary document for the President, it is not binding – she continued.
08:11
Mastalerek:
According to the President, Kamiński and Wąsik are MPs
- In the opinion and according to President Duda, Messrs. [Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik] are parliamentarians, they are MPs. Yesterday he also admitted that, in his opinion, in the opinion of Mr. Ryszard Piotrowski - stated Marcin Mastalerek on RMF FM.
08:13
Paprocka:
Kamiński and Wąsik Invited to See the President
- At 3 PM, the ministers, the MPs [Kamiński and Wąsik] are invited to see the President. I think [this is] to discuss matters that have concluded, but also matters that lie ahead - said Małgorzata Paprocka on Polsat News.
08:14
Mastalerek:
The President pardoned the gentlemen in such a way that their conviction is erased and they can run for office wherever they wish
- The President pardoned the gentlemen parliamentarians in such a way that their conviction is erased and they can run for office wherever they wish - stated Marcin Mastalerek on RMF FM.
08:15
Kosiniak-Kamysz:
The President Made the Decision to Pardon Long Ago, Now He Executed It Effectively. This Doesn't Change the Fact That the Mandates Were Revoked
- The president made the decision long ago, and now he executed it effectively; he simply carried out an effective act of grace. He had the right to do so; it is his prerogative. He could have done it earlier, of course, those possibilities existed. He wanted to and chose this variant of seeking the opinion of the Prosecutor General, who issued a negative opinion, but this is an issuance of an opinion, not an opinion binding on the president - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Agnieszka Drążkiewicz on "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.
- The decision could have been expected. This does not change the fact that the mandates [of Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik] were effectively revoked at the moment the district court issued its verdict - he stated.
08:16
Mastalerek:
It's the Opposite of What 'Wyborcza' Described. The President Trusts His Personal Security.
- There is a certain level of lies and manipulation that should not be crossed. I can assure you, as I have spoken with the president many times, that it is completely the opposite of what 'Gazeta Wyborcza' described. The president trusts his personal security and has no complaints about the officers - stated Marcin Mastalerek on RMF FM.
08:21
Mastalerek:
MPs Cannot Be Presidential Advisors
- Members of Parliament cannot be presidential advisors. I would not want to give advice, nor do I have any influence on the future of these gentlemen deputies, but I know that the president unfortunately has no influence over whether they remain MPs or not. He can only state it, but it is Speaker Hołownia who can insist on extinguishing these mandates, and then the dispute will only grow larger - stated Marcin Mastalerek on RMF FM.
08:25
Kosiniak-Kamysz:
The Chaos the Opposition Tries to Introduce Serves Neither Poland's Security Nor Its Development
- I believe that certainly this chaos, which the opposition is trying to introduce, serves neither Poland's security, nor Poland's development. Acceptance of the election results must come to those who lost the elections, who were unable to form a government despite clinging tenaciously to their seats. They must accept the sovereign's decision, because for now, in my opinion, they are not doing so - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in "Signals of the Day" PR1.
08:27
Paprocka:
The President's Stance Has Not Changed, Kamiński and Wąsik Are MPs. The Question is Whether Marshal Hołownia Has Changed His Stance
- In this regard, the President's stance has not changed in any way. Messrs [Kamiński and Wąsik] are MPs, they have the right, and I would even say the duty, to exercise their mandate. How the situation unfolds, what arguments Marshal Hołownia will present, we will probably see at the next Sejm session - Małgorzata Paprocka said on Polsat News.
- I think the President has already done everything he could to calm sentiments on this matter. However, the President has no influence on the Sejm's activities; it is the autonomy of the chamber, and it is the responsibility of those who have taken on functions in the Sejm, primarily Marshal Hołownia. The question today is for Marshal Hołownia whether he has changed his stance on this matter, because [...] in the perspective from December 20th, it has significantly changed. If it were the case that the mandates expired with the final verdict, then why did the MPs later participate in committee meetings and vote? It is difficult to point to Marshal Hołownia's consistency here - she continued.
08:29
Mastalerek:
There was a conversation about ambassadors
- There was a conversation between the President and the Prime Minister on this matter [ambassadors]. There was a conversation between the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and there are some arrangements. The President is mainly concerned with presidential posts and matters concerning NATO. Where, for example, as in the USA, contacts are president-to-president - stated Marcin Mastalerek on RMF FM.
08:36
Paprocka on Remaining Convicted in the Same Case as Kamiński and Wąsik: President Initiated Proceedings in an Identical Formula as Regarding the MPs
- The President initiated proceedings in an identical formula as regarding the gentlemen MPs; we are awaiting the motion from the Prosecutor General in this matter. [...] The personal and legal-procedural situation of the gentlemen is also different, so this matter is ongoing - Małgorzata Paprocka stated in Polsat News, when asked about two CBA officers convicted in the same case as Kamiński and Wąsik.
- From the very beginning, the act concerned four individuals, I am referring to the 2015 pardon [...] the President's action is identical, differing by literally two or three days - she continued.
08:38
Kosiniak-Kamysz Announces: Proposal for Constitutional Changes in the Coming Days
- I am always in favour of dialogue and I believe that, for example, on the issue of the Constitutional Tribunal, we should make constitutional changes. It will not be possible to achieve effective, long-lasting changes without amending the constitution in the chapter concerning the CT - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in PR1's "Sygnały dnia" (Signals of the Day).
- Our proposal for changes to the constitution and the reform of the justice system will be presented in the coming days - he announced.
- When PiS came to power, they had a good diagnosis: the justice system needs reform [...]. However, they created complete chaos and ran over the justice system. Today, there is uncertainty about the rulings issued, uncertainty about which chamber of the Supreme Court should adjudicate and whether it is credible, whether it is appropriate, whether its rulings will be respected [...]. There is no common line of jurisprudence, [...] there is no certainty about the rulings that are made - he continued.
08:46
Siemoniak on Kamiński and Wąsik: Convicted individuals should be in prison, but the President has the right to pardon
I believe that, like most Poles, convicted individuals should be in prison, but of course, the President also has the right to grant a pardon. If it weren't for the great commotion the President himself has created around this matter, with contradictory statements, with such indecisiveness, it would look different – stated Tomasz Siemoniak in the "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" program on TVN24.
- They are not Members of Parliament, they cannot vote, and I also appeal to the PiS MPs: consider how this will affect the dignity of the Sejm. How will it affect the image of PiS in the eyes of citizens if they try to do some aggressive, unwise things. I think here we have a court verdict, a pardon, they are at liberty, and it would be good if PiS put a full stop to this matter at this moment. They really won't get far with Kamiński and Wąsik if these are to be PiS's banners; I wish them a happy journey with such banners – he continued.
08:47
Siemoniak:
We'll see what happens tomorrow, it will be a significant test of whether PiS takes the state seriously
- This is a team that has done a lot to harm Poland and Poland's image over the past 8 years, which is why, among other things, no one believed the statements, even President Duda's, that these were political prisoners. Everyone understands what happened in Poland on October 15, and truly, if PiS politicians are looking for an opportunity for some commotion or a brawl, they will lose out on it primarily – Tomasz Siemoniak said on TVN24.
- There are limits to a certain seriousness and limits to a certain theatre. I understand that many PiS politicians have left the government and are a bit bored, looking for some commotions, opportunities, etc. However, this is playing with the state, this is standing against the election verdict. We'll see what happens tomorrow, it will be a significant test of whether PiS takes the state seriously – he continued.
08:48
Siemoniak:
Kamiński and Wąsik Have the Right to Believe Their Illegal Actions Regarding Pegasus Will Be Accounted For
- They have the right to believe [Wąsik and Kamiński] that all matters, all their decisions, all actions that exceeded their authority, or at least appear to have done so today, will be thoroughly accounted for. I am talking here primarily about the matter of illegal surveillance and the use of the so-called Pegasus in various activities – stated Tomasz Siemoniak on TVN24.
08:49
Siemoniak:
Pegasus Audit to Conclude in Weeks, Far More Individuals Than Publicly Known Were Surveilled
- There were more [surveilled] individuals, I will not name a specific number, of course […] These numbers are significantly higher than what is currently reaching public opinion, and there are many more such cases – stated Tomasz Siemoniak on TVN24.
- The audit concerning Pegasus will conclude. This pertains not only to the CBA, but also to other services. We need to clarify this very precisely. It also concerns non-specialized services, as this is a matter for the Police. We need to clarify very precisely in all these areas how it was, how it all operated, so I believe it is a matter of the next few weeks – he continued.
08:49
Kosiniak-Kamysz:
Government to Soon Present Civil Defence Bill
- We need not only the transformation of the Polish army but also the enhancement of its capabilities; we need a gigantic investment in soldier training. These are the first conclusions we are already drawing after these initial weeks at the Ministry of National Defence and the actions we are undertaking. We need unity, the rebuilding of community, because otherwise, we will not defend ourselves. We need a Civil Defence Act, which Minister Kierwiński will be presenting soon - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in PR1's "Sygnały dnia".
08:50
Scheuring-Wielgus:
Mastalerek Described How President Duda Operates in the Palace Yesterday, Saying He's Playing Games. Being President Isn't a PlayStation Game
- It's not Mr. Bodnar who pardons, but Mr. Duda. Mr. Mastalerek generally described yesterday how President Andrzej Duda operates in the Palace. He said he's playing games. And I would like to tell him that being president and fulfilling this role is not a PlayStation game. It is a responsibility to the state. Being president is a function that should care for the general public. President Andrzej Duda refers to this very often, but he has never done it. I don't look at politics as a game, rather as a theatre, but that is also our work. In this theatre and this game, one cannot destroy people – stated Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus in a conversation with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program “Gość Radia Zet”.
08:52
Scheuring-Wielgus:
Marshal Hołownia Must Be a Tough Guest Tomorrow. Kamiński and Wąsik Are No Longer MPs
– Marshal Hołownia must be a tough guest tomorrow. First and foremost, Kamiński and Wąsik are no longer MPs (…) They can enter the Sejm, but not the plenary hall. Marshal Hołownia simply cannot let them in there – stated Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus on the program „Gość Radia Zet”.
08:55
Scheuring-Wielgus:
I Found Fear in the Ministry, It Was in the Air, in People's Eyes
- I found fear in the ministry. As a state official, you know that power changes every 4 years, but when I entered the ministry on the first day, I noticed fear in the air, in people's eyes. For 8 years, these individuals were treated scandalously in the ministry by Minister Gliński, Sellin, and the entire team - stated Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus on the program "Gość Radia Zet".
09:04
Scheuring-Wielgus:
We Will Soon Present What We Found, Addressing the Harassment of People
- I won't use such strong words for now, but as we examine the institutions managed by Minister Gliński, it didn't look good. Both the institutions and the ministry itself. In the near future, we will have a conference where we will present what we found after these two months since the elections, the decisions made by Gliński and his team, and we will address this fear and the harassment of people - stated Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus on the program 'Gość Radia Zet'.
09:54
Gawkowski:
The President Slapped Himself in the Face
- I am not surprised that the president can use such a prerogative, because it is in the Constitution. But I am surprised by what has happened in this process over the last three weeks. The president, who once said he would never grant a pardon, later said he would, then Vice President Mastalerek said he would not grant one because he had no such intentions, after which the president corrected this, among other places in the newspaper, Super Express, and then Mr. Mastalerek said that it was a misunderstanding of the president, who did it on the same day - said Krzysztof Gawkowski in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on the Radio Plus program "Sedno Sprawy" (The Core of the Matter).
- Such a great ridicule of the presidential office by oneself, leading to the situation where the entire procedure, which is legal, constitutional, and no one has any doubts about it, has today generated the conviction that we are dealing with a collapse of the president's authority at his own request, meaning it's unknown if he's acting on Kaczyński's phone call, if he's acting on PiS's orders, if he came up with it himself, or if he actually wanted to be part of the procedure, not believing in what he did eight years ago. And the truth is: eight years ago, the president himself created confusion because he entered into a process that did not conclude, as there was no legally binding court ruling at the time. [...] The president caused trouble eight years ago, and today he didn't know how to get out of it with his dignity intact, but in the end, it looks like the president slapped himself in the face - he continued.
10:01
Gawkowski:
Kamiński and Wąsik Will Not Vote in Sejm Session, No One Will Turn On Their Cards
- The President of the Republic of Poland, by issuing the act of pardon, confirmed that he is pardoning criminals, and therefore the mandates they held were certainly not valid today, but expired. Because criminals who were imprisoned during their term of office automatically have their mandates revoked after a conviction in the second instance or a legally binding sentence. Therefore, everything Szymon Hołownia did, which is the revocation of the mandate, remains in force - Krzysztof Gawkowski said on Radio Plus.
- Can they enter the Sejm? Yes, they can. [...] I am not convinced whether a non-deputy can be in the session hall, should not be, but they will not vote anyway. Even if they play some forceful game in this matter, no one will turn on their cards, meaning neither one nor the other gentleman will vote - he continued.
10:07
Gawkowski:
I Am Entirely on Sienkiewicz's Side, Because He Cleansed the Media of Party Influence
- I am convinced that this procedure, which will likely take about a year and a half, will at some point conclude, and it will be a positive conclusion for the decisions Minister Sienkiewicz has made. I am entirely on Minister Sienkiewicz's side because, broadly speaking, what he has done is cleanse party media of parties, of party influences - said Krzysztof Gawkowski on Radio Plus.
- The political will aligns with the law, meaning we have made the decision that the media will be cleansed of party affiliation and hateful rhetoric, and they are, and we will bring this entire situation to a conclusion - he continued.
10:12
Joński Announces Second Summons for Soboń Before Investigative Committee
- I will not allow statements to be read from ambulances, from notes, or any kind of testimony. Witnesses are to say what they remember and what they know. We are asking about facts, not opinions - stated Dariusz Joński during the sitting of the investigative committee on envelope elections.
- We are awaiting the transcript [of Artur Soboń's hearing]. As soon as it is available, we will take appropriate steps in this matter. The committee will also consider filing a report with the prosecutor's office. At the same time, I want to say that we will summon Mr. witness Soboń as long as it is necessary and until he answers the questions that not only we, but I think Poles, want to ask in the context of his role in decision-making regarding postal, commonly known as envelope, elections - the committee chairman continued.
13:00
Błaszczak on Kamiński and Wąsik: I've Sent Another Letter to Marshal Hołownia Demanding the Observance of Law
- On behalf of PiS, I have sent another letter to Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia, in which I demand the observance of law. Due to the act of grace granted by President Andrzej Duda, and due to the resolutions of the Supreme Court, Ministers Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik are Members of Parliament. Everything that is happening around the attempt to revoke the mandates of both MPs, breaking the law, is only proof that Marshal Szymon Hołownia is breaking the law. We also hear such stories that the Sejm Presidium is prepared for all scenarios, that the MPs will not be allowed to exercise their mandates. We consider this another manifestation of the use of force against parliamentarians elected by the nation - stated Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference.
- I appeal once again for Marshal Hołownia to withdraw from his unlawful actions. He still has time, let him look in the mirror, let him not be guided by political demands, perhaps they are from Donald Tusk, to implement a policy of revenge - he added.
13:26
Tusk:
The 'Morning-After Pill' Issue Finalized at Government Level, Bill to be Sent to Parliament
- Topics on today's Council of Ministers meeting included, among others, the finalization of work at the government stage concerning the so-called morning-after pill. The matter has been finalized, the draft bill will be sent to the Sejm, and to clarify all doubts and potential misunderstandings, we are talking about over-the-counter access for those aged 15 and above [...] it concerns one specific medication named EllaOne in the law. This is a method that prevents conception, and therefore it is not an early-term abortion pill [...]. Below the age of 15, a prescription will be required. This is the most common solution in European Union countries - said Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference.
13:31
Tusk:
I informed ministers about tasks awaiting departments in connection with Polish-Ukrainian consultations
- I informed the ministers about the tasks that await individual departments in connection with the decision to convene Polish-Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations. [...] These next ones should take place in Warsaw, in the second half of March [...]. Several of our departments will have to prepare thoroughly for these intergovernmental consultations, above all [...] it is very important for me to adopt such arrangements [...] so that the Polish market, Polish agricultural producers, Polish farmers are not threatened by the uncontrolled influx of agricultural products from Ukraine - Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference.
13:33
Tusk:
Wąsik and Kamiński are Not MPs – the Second, Correct Presidential Pardon Confirms This
- If these words [of Mariusz Kamiński] after leaving prison are meant to destabilize the work of the Sejm, through an attempt to force entry into the parliamentary chamber by Mr. Kamiński and Mr. Wąsik, who are not MPs, then the second, correct presidential pardon only confirms this – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference.
- Here too, there is nothing to negotiate regarding the consequences of the court's verdict and subsequently the Marshal's [Hołownia's] decision. Mr. Wąsik and Mr. Kamiński are not MPs – he reiterated.
13:38
Tusk:
Ukrainian Government Offers Polish Firms Chance to Build Highway Through Lviv
- The Ministry of Infrastructure is to prepare a preliminary opinion from the Polish side regarding the participation of Polish firms, or a Polish consortium if one were to be established, in the construction of a highway from the Krakowiec border crossing to the city of Rivne, which also passes through Lviv. The Ukrainian government has made an offer for Polish companies to undertake the construction of this highway, with partial financing already secured by international financial institutions. A proposal was also made for the Polish side to consider whether those who would be involved might also be interested in a 30-year concession, as this highway is planned to be tolled - Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated at a press conference.
13:40
Tusk:
The Kamiński and Wąsik Case Hasn't Ended, It's Just Begun. Their Actions Over the Last 8 Years Warrant Law Enforcement Attention
- None of this turmoil would have happened if, in 2015, the President hadn't decided on this legally flawed pardon for Mr. Kamiński and Mr. Wąsik. […] He personally involved the authority of the presidential office in this unlawful pardon, so that people who abused power could continue to abuse it - Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference.
- The case of Mr. Kamiński and Mr. Wąsik hasn't ended; the case of Mr. Kamiński and Mr. Wąsik has begun. What they did over the last 8 years also warrants the attention of law enforcement agencies - he emphasized.
13:44
Tusk:
Preliminary talks held with Ukraine regarding joint ammunition factories in Poland
- We have held preliminary discussions with the Ukrainian side that joint, for example, ammunition factories will be established on Polish territory, also involving capital not only from Poland, and their task will be to provide ammunition for both Poland and Ukraine in the future. Today, we see that this is the most critical aspect when it comes to the logistical issues of the Ukrainian-Russian war - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference.
- This will also be a commercial undertaking. I don't want this to sound too pragmatic, but the Ukrainian side understands well, and I was perhaps not surprised, but I received with satisfaction the declaration from the Ukrainian side that they absolutely understand that Poland can and will help Ukraine also through the sale of weapons and ammunition - he continued.
13:47
Tusk:
Without President Duda, Kamiński and Wąsik Could Not Have Used Pegasus Against the Opposition
- If it weren't for President Duda, [Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik] would not have been able to use Pegasus against opposition activists. They would not have been able to illegally surveil political opponents. Messrs. Wąsik and Kamiński are directly responsible for the services they led protecting a corrupt system of power – Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference.
- The entire state was organized so that ruling party politicians could earn gigantic sums of money. I did not see Messrs. Wąsik and Kamiński actively fighting, while being responsible for anti-corruption activities, at a time when the Polish state and public money were being plundered on an entirely unprecedented scale – he continued.
13:59
Tusk:
We are ready to submit a bill for legal and safe abortion up to 12 weeks within hours
- There are different views on this issue [abortion] within the ruling coalition. I - so that no one has any doubts about the direction we will be going - have proposed that, in accordance with our coalition agreement, since there cannot be a government bill [...], social consultations were held yesterday with women's organizations and others, led by MP Monika Rosa, and we are ready to submit a bill for legal and safe abortion up to 12 weeks in the coming hours. A bill to the Sejm - announced Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference.
14:14
Tusk:
What I Know Puts Sasin and Obajtek in a Terrible Light. The Public Will Learn Shocking Aspects of the Actions of Some Government Representatives and Orlen Leadership
- Not only the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) is dealing with this, but other state services as well, analyzing what happened at Orlen and Lotos, we are talking not only about the merger here […]. Everything I know at the moment, solely based on materials prepared by my predecessors, truly puts both Mr. Sasin and Mr. Obajtek in a terrible light. I ask for a little patience, we are investigating these matters and will draw legal and organizational consequences. […] Very soon, the public will also learn about the shocking aspects of the actions of some government representatives and Orlen leadership in the context of Lotos, as well as investment and energy plans - Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference.
14:17
Sasin to Joński: You're Depriving Me of My Right to Free Speech
- You are, at this very moment, depriving me of a right that, according to the act on the investigative committee, which refers to the Code of Criminal Procedure, grants me the right to such [free] speech - stated Jacek Sasin during the investigative committee hearing.
- I am literally using the act on the investigative committee, which provides such a possibility. After what happened on Friday and today during this "free" speech, read by the witness, I will not allow anyone to torpedo the work of this committee. The witness will be able to answer questions - replied Dariusz Joński.
14:52
Hołownia:
Kamiński and Wąsik are Not Members of the Polish Parliament
- Messrs. Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik are not members of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, and this is not due to a decision by the Marshal, nor is it due to a decision by one chamber or another of the Supreme Court, but it stems directly from the criminal judgment issued by the District Court in Warsaw on December 20th last year - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.
- The law does not seek revenge on anyone; the law clearly states, and Article 99 of the Constitution speaks to this: there is a judgment, there is no mandate, and we will not engage in any discussion on this matter here, nor do we foresee any - he continued.
14:55
Hołownia:
I Encourage Kamiński and Wąsik to Get Former MP Identification
- It is understandable that the Marshal's Guard knows that [Kamiński and Wąsik] should not be in the chamber and I assume they will not be in that chamber. As former MPs, they have the right, and I encourage them to use it, to obtain former MP and Senator identification, which allows entry to the Sejm premises, to the parliamentary grounds, without needing to visit the pass office - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.
14:57
Hołownia:
To Ensure Respect for Citizen Initiatives We'll Work On Tomorrow, We Must Do Everything to Ensure Uninterrupted Work
- In the interest of calm, of order in the chamber, of respect for these citizen initiatives that we will be working on tomorrow, we must do everything to ensure that this work is uninterrupted, that order prevails in the chamber. The citizens who will come here tomorrow with their hundreds of thousands of signatures should feel respected, not witness any scenes, squabbles, or God knows what. I am aware of how different the PiS club's opinion is; it is expressed both verbally and in media commentary, and in correspondence they have with me - stated Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.
14:59
Hołownia:
I Will Face All Consequences. I Know the Responsibility of the Sejm Marshal and I Literally Adhere to It
- I already have a notification that I will be facing the prosecutor in connection with breaking the law. We will hear other things soon. My dear friends, I will face all these consequences. I know the responsibility of the Sejm Marshal and I literally adhere to it, taking responsibility for what I decide, for what I know - stated Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.
15:01
Hołownia:
I will recommend to the Sejm Presidium that passes not be issued to Kamiński and Wąsik for Thursday and Friday
- I note with regret these announcements appearing somewhere in the media that tomorrow there will be a test of strength [...] that there will be some attempt to storm the doors, to storm the chamber [...] dear sirs and madams, this is the Parliament of the Republic of Poland, not a television studio, not a boxing ring. Calm should prevail here - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.
- To cool down these emotions a bit, I will recommend today to the Sejm Presidium that on tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, but I want to leave this to the sensitivity and decision of the Sejm Presidium, one-day passes also not be issued to both gentlemen [Kamiński and Wąsik] for precisely these two days, for Thursday and for Friday - he continued.
15:13
Hołownia on Abortion Law Liberalization Bills: 'There Will Be No Freezing, For Sure'
- Today, Lewica has supplemented one of its bills with the necessary opinions we were waiting for. This has allowed me to assign print numbers to both of these bills that Lewica has submitted. I am hearing announcements today that the Civic Coalition is about to be ready with its bill [...] liberalizing abortion law up to the 12th week, and Trzecia Droga has also announced its bill on this matter - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.
- I will wait until all these bills arrive in the Sejm. They will all have to go through the same consultation path, all the legislative work that is associated with it. However, there will be no freezing, for sure, because as I said, they are receiving print numbers, and perhaps it will be necessary to read all the bills that land on the table in the Sejm on the same day and allow the MPs to form their opinions on the matter, so that we can discuss the entire spectrum of solutions and consider which ones to choose, rather than having a different bill on this topic in the Sejm every time - he continued.
15:13
Hołownia:
Perhaps it will still work out in February – we will release a constitutional app
- Perhaps it will still work out in February, we will release a constitutional app. You know that I like not only to be moved by the constitution, but also to quote it and to refer to it seriously. Currently, the final works are underway that will allow us to release, through app stores, an application where you will not only be able to have the constitutional text, but also to search for relevant phrases within it - stated Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.
15:25
President Meets with Kamiński and Wąsik
- President Andrzej Duda met with MPs Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik – the Chancellery of the President informed on social media.
Prezydent @AndrzejDuda spotkał się z Posłami Mariuszem Kamińskim i Maciejem Wąsikiem. pic.twitter.com/umpf6JRGwj
— Kancelaria Prezydenta (@prezydentpl) January 24, 2024
15:38
Sasin:
I had information that Bielan presented the idea of postal voting
- It has been said here many times, it is no secret, although I did not hear it directly from Mr. MP Bielan. I received information that he presented this type of idea [postal voting], referring to the law already in force from March 31st and to solutions that were in place at that time abroad, including in the Federal Republic of Germany - said Jacek Sasin during the session of the investigative committee for the "envelope elections".
15:43
Sasin:
Printing of Ballot Papers Handled by PWPW Based on Prime Minister's Decision
- As far as I know, the printing of ballot papers was handled by Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych (Polish Security Printing Works). They made this decision as part of preparations to hold the election based on the decision of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers [...]. Naturally, I cannot provide details here because this institution was not subordinate to the Minister of State Assets, but rather to the Ministry of Interior and Administration - said Jacek Sasin during the session of the investigative committee on envelope elections.
- The basis for this was the decision of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, who ordered preparations for holding the election by correspondence before the act of April 6th even came into force - he continued.
- Poczta Polska (Polish Post) did not print any ballot papers, I want to state this very clearly. The printing of ballot papers was carried out by PWPW based on the Prime Minister's decision - he added.
When asked by the chairman, Joński, who decided that the preparation of postal elections would be entrusted to Poczta Polska and PWPW, Sasin replied: The Chairman of the Council of Ministers.
- So? - Joński pressed. - The Prime Minister - the former head of MAP repeated.
16:05
Sasin Asked About the Cost of Postal Elections: Around PLN 65 Million
- As far as I remember, that amount was around 65 million zlotys – Jacek Sasin stated during the session of the investigative committee on postal elections, when asked how much the "elections that did not take place" cost.
18:35
Müller:
I Think Kamiński and Wąsik Will Manage Themselves to Enter the Sejm Premises
- I think that the gentlemen [Kamiński and Wąsik] will manage themselves to enter the Sejm premises, I am counting on the Marshal [Hołownia] not deciding on a forceful order for the Marshal's Guard to eject members of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland from the Sejm, that would be absurd - said Piotr Müller in the "Afternoon Conversation" on RMF FM.
18:37
Müller:
I Hope Hołownia Won't Lead to Scuffles in the Sejm
- I can imagine it, but I hope Szymon Hołownia won't lead to that - said Piotr Müller in an RMF FM interview when asked if he could imagine scuffles occurring on Sejm grounds.
- If personal rights were violated, in terms of the ability to move around the Sejm premises, then the official who breaks the law is always responsible in such situations, as are, of course, the individuals issuing orders. If the Marshal of the Sejm issues such orders [...] they will also bear criminal responsibility in the future - he continued.
18:41
Abortion in Poland Must Be Legal, Accessible, and Safe. KO Submits Draft Bill
- Abortion in Poland must be legal, accessible, and must be safe. This is what we fought for in the streets of our cities, and that is why we, as Civic Platform (KO), are submitting a draft bill that gives us a sense of security, which states that up to the 12th week, a woman can decide whether to terminate a pregnancy or to remain pregnant. We are fulfilling our promises so that we can feel safe - stated Monika Rosa in a recording published on social media.
? Spełniamy obietnice! Aborcja musi być legalna, dostępna i bezpieczna.
— Platforma NEWS ??✌️ (@NewsPlatforma) January 24, 2024
? @moanrosa ? pic.twitter.com/hlT286uhqS
18:41
Müller:
Hołownia is in a tailspin orchestrated by Tusk. He sits and orders the law broken.
- My impression is that Szymon Hołownia has fallen into a loop, a tailspin, that Donald Tusk has orchestrated for him. Donald Tusk sits behind the scenes and orders Szymon Hołownia to break the law here, and Mr. Bodnar elsewhere, while he himself sits and watches matches – said Piotr Müller on RMF FM.
18:47
Müller:
There is no moment for early elections now; this government received political legitimacy
- If it were up to me, I wouldn't send this particular budget to the Constitutional Tribunal - said Piotr Müller on RMF FM.
- No, I don't think so [the budget in the CT cannot be a pretext for dissolving the Sejm] - he continued.
- I believe there is no moment now to hold such early elections, because this government received a certain political legitimacy in the autumn; let it prove itself, be verified, and then we can talk about early elections - he went on to say.
18:47
Kierwiński:
I'm informing everyone who thinks they still have immunity – the state is functioning, and the law will be upheld
- I would like to inform all those who believe they still have immunity that the state is functioning and the law will be upheld – wrote the head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Marcin Kierwiński, on social media.
Chciałbym poinformować tych wszystkich, którym wydaje się, że wciąż mają immunitety, że państwo działa a prawo będzie przestrzegane.
— Marcin Kierwiński (@MKierwinski) January 24, 2024
18:53
Müller on Vote Regarding So-Called 'Morning-After Pill': In Such Matters, There Is No Discipline in Our Club
- In such matters, there is absolutely no voting discipline in our parliamentary club, neither on in vitro, abortion, nor on matters of this type, therefore, it will be the individual decision of each MP - said Piotr Müller on RMF FM, when asked how PiS would vote on the issue of the so-called over-the-counter morning-after pill.
- I am not, so to speak, clearly on any side of this dispute, because it is a rather complicated matter [...]. It is controversial to the extent that the age is set above 15 years of age, and here I have some doubts - he continued.
18:59
Müller on whether the PiS camp will disintegrate after Kaczyński's resignation: There is such a risk, I am saying this directly
- There is such a risk, I am saying this directly, there is such a risk and I have also stated these words before, because it is a kind of phenomenon that so many political parties, perhaps fewer parties, but political environments are nonetheless in one group or political camp - said Piotr Müller on RMF FM, when asked if this camp will disintegrate after Jarosław Kaczyński's departure from the role of PiS leader.
19:09
Kaczyński:
Unlawful Entry into the National Prosecutor's Office Has Occurred
We received information that there was an unlawful entry into the National Prosecutor's Office, an unlawful attempt to seize power in the prosecutor's office without an acting prosecutor appointed by Minister Bodnar. Minister Bodnar directly participated in this. He also wanted to enter the office so that two prosecutors could conduct an inventory. They legally refused to undertake such actions - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a press conference.
19:10
Kaczyński:
A Crisis Described in Law is Underway, Article 127 of the Penal Code - 10 Years to Life Imprisonment, for Attempting to Overthrow the System by Force
- I know that Prosecutor Barski in no way wants to agree to unlawful actions and does not want to agree to resign, and a crisis is currently underway. This is a crisis described in law, it is Article 127 of the Penal Code - from 10 years to life imprisonment, because it is an attempt to change the system by force - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a press briefing.
- Moreover, it is not just this event. Many of these events, taken together after December 13th, constitute the commission of an extremely serious crime by the authorities, meaning a felony, because it is a classic felony; if the threat is this high, such offenses are called felonies in legal and juridical language - he continued.
19:10
Kaczyński:
Our Hope is the President. We Believe He Should Convene the Cabinet Council and the National Security Council
- Our hope is the President. We believe he should convene both the Cabinet Council and the National Security Council, and perhaps also take other actions, which I will not mention here, that will aim to simply restore the functioning of the Constitution and law in Poland - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a press briefing.
19:14
Kaczyński:
The President is the Guardian of the Constitution, He Can Take Various Actions, Even Far-Reaching Ones, Leading to a Change of Situation
The President of the Republic of Poland, in accordance with Article 126 of the Constitution, is the guardian of the Constitution. Therefore, he can undertake various actions, even, in my opinion, and this is my assessment, very far-reaching ones, which would lead to a radical change of the situation and to the punishment of those guilty of what is currently happening – stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a press briefing.
19:38
Wąsik:
We did not intend to hide in the Presidential Palace
- We did not intend to hide in the Presidential Palace, we did not intend to beat around the bush, to hide somewhere further. We wanted to wait for the president and say that if there is such a will and such a situation, we are ready, we have things ready, because we know from the media that we will be arrested by the police and we would probably go out to the officers, surrender voluntarily - stated Maciej Wąsik on TV Republika.
19:43
Kamiński:
We Will Continue to Fight, We Have a Plan Prepared, We Will Surprise Our Enemies
- They wanted to crush us, they failed. Thanks also to the beautiful stance of the people and to the President's decisions. We are free, we will continue to fight, we have a certain plan prepared here, we will surprise our enemies - stated Mariusz Kamiński on TV Republika.
19:49
Kamiński to Hołownia and Tusk: We'll See Each Other Soon. We'll Look You Straight in the Eye on Our Terms. We Are MPs and We're Not Giving Up
- We are here and we will see each other soon. We need to prepare a detailed scenario for our next session. I won't hide that I am undergoing medical consultations. So, a few days to regain strength, physical strength, because we absolutely do not lack mental or moral strength - stated Mariusz Kamiński on TV Republika.
- Mr. Hołownia, Mr. Tusk, we will see each other soon. We will look you straight in the eye on our terms. We are MPs and we are not giving up - he added.
19:50
Wąsik:
The Conduct of the Deputy Heads of the Government Protection Bureau Bore the Hallmarks of Disobedience to the President
- I have the impression that the conduct of these Deputy Heads of the Government Protection Bureau bore the hallmarks of disobedience to the President. I mean, I believe that the SOP, which received the decision to assist the Police in detaining two individuals based on a court order, and I do not wish to assert here whether it was legal or illegal, that is irrelevant – stated Maciej Wąsik on Telewizja Republika.
19:51
Kamiński:
We Haven't Yet Said Whether We'll Be in the Sejm Tomorrow or Not
- I don't know if there's any point in the Sejm meeting tomorrow, because we haven't yet said whether we will be there or not. We have our plan - stated Mariusz Kamiński on TV Republika.
20:01
Leszczyna on Kamiński and Wąsik: I Would Simply Ignore Them. They Have No Right to Enter the Session Hall
- Every citizen has the right to visit the Sejm. And if citizens Wąsik and Kamiński - essentially criminals, but pardoned, so they absolutely have the right to be free - as former parliamentarians want to enter the Sejm, then frankly, personally, I see no objections - said Izabela Leszczyna in an interview with Piotr Marciniak on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach".
- I understand Speaker Hołownia. He is responsible for the Sejm, he is the host of the Sejm, and knowing the temperature of some recent sessions and the heated heads of PiS MPs, we can probably expect various excesses. Here, I understand the Speaker. However, I would probably just ignore the gentlemen, really. They have no right to enter the session hall, and that is sacred - she stated.
20:14
Leszczyna on the 'morning-after' pill without a prescription: I hope the President signs the law
- Today, the Council of Ministers, for which I am very grateful to my fellow ministers, adopted a law that allows the 'morning-after' pill without a prescription for individuals aged 15 and over. [...] I am convinced that the Sejm will adopt this law, and I also hope that the President will sign it - said Izabela Leszczyna on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach".
- This is emergency contraception, which is in no way an early-term abortion pill. The action of this active substance is that it prevents fertilization, meaning no embryo is formed. Therefore, even strictly religious individuals for whom ethical issues are important should not have any reservations here - she assessed.
20:25
Leszczyna Announces Abortion Guidelines. "Some of Them I Will Want to Codify in a Regulation"
- January 31st, meaning next week, I will announce these guidelines [regarding abortion]. I have had discussions with both the national consultant for gynecology and the national consultant for perinatology […]. Some of them I will want to codify in a regulation - said Izabela Leszczyna on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach".
- What is important to me in these guidelines is that there is definitely no conscience clause for the medical entity, meaning for the hospital, and no doctor can hide behind a conscience clause if the life or health of the patient, a pregnant woman in this case, is threatened. These are fundamental matters for me, and we will not deviate from them - she continued.
- But I also want to emphasize – safety for doctors, because they simply cannot fear the prosecutor, they cannot fear saving human lives - she added.
20:36
Leszczyna:
With the 'morning-after pill' and health education, I'm sure there will be significantly fewer abortions
- If we have the 'morning-after pill', if we have health education, and I have spent many hours with Minister Barbara Nowacka, and we practically have closed ideas on how to conduct this health education – its part must, of course, be sex education, but also education about mental health – then I am sure that there will be significantly fewer abortions than today, not more – said Izabela Leszczyna in "Fakty po Faktach" on TVN24.
20:41
Leszczyna:
The person who made a mistake and must pay the penalty is not Leszczyna, but Niedzielski
- If it were the case that an office could make a mistake, an offense, an administrative infraction, then the office would pay. But because it was a person who made this mistake, to use a euphemism, then the person must pay, and that person is not named Izabela Leszczyna, but Adam Niedzielski - said Izabela Leszczyna in "Fakty po Faktach" on TVN24.
- I have appealed the decision of the Personal Data Protection Office to the Provincial Administrative Court. We are waiting for the verdict, but we will not give up here. The taxpayer cannot pay for a high-ranking official - she declared.
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