Live Feed

01/25/2024

07:42

Thursday's Political Agenda: Sejm Session Begins, Government Representatives Appointed to RDS

At 10:00 AM, the Sejm session will commence, starting with a short voting block. Furthermore, the agenda includes first readings of two citizen-initiated bills – an amendment to the social pension act and an amendment to the Teachers' Charter. MPs will also address changes to the act on municipal self-government, as well as the act on the National Centre for Research and Development.

At 1:00 PM, the Sejm's Committee on Justice and Human Rights will review information on significant issues arising from the activity and jurisprudence of the Constitutional Tribunal in 2022. At 2:30 PM, it will examine information on the activities of the National Council of the Judiciary in 2022, and at 4:00 PM – information on the activities of the Ombudsman and the state of observance of freedoms and human and civil rights in 2022.

At 3:30 PM, at the Presidential Palace, President Andrzej Duda will appoint government representatives to the Social Dialogue Council.


07:58

Kosiniak-Kamysz on the Proceedings Against Kamiński and Wąsik in the Sejm: Marshal Hołownia Will Handle It, He Doesn't Need Advice
- With the moment the District Court issued its ruling, the mandates were revoked and their terms in this parliamentary term ended for Messrs. Kamiński and Wąsik - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in the "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" program on TVN24. - He [Szymon Hołownia] will handle this situation, he doesn't need advice here, he knows how he should behave, he should behave decently, normally, and effectively - he continued, when asked what tactic he would suggest to Hołownia regarding Kamiński and Wąsik.

08:03

Kosiniak-Kamysz on Kamiński and Wąsik: They Cannot Participate in Proceedings, Enter the Plenary Hall, or Vote
- They should [Kamiński and Wąsik] have identification as former MPs. Once they obtain it, it will confirm they are former MPs. Then, of course, from the gallery [...] they cannot participate in proceedings, they cannot enter the plenary hall, they cannot vote. These are clear and obvious rules - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on TVN24.

08:09

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

The Constitution Must Be Changed, Even Regarding the Constitutional Tribunal. I Believe PiS MPs Willing to Make Changes Will Be Found
- The Constitution needs to be changed in some areas, even concerning the Constitutional Tribunal - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on TVN24. - With those [who want to change the Constitution]. There must be [at least 40 willing PiS MPs], and I believe they will be found in this term. [...] I believe such people will be found because the deepening legal chaos will also be detrimental, perhaps primarily to those who created this chaos - he continued. - If PiS rejects this proposal, its responsibility will be even greater [...]. A new chapter on the Constitutional Tribunal [will be in the proposed constitutional amendment] [...] election by a different majority, I think 3/5 - he went on to say.

08:15

Kołodziejczak:

Wąsik and Kamiński Should Be Held Accountable for Their Actions Over the Last 8 Years

- I am not pondering this, but they will likely come [Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik to the Sejm] and here Marshal Hołownia must take appropriate steps. It is the Marshal's prerogative, today I am dealing with entirely different matters. Let everyone focus on their own responsibilities to the best of their ability. For me, the priority today is agriculture, food security. That is what the Marshal, the Marshal's Guard, are there for, to carry out the Marshal's orders. I will only say that these people, Wąsik and Kamiński, should be held accountable for what they did over the last 8 years - stated Michał Kołodziejczak in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Radio Zet.


08:20

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

In Sweden, they say 'we must prepare for war'; the same awareness is needed in Poland
- I think about it every day. To be honest, we must be ready for every scenario, including the worst one. Had it not been for the war in Ukraine, it would probably have been harder for us to even consider such scenarios, not to mention finding answers. They were truly unimaginable regarding Ukraine until the day the war broke out. Most in Europe, in the world, and I think in Ukraine, including the most important Ukrainian politicians, even when Russian troops were already at the border, did not believe that an invasion would occur the next day. A lesson must be learned from this - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on TVN24. - This awareness on NATO's eastern flank, in the Baltic countries, but also, for example, in Sweden, where they clearly and unequivocally say 'we must prepare for war', the same awareness must exist in Poland. That is why three things, which we have been talking about from the very beginning, are so important: national community, strength in alliances, an army after transformation, after modernization, functioning well, but also, for example, citizen engagement, civil defense - he continued.

08:27

Kołodziejczak:

The Green Deal Equals a Nightmare for Poland

- The Green Deal equates to a nightmare for Poland. It is something that should not come into effect in Poland, certainly not in the arrangement we are talking about today, and here farmers are 100% right. I cannot imagine today that Poles would reduce the amount of active substances by even half, when the Dutch use 4 times more, and we also have half and they have half - stated Michał Kołodziejczak on Radio Zet.


08:34

Kołodziejczak:

I Am Consistently on the Same Side

- I am consistently on the same side. I am on the side of normal agriculture, normal food production in Poland, on the side where Polish farmers stand today - stated Michał Kołodziejczak on Radio Zet.


08:34

Kołodziejczak:

Tusk Will Do Nothing Against Farmers

- Tusk will do nothing against farmers. The government's position is clear; I was at a government meeting when Prime Minister Tusk clearly stated: Poland's position will be firm, and we will not make any concessions in this regard - stated Michał Kołodziejczak on Radio Zet.


08:35

Przydacz:

Kamiński and Wąsik are MPs, so it's their decision whether they want to participate in the session; they have the right to do so

- Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik are MPs, so it's their decision whether they want to participate in the session; they have the right to do so, but they also have a free mandate. But as we hear, they are announcing their active parliamentary work, so it should be expected that they will [attend Sejm sessions] - stated Marcin Przydacz in the program 'Graffiti' on Polsat News.


08:36

Wąsik:

I am a Member of Parliament, I hold a parliamentary mandate and I will fulfill it to the best of my ability
- I wanted to say this. I was elected with 24,000 votes as a Member of the Republic. I hold a parliamentary mandate and I will fulfill it to the best of my ability and to the best of my external capabilities. I will not say what exactly I will be doing, however, I am a Member of Parliament. They tried to strip me and Mariusz Kamiński of our parliamentary mandate through a sham court ruling. A sham because this matter, which the media are talking about as if we were convicted on December 20th, is a matter that was already adjudicated much earlier, meaning a bizarre, draconian verdict was handed down in 2015, after which President Andrzej Duda granted us an act of grace and pardoned us, and this act of grace is, of course, legally binding – stated Maciej Wąsik on Radio Wnet.

- Indeed, opposition MPs will be deprived of their rights in court proceedings. Does the Supreme Court ruling, which states that we are MPs, mean nothing here? Will Donald Tusk be the one to say who is an MP and who is not? Who is convenient for him in the Sejm, who is not? What kind of times are these, when Donald Tusk will decide, will choose for himself who should be in opposition to him, and who has no right to enter the Sejm because he is exceedingly inconvenient for him – he continued.

08:37

Wąsik:

Hołownia is a Puppet in Tusk's Hands

- The Constitutional Tribunal ruled that the President in 2015 had full right to grant a pardon, and that this pardon is valid. However, Donald Tusk said it doesn't work and that MPs Wąsik and Kamiński will not enter the Sejm. This means Donald Tusk makes the decisions, not Hołownia. Hołownia is a puppet in Tusk's hands – stated Maciej Wąsik on Radio Wnet.


08:37

Przydacz:

If the Marshal's Guard and Hołownia Block or Detain MPs, They Will Break the Law and Face Future Prosecution

- If the Marshal's Guard and Marshal Hołownia block or detain MPs, they will thereby break the law and face future prosecution in this matter, because it is clear that MPs cannot be detained without a Sejm decision and the removal of their immunity, especially those who are going to perform their duties in the Sejm. Those who carry out these orders, both directly and those who are directing this matter, will face future prosecution. This is probably clear to every lawyer - stated Marcin Przydacz on the program "Graffiti" Polsat News.


08:37

Wąsik on Agent Tomek: 'He's an Unfortunate Man Who Went Down the Wrong Path at Some Point'

- There is no Agent Tomek here who is any kind of problem, he is an unfortunate man who went down the wrong path at some point, and when justice started to get to him – stated Maciej Wąsik on Radio Wnet.


08:40

Przydacz:

We Don't Intend to Sing in the Sejm

- We remember the chaos, the 'ci…tajdan' (a neologism for a chaotic situation, derived from 'ciamajdan') in the Sejm. We do not intend to sing in the Sejm, we do not intend, like MP Nitras, to rummage through other MPs' notes – and yet such scenes occurred then – we do not intend to pitch tents there – stated Marcin Przydacz in the program "Graffiti" on Polsat News.


08:57

Kołodziejczak:

Kowalski Failed to Implement Key EU Directives, Potentially Jeopardizing Funds
At the Ministry of Agriculture, certain directives, which are crucial for Poland's presence in the EU, have not been implemented. I cannot go into detail, but those who loudly shouted in the parliamentary corridors when AgroUnia entered the Sejm are responsible for this. Failing to fulfill official duties is punishable by the Penal Code. Based on the information I have, Janusz Kowalski did not implement some directives, and certainly one very important one – stated Michał Kołodziejczak on Radio Zet. This concerns the fact that today some EU funds may be withheld from Poland because the appropriate directive has not been implemented – he continued.

09:05

Kołodziejczak:

Duda Should Invite Lepper's Family

- I will turn to President Duda because he also reached out to Andrzej Lepper's family. Do they by any chance not need help, because the actions of Kamiński and Wąsik have led this family into a very difficult situation. Yes, President Duda should invite Andrzej Lepper's family to his place, to the Palace, to show impartiality and full neutrality - stated Michał Kołodziejczak on Radio Zet.


09:07

Wąsik to Hołownia: Case Closed? Full Agreement

- Messrs. Kamiński and Wąsik are not MPs. A court verdict deprived them of their mandates, not the Sejm. The matter is closed. Today we are processing important civic projects. I expect everyone to respect the citizens who brought these projects to the chamber - wrote Szymon Hołownia on Twitter, to which Maciej Wąsik has already responded.


10:02

Hołownia:

There will be a lot of emotion, but no obstruction

- I think there will be a lot of emotion, but there will be no obstruction. These are my predictions - stated Szymon Hołownia in a conversation with journalists in the Sejm.


10:03

Hołownia:

Kamiński and Wąsik Can Enter Sejm Premises, But Not the Plenary Hall

- [Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik] can enter the Sejm premises, but they cannot enter the plenary hall, because that is a space that belongs to MPs, and I hope that this distinctiveness of the parliamentary chamber will also be respected today by the representatives of the executive branch - stated Szymon Hołownia in a conversation with journalists in the Sejm.


10:23

Sasin:

Grodzki, Gowin, and Local Government Officials Linked to the Then-Opposition Are Responsible for the Failure of Postal Elections
- This money was indeed not used for the elections to take place, so in that sense, it can be said that it was effectively wasted. The dispute today is about who is responsible for this. Contrary to this, I maintain [...] that the responsibility lies with the then-opposition, and today the ruling parties [...]. The fact that these elections did not happen was due to specific decisions, decisions by the Marshal of the Senate, Mr. Tomasz Grodzki, who held up the law passed by the Sejm which was the basis for organizing these elections - said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on the program "Sedno Sprawy" on Radio Plus. - The intentions were clear in this matter; the goal was to prevent these elections from taking place. Local government officials connected with the then-opposition, who refused to hand over voter lists, Jarosław Gowin, who did a lot to prevent these elections from happening, today, as we know, in agreement also with the politicians of the then-opposition [...]. These people are responsible for this, they are responsible for the fact that these elections did not happen - he continued. - If you ask me who made the decision that the elections were to take place at a specific time, I tell you: the Constitution. [...] The decisions regarding the specific date were made by Madam Marshal Elżbieta Witek, who called the presidential elections for May 10, 2020. Immediately after that, the pandemic broke out, which caused the need to look for a solution that would lead to the elections being able to effectively take place, because imagine what would have happened if the president's term had expired and the elections had not been held. Poland would have become a country completely unmanageable, a country in anarchy, no law could have been passed - he went on to say.

10:32

Sasin:

Anyone who disagrees with Tusk could end up in prison
- Today we live in Poland under Donald Tusk's rule, where anyone who disagrees with Donald Tusk and the ruling party is exposed to repression and could end up in prison [...]. Why should I fear prison, for what? What about the fact that there is a parliamentary inquiry committee [...] notifications to the prosecutor's office have already been made, Marian Banaś himself filed them [...] it turned out they were compromising. The prosecutor's office has twice discontinued proceedings in this matter, and an independent court has confirmed the correctness of this discontinuation, meaning that today we are in a situation where it has been legally, finally established that no crime occurred, neither in the case of my actions, nor, as I emphasize, in the case of Prime Minister Morawiecki [...] so I have no reason to fear any legal consequences - said Jacek Sasin on Radio Plus.

10:38

Sasin:

Changing PiS Leadership Today Would Be Extremely Unwise
- It is difficult for me to imagine such a situation, at the moment we are in today. I understand that the situation would be different if democracy in Poland functioned normally [...] the fact that we lost the election and someone else is governing does not mean that the law does not apply in Poland [...] democracy truly functioned during the elections, but after the elections it stopped functioning. [...] Today, we must focus on defending democracy in Poland, on opposing what the government is doing, and we cannot deal with internal matters, and especially in such a situation, a change of leadership would be extremely unwise. I will certainly be among those who will try to convince the President [to remain as PiS leader] – said Jacek Sasin on Radio Plus.

10:45

Wójcik to Hołownia: Not long ago you cried over the constitution, today you brazenly break it

- What you have been doing in recent weeks is a disgrace. You are covering the lower house of the Polish parliament with shame. Not long ago you cried over the constitution, and today you are brazenly breaking it. The constitution! The last few weeks have been an attack on the foundations of our state, an unlawful attack and the appropriation of public media, unlawful because it has already been established by the courts. You are not allowing MPs Kamiński and Wąsik to exercise their mandates, their rights towards the Republic of Poland, this is a scandal – stated Michał Wójcik in the Sejm.

- Mr. Wójcik, if you prefer to be addressed in this manner. You mentioned the constitution, Article 99, paragraph 3: “a person sentenced by a final judgment to imprisonment for an intentional crime prosecuted publicly cannot be elected to the Sejm and Senate” – replied Szymon Hołownia.

- Crying over the constitution is one thing, and applying it and having it in your heart is another matter. I have both – added Szymon Hołownia.


10:49

Kaczyński:

Elections are Necessary. We Have an Extraordinary Situation

- I believe that the real way out is a transitional period, of course with a new government and then elections. There's no other way to resolve this. However, there should be some transitional period. We have an extraordinary situation, the Constitution has practically ceased to be in effect. Therefore, various methods can be applied. Simply put, it is being broken - stated Jarosław Kaczyński in a conversation with journalists in the Sejm.


10:58

Tusk:

Kaczyński Didn't Find a Minute to Listen to the Plight of Severely Affected People, Yet You Always Have Time to Elevate Criminals

- I've always said this, and today I want to repeat it. You are the strongest. I want to say that this day is somehow particularly symbolic for me. I didn't want to draw attention to it, but unfortunately, it happens that I'm sitting close to Chairman Kaczyński, probably about 1.5 meters away in a straight line, and sometimes I hear what he says. When Minister Kołodziejczak was speaking and addressed Chairman Kaczyński as 'Mr. Kaczyński,' Mr. Kaczyński replied to him, 'you brat' - stated Donald Tusk in the Sejm.

- I'm talking about this because half an hour later, when a representative of thousands of families who had painstakingly collected signatures for a bill meant to help and alleviate the suffering of those most affected took the floor, he [Kaczyński] didn't even find a minute to listen to the plight of people so severely harmed by circumstances, noble people fighting on behalf of the weakest. Yet, you always have time to elevate criminals with final court verdicts to some heights - he continued.


11:01

Tusk:

No One Has the Right to Seek Power Who Views Political Opponents as 'Louts' or Deems the Disabled Unworthy of Attention

- We went into the elections, and I will tell you that it is precisely for this reason that it is worth going to the elections, going for power, so that these people, the parents and guardians of the disabled, can live to see the moment when they see that power exists to take care of them, and no one has the right to seek power who views a political opponent as a lout, or who deems parents and disabled individuals, and parents of disabled individuals, as unworthy of even a minute of attention. On this day, it is most clearly visible, as much as possible, that you did not deserve even one day of power, that you ruined this country precisely because this is how you treat the disabled, their guardians, opponents, criminals, as all of Poland has seen in the last few days - stated Donald Tusk in the Sejm.


11:07

Tusk:

Kaczyński Turned His Back on You. We Will Work Hard and Diligently to Make This Law a Reality as Soon as Possible

- I thank you all very much once again, and I promise that just as we stood by you when the authorities turned their backs on you, just as Mr. Kaczyński has turned his back on you today, so will we work hard and diligently to make this law, which you have been waiting for, a reality as soon as possible - stated Donald Tusk in the Sejm.


11:13

Kaczyński:

We will accuse Polish authorities of torture before the EU, as the decision was definitely made at the very top. It's Tusk's decision
I think that's why [Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik are not in the Sejm], they are simply in very poor health as a result of the crimes committed against them during their stay in prison. Well, I have [information] because I spoke [with them]. He is particularly unwell, and furthermore, torture was used against him. We, of course, because there is such an institution in the EU, will approach it with an accusation against Polish authorities for using torture, because the decision was definitely made at the very top. I am convinced that this is Tusk's personal decision and he should personally be held responsible for torture in Poland - stated Jarosław Kaczyński in a conversation with journalists in the Sejm. For introducing a tube without any reason to a person who has certain defects concerning their nasal septum, which caused great pain, and knowing that he would be released from prison shortly, a forced feeding procedure was carried out. This is torture, and I repeat, people who use such methods should be held accountable, and not with such minor penalties, but with many years of imprisonment - continued the PiS leader.

11:28

Tusk:

Part of PiS, alongside Kaczyński, is preparing for full state destabilization

- PiS, or at least a part of PiS, because I see that not everyone is delighted with this tactic of the brilliant strategist, but there is no doubt that part of this environment, with President Kaczyński, is preparing for full state destabilization and they are looking for various pretexts so that the state is not, for example, capable of helping those people we are debating about today, meaning guardians and parents of disabled individuals - stated Donald Tusk in a conversation with journalists in the Sejm.


11:33

Tusk:

I'm not surprised people feel sick seeing a president hugging criminals

- I'm setting aside the aesthetics of these events, but indeed I'm not surprised that people feel sick seeing the President of the Republic of Poland hugging criminals, and it's an interesting thing, because it's hardly talked about. We're talking about Mr. Kamiński and Mr. Wąsik, who were legally convicted for what they did, abusing power until 2015. The president pardoned them so they could continue doing the same things - stated Donald Tusk in a conversation with journalists in the Sejm.


11:37

Tusk:

If Anyone Is Thinking About a Coup, It's Probably Kaczyński

- If indeed anyone is thinking about a coup, it's probably President Kaczyński. We don't need to stage one, because we won the elections and legally took power in Poland – stated Donald Tusk in a conversation with journalists in the Sejm.


11:54

Rzepecki on Kaczyński's Words: The President Knows Perfectly Well What to Do, He Will Convene the National Security Council if He Deems It Appropriate
- Regarding the words of Chairman Jarosław Kaczyński, I can say that President Andrzej Duda knows perfectly well what he has to do, and if he deems it appropriate to convene the National Security Council, he will do so; if not, then not - Łukasz Rzepecki said in an interview with Marcin Fijołek on Poranek Siódma9.

12:03

Giertych:

Let Kaczyński Not Rush to Elections, as a New Vote Would Seemingly Grant Us a Constitutional Majority
- Let President Kaczyński not rush to elections, because if there were new elections, it seems we would obtain a constitutional majority. This is, of course, a political decision, but no one will scare us with any elections, and it seems the elections are local. So, President Kaczyński will have an opportunity to test himself, as it appears he is threatened with losing power in all regional assemblies – said Roman Giertych in a conversation with journalists.

12:08

Giertych:

There is no forceful takeover of the prosecutor's office. Those announcing mutiny and rebellion should perhaps face criminal proceedings
- There is no forceful takeover of the prosecutor's office; it is a forceful attempt to block the prosecutor's office by individuals who do not want to accept that they have to leave. A new head has arrived, and employees sometimes have to accept that they are leaving. These gentlemen have a problem with that and are creating hysteria, announcing some kind of mutiny and rebellion. In my opinion, they should all be dismissed for this and perhaps even face criminal proceedings - said Roman Giertych in an interview with journalists.

12:12

Hołownia:

I Don't Expect Objections. This Means We Will Be Able to Appoint the Pegasus Committee at Tomorrow's Session

- Yes, PiS changed the candidates, there are four candidates nominated by PiS. The deadline for submitting objections is until 12 o'clock, but I don't expect objections, although we'll see how it goes. This means we will be able to appoint the Pegasus committee at tomorrow's session, unless something changes - stated Szymon Hołownia during a media appearance.


12:22

Hołownia on Kamiński and Wąsik: I Absolutely Do Not Change My Position

- Regarding correspondence with the National Electoral Commission, my response to Chairman Marciniak will be sent out today, in which I will precisely describe the legal grounds on which I base my expectation of indicating candidates to fill the mandate vacated by MP Kamiński, also emphasizing in the final sentence of this letter that I absolutely do not change my position. It is simply immutable - stated Szymon Hołownia during a statement to the media.


12:31

Hołownia:

I Cannot Imagine the President of Poland Bringing Individuals into the Sejm Building Who Are Not Permitted on its Premises

- The President, should he appear here, is always a welcome and observed guest in parliament. However, I cannot imagine a situation where the President of Poland brings individuals into the building of the Republic of Poland's Sejm who are not permitted on its premises, because that would simply be uncivilized, and I do not suspect the President of such intentions - stated Szymon Hołownia during a media appearance.


12:53

Giertych:

I will meet with the Head of the General Prosecutor's Office next week to discuss the possibility of annulling the Lotos sale

- The situation where the government sold the Lotos company, de facto the entire company, or at least its most significant assets, for 3 or 4 billion below its own valuations, and actually 5 to 7 billion according to the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) valuations, is an unprecedented situation, ladies and gentlemen. We have dealt with perhaps the biggest economic scandal, and only one question arises in this matter. For me, it is quite obvious: who took money on the side? And this question must be asked, and the prosecution must answer it. That is why today we are appealing for the Prosecutor General and the National Prosecutor to take action ex officio in connection with this program, because this program presents a great deal of information, to initiate an investigation immediately and secure the documents in this matter – said Roman Giertych at a press conference of the PiS Accountability Team.

- We will also appeal, and I would like to meet, I think I will meet next week with the head of the General Prosecutor's Office, to consider the legal possibility of annulling this transaction – he added.


12:53

Pomaska:

Kaczyński, Sasin, Morawiecki, and Obajtek are responsible for the sale of Lotos
We are dealing with a large-scale affair, an affair for many reasons. Lotos was not sold, it was liquidated, and this is the first fact we confirm every day as we see more and more material on this major scandal. The decision to sell, to liquidate Lotos, was not a substantive or economic decision; it was not about building the Polish champion that Orlen was meant to be, but rather a political decision. That is why we have specific individuals responsible for making this decision and for the lack of oversight in conducting this liquidation. Firstly, Jarosław Kaczyński; secondly, the responsibility of Minister Sasin; thirdly, the responsibility of Prime Minister Morawiecki; and fourthly, Mr. Daniel Obajtek – stated Agnieszka Pomaska at a press conference of the PiS Accountability Team.

14:51

Kamiński:

We Will Appear in the Sejm in the Coming Days, But on Our Terms

We want to appear in the Sejm in a planned, very precise manner – stated Mariusz Kamiński in an interview with wPolsce.pl.

We will certainly appear, Mr. Hołownia, in the coming days, but on our terms, not on yours – he added.

We are not former MPs, we have MP credentials, we have a Supreme Court ruling, the National Electoral Commission has not revoked our mandates – Kamiński emphasized.

- In an illegal manner, they are trying to deprive MPs of the possibility to exercise their mandates – he continued.


15:27

Tusk's Ministers Cancel Participation in Social Dialogue Council Inauguration at the Last Minute
President Andrzej Duda invited members of Donald Tusk's government to the Presidential Palace for the ceremony of their appointment to the Social Dialogue Council (RDS). The ministers cancelled their participation in the event at the last minute, despite the date being agreed upon and ten ministers having additionally confirmed their presence earlier. Consequently, today's ceremony will not take place – informed the Chancellery of the President. The absence of representatives from Donald Tusk's government prevents the Council from commencing its work. This is the first time that government members have cancelled their participation in a ceremony during which the President of the Republic of Poland makes changes to the RDS – it was noted in the statement. Such a ceremony is a long-standing tradition and underscores that social dialogue is one of the fundamental achievements of Poland after 1989. The great Solidarity movement fought for its continuation. President Andrzej Duda, as he has repeatedly emphasized, is always ready to cooperate on matters of greatest importance to Poles. He hopes the ceremony will take place at the earliest possible date. At the same time, the President hopes that this action by the government is not an attempt to deliberately destroy the legal institution of social dialogue, as was the case with the Tripartite Commission during the previous governments of Prime Minister Donald Tusk – it was highlighted.

16:17

Szynkowski vel Sęk: We are in favour of climate transformation, but it must be evolutionary

- We are, of course, in favour of climate transformation being implemented, of adapting the economy to new circumstances and new needs, but it must occur in an evolutionary cycle. A cycle that takes into account its impact on Polish citizens, how it will burden their wallets, which is why there is no question of any radical moves here; every move here requires deep consideration – stated Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk at a press conference.


18:36

Pomaska:

President Delayed Council of Social Dialogue Appointments. The Date Should Be Agreed Upon with Invitees
- As far as I know, members of the Council of Ministers have been waiting for their appointment to the Council [of Social Dialogue] since the beginning of January, and the president delayed this [...] he wanted a more ceremonial form, while the government is focused on simply getting to work - said Agnieszka Pomaska in the "Afternoon Interview" on RMF FM. - I think the ceremony is less important than the fact of the appointment itself, the president can do it without this ceremony, and the date should, however, be agreed upon with those who are invited - she continued.

18:41

Pomaska:

Kaczyński is Completely Lost, and the Entire Party with Him
- I have a sense that there is a lot of internal chaos in Law and Justice, because there is simply no leader there today. [...] I also have the impression that the MPs are simply embarrassed by what President Kaczyński is doing, because I don't think any of them heard about this proposal for early elections, the President likely didn't consult anyone about it, he is completely lost, and the entire party is lost with him - said Agnieszka Pomaska on RMF FM.

18:42

Chancellery of the Prime Minister: The Government is Keen to Resume Social Dialogue Council Work Swiftly. Unfortunately, the President Delayed the Decision.
- The government is keen to resume the work of the Social Dialogue Council as soon as possible, which is why on January 5th, Prime Minister Donald Tusk appointed ministers to represent the government's side in the Council's deliberations. Simultaneously, he appealed to President Andrzej Duda to appoint the ministers to its composition as quickly as possible - informed the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. - Unfortunately, the President delayed the decision and scheduled the ceremony for appointing government members to the Council only for January 25th. In response, the Chancellery of the Prime Minister informed the Chancellery of the President that on that day, a Sejm session is taking place, during which the ministers will be performing their official duties. Therefore, they will not be able to attend the ceremony - reads the statement. - The Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery simultaneously appealed to the Chancellery of the President to sign the appointments of government representatives as soon as possible. We are counting on the President to do so in fulfillment of his duties, and for the Council, as the most important institution of national social dialogue in Poland, to be able to commence its work as soon as possible - it was concluded.

18:46

Pomaska:

The Fundamental Principle We Will Adhere To Is Respecting the Law
- We will recognize the rulings of the European Court of Justice, we will respect the law. If we are talking, for example, about the situation in public television or radio, there are appellate institutions and appeal procedures, there are further instances, and as I understand, the minister, disagreeing with the first instance decision, will appeal to the next one. He has such a right, and we will exercise this right. Yes, the fundamental principle we will adhere to is simply respecting the law - Agnieszka Pomaska said on RMF FM.

18:53

Pomaska on Kamiński and Wąsik's Situation After Court Verdict: The Only Doubt I Have is Whether They Should Have Voted Then
- Mariusz Kamiński and Mr. Wąsik are criminals convicted by a final court ruling, pardoned by the president. Their mandate expired at the moment the ruling became final, a ruling that not only led to the loss of their mandate, but at that moment they were also banned from holding public office - Agnieszka Pomaska said on RMF FM. - I have doubts whether they [Kamiński and Wąsik] should have voted then [after the court ruling], yes, I have doubts and that is the only doubt that arises in this matter. It seemed to me that their voting cards should have been deactivated then, but it was not my decision - she continued.

20:28

Hołownia:

Former MPs Kamiński and Wąsik May Appear in the Sejm, But on My Terms
- I have a simple message for the former MPs Kamiński and Wąsik: of course, they can appear in the Sejm, but they will appear there on my terms - said Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "Kropka nad i" (Dot Over i). - If they claim to be MPs, then they are obliged, based on Article 7 of the Sejm's Rules of Procedure, to comply with the marshal's orders regarding order. And if they are not MPs, then they must comply with the marshal's orders regarding order from Article 10. [...] So this meeting […], if it happens, will take place on my terms, and no one will set conditions for me, no one will threaten me - he continued.

20:36

Grabiec:

We Do Not Want to Delay the Social Dialogue Council Meeting
- We do not want to delay this meeting of the Social Dialogue Council, because we ourselves are receiving signals from trade unions and employers that they would like to meet with representatives of the new Polish government as soon as possible. We are ready for this, but we are missing a few signatures – stated Jan Grabiec on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

20:40

Grabiec:

Kaczyński Compared Prison Officers to the Gestapo, I Believe an Apology is Due for These Words
- This is absurd [the claim that the decision on forced feeding was made by Donald Tusk]. The PiS government, or Prime Minister Kaczyński's government, might have operated, but Prime Minister Donald Tusk really doesn't have the time to deal with court and doctor's decisions. He has no competence in this area, and he has never hidden the fact that he is neither a doctor nor a judge – Jan Grabiec said on Polsat News. - The entire procedure took place, it was carried out by people who for 8 years were subordinates of Prime Minister Kaczyński's government, de facto of the super-Prime Minister Kaczyński. These are the same people, by whom for years Prime Minister Kaczyński or President Kaczyński, Prime Minister Morawiecki, raised the slogan "shoulder to shoulder with the Polish uniform". And today, President Kaczyński compared Polish officers to the Gestapo. I think an apology is due to the Prison Service officers for these words – he continued.

20:41

Grabiec:

Looking at Wąsik and Kamiński, I get the impression they're in a sanatorium, not prison
- When I look at these gentlemen [Kamiński and Wąsik], I get the impression that I'm not seeing physically depleted people after two weeks in prison. Today they appear more relaxed than two weeks ago, as if they were in a sanatorium, not prison – stated Jan Grabiec on Polsat News.

20:44

Hołownia:

Kamiński and Wąsik Are in Good Shape, Giving Interviews Smiling Ear to Ear. This Is Not How Tortured People Look
- If anyone in the Sejm today claims that Messrs. [Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik] were subjected to torture in prison, yet they are in good shape – and thank God for that – giving interviews, smiling from ear to ear. This is not how tortured people look. In my life, working in various places around the world, I have seen people who were subjected to torture, and I assure you, they do not look like this – said Szymon Hołownia on TVN24's "Kropka nad i".

20:52

Grabiec on Abortion Liberalization: 'The Project is Not Part of the Coalition Agreement. I Think Decisions Will Cross Party Lines.'
- This project, this regulation [legalizing abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy] is not part of the coalition agreement, so everyone has the right to their own opinion here. But I hope that when it comes to the vote, when we have refined this project so that all issues that might raise questions are clarified, that a majority will be found in the Sejm on the side of the governing coalition. Because we know that this is very often a matter of conscience. I know that many female MPs within the ranks of, say, PSL or Third Way, believe that this is a matter of standards and stopping the torture of women, that these regulations must be introduced. We cannot tolerate the current situation in Poland after Przyłębska's ruling. It is one of the most oppressive for women in Europe, if not the most oppressive already at this moment. This simply needs to be changed, and I think these decisions will cross party lines – said Jan Grabiec on Polsat News.

20:59

Giertych on Kamiński and Wąsik: They Should Appear in the Sejm, Because According to the Law, They Are Obligated to Settle Their Parliamentary Office Accounts

- I think they should appear in the Sejm, because according to the law, they should settle their parliamentary office accounts. Every MP who loses their mandate has a specified period to account for the money they received for their office. This is one mission awaiting these gentlemen in the Sejm - stated Roman Giertych on TVP Info.


21:00

Giertych:

We Won't Back Down an Inch. We Will Settle Everything, Every Zloty, Every Scandal That Emerges

- We are saying very clearly that we will not back down even an inch. We will settle everything, every zloty, every scandal that has emerged, every abuse of power. Everything will be settled, but justly by independent prosecutors, independent judges - stated Roman Giertych on TVP Info.


21:00

Hołownia:

If Kamiński and Wąsik somehow end up where they shouldn't, we will de-escalate the situation peacefully
- Nobody will get into a scuffle or fight with them [Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik], and I also hope that they will not get into a scuffle or fight with anyone. However, there are disciplinary tools. Their cards are already deactivated, meaning they will not be able to vote. But if they somehow end up in a place they shouldn't be, we will de-escalate this conflict through peaceful means and persuade them that they should not be where they should not be – said Szymon Hołownia on TVN24's "Kropka nad i".

21:09

Hołownia:

President Has Not Yet Appointed New PKW Members. I Sent Him a Letter About It Last Week
- Please also remember, this is rarely mentioned, that we as the Sejm have appointed a new National Electoral Commission (PKW). The President has not been kind enough to appoint it so far. I don't know [why], however, I sent a letter to the President last week, asking him to appoint this PKW as soon as possible. For a simple reason: local government elections are just around the corner - said Szymon Hołownia on TVN24's "Kropka nad i" (Dot Above i). - The President might not like the composition, but the Sejm has chosen such a PKW and will not choose another one - he added.

21:19

Hołownia:

I Will Vote Against the Bill Liberalizing Abortion Up to the 12th Week. I Suspect I Will Be a Minority in My Club.
- I will vote against such a bill [liberalizing abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy]. I suspect I will be in the minority in my club, and I am saying this honestly and openly. I would vote for a bill restoring the status quo ante, meaning the state before the Constitutional Tribunal's ruling and the referendum - Szymon Hołownia said on TVN24's "Kropka nad i".