Aircraft to Support Evacuation of Poles from the Middle East. Tusk Submits Request to the President
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02/15/2024
07:48
Thursday's Political Agenda: EP President in Poland, Kosiniak-Kamysz in Brussels, Cameron with Duda and Sikorski, Culture Ministry Leadership Conference
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola will begin her two-day visit to Poland with a meeting with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. A joint press conference is scheduled for approximately 10:30.
At 11:00, Metsola will meet with Marshal of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska in the Senate, and at 11:35, she will deliver a speech to the upper house of parliament. A meeting with Marshal of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia is scheduled for 12:00, and with Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski at 12:45. Later, at 16:45, Metsola is also expected to meet with the Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar.
At 14:15, the EP President will visit the University of Warsaw, where she will participate in a meeting with students who will have the opportunity to participate in European elections for the first time. At 15:45, at the EP office in Warsaw, she will attend the inauguration of the Europa Experience centre. The final point of Metsola's visit to Warsaw will be a speech at the College of Europe in Natolin at 17:45, where she will deliver the keynote address for the 2023/24 academic year.
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will travel to a meeting of NATO defense ministers at the Alliance's Headquarters in Brussels. The meeting aims to, among other things, prepare for this year's July NATO summit in Washington. The Minister of National Defence is scheduled to meet with his counterparts from Germany, Lithuania, Norway, France, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. A meeting with the media is planned for approximately 15:30.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron will visit Poland. At 10:00, he will deliver a statement to the media together with Radosław Sikorski. Subsequently, at 15:00, he will meet with Andrzej Duda at the Presidential Palace.
At 11:00, the first press conference with the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage will take place.
At 10:00, the Minister of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński will present medals in honor of Police Sub-Inspector Andrzej Struj to female and male police officers.
08:15
Czarzasty to Duda: Once a Majority is Found, You Should Stand Before the State Tribunal
- I am a politician who speaks in a truly calm manner about one thing: remember, do not be vindictive. But to President Andrzej Duda, I say this: Sir, once a majority is found, you should stand before the State Tribunal. Because what we are now fixing is partly your doing - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Grzegorz Kępka on Polsat News' "Graffiti".
08:24
Czarzasty:
The Left Will Not Vote with PiS on Constitutional Changes. I Respect Our Coalition Partners' Views, But They Won't Silence Us.
- Yes, this is a good moment to calm the situation in Poland, but I urge a very rational and pragmatic assessment of the entire situation. It's easy to say: let's change the Constitution, let's sit down and do it. […] Does anyone truly imagine that anyone will change the Constitution in the Polish Sejm with PiS, especially in the direction of eliminating PiS's political influence in the Constitutional Tribunal? Do you know of a carp that votes for Christmas or chicks that are happy about Easter? These are simply unrealistic things – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Grzegorz Kępka on Polsat News' "Graffiti".
- The Left will not vote in the Sejm with PiS on changing the Constitution. […] We will not vote with the people who are responsible for all these problems, who break, have broken the Constitution, and have led to the current state of the Constitutional Tribunal and the National Council of the Judiciary – he emphasized.
When asked if coalition politicians proposing constitutional changes are therefore irrational, he replied: - There are four formations that form the coalition. A coalition is strong when each formation is an autonomous entity. I respect the views of my coalition partners, but the views of my coalition partners will not cause anyone to silence the Left. Simply put, we do not want to change the Constitution with PiS.
08:42
Biejat:
Bocheński is Not a Real Contender
- Mr. Bocheński is not a real contender. In my opinion, Mr. Bocheński is proof that, as in many other cities, the Law and Justice party is forfeiting Warsaw without a fight, because frankly, with all due respect, I really don't think that the first accomplishment of a candidate for the mayor of Warsaw, the first thing they should do for Warsaw, should be becoming the mayor of this city - said Magdalena Biejat in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Gość Radia ZET".
08:47
Biejat:
Fewer people are coming to Warsaw lately because it's unaffordable to live here due to prices. This is partly the City Hall's fault.
- Lately, fewer people have been coming to Warsaw altogether because it's become unaffordable to live in Warsaw when it comes to the cost of living. [...] This is partly the City Hall's fault, because it hasn't invested in housing. Rafał Trzaskowski promised in 2018 to build 1,500 apartments annually. This has not happened; less than a thousand apartments have been built over four years in office – said Magdalena Biejat on Radio ZET.
08:53
Czarzasty on Pegasus: The Greatest Perverse Misdeed of That Government Was Spying on Their Own Cronies
- This is the worst misdeed that the Law and Justice (PiS) party could have committed against Polish women and men. [...] People will go to jail for this, to be clear - Włodzimierz Czarzasty said in the "Graffiti" program on Polsat News, when asked about Pegasus.
- This means that one of the political forces, using the power of the state and state money, spied on people without informing them. This is Watergate squared [...] The greatest perverse misdeed of a perverse government is spying on its own cronies - he continued.
08:53
Biejat on Razem's Decision Not to Join the Government: The Decision Was Right
- Yes, I believe that [Razem's decision not to co-create the government] was right, because at the time, by not joining the government, we spoke about our concern over the lack of concrete declarations and guarantees for solutions that we care about. One of these was the issue of housing, we said that very specific amounts of money were needed. Today, we are in a situation where government representatives are announcing the continuation of the 2% or 0% loan, and we are still waiting for concrete assumptions, even though it will be detrimental to the housing market, without consultation with The Left - said Magdalena Biejat on Radio ZET.
09:01
Mastalerek:
We Must Build Alliances and Engage with America in a Way That Allows Cooperation with Any Administration
- The President's goal is one – to ensure Poland's security; he has been consistently stating this for a long time. This year will be a year of fighting for Polish security; all actions are directed towards this. We have a very important anniversary summit in Washington, and then we have very important elections in the USA for Polish security. We must, on the one hand, strengthen and modernize the Polish army as quickly as possible, build alliances, and engage with America in a way that allows cooperation with any administration. This is how President Duda has always operated – stated Marcin Mastalerek in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.
09:01
Mastalerek:
Insulting strategic American allies, as Tusk did, is the wrong path. I hope he withdraws from it.
- We appeal, and the President appeals today to everyone, to conduct politics in such a way that cooperation is possible with every administration. Insulting our strategic American allies on Twitter, as Prime Minister Tusk did, is truly the wrong path. I hope Prime Minister Tusk withdraws from it - stated Marcin Mastalerek on Radio Plus.
09:03
Mastalerek:
To Erect a Tribunal, a Majority is Needed. They Lack That Majority
- There is no point in bringing President Duda before the Tribunal of State, and secondly, to bring someone before the TS, you need a majority. They don't have that majority. So, what are we even talking about? The President is not afraid, I don't think he even knows about it. But if he did know, he would probably laugh. It's completely unrealistic - stated Marcin Mastalerek on Radio Plus.
09:05
Biejat:
I Don't Understand Tusk's Actions on Housing. Another Incomprehensible Matter is the Lack of Movement on Abortion
- Today the government allocated one billion zlotys for the construction of rental housing in local governments. We need at least four times that amount to meet just the current demand from local governments - said Magdalena Biejat on Radio ZET.
- I consider Donald Tusk to be an experienced politician, an intelligent politician, a politician who should understand these matters. So if this is not an ideological [housing] problem, then I don't know what it is, because it is truly difficult to deny the facts at the moment. I don't understand this [the Prime Minister's actions] - she continued.
- Another matter that is absolutely incomprehensible to me is the fact that there is still absolutely no movement on the issue of terminating pregnancies. [...] The current coalition won these elections with the votes of women who mobilized, among other reasons, because of this [...]. Not only the bill on the legalization of abortion lies in the Sejm, but also the Left's bill on the decriminalization of abortion. This is something that can be done immediately - she went on to say.
09:06
Mastalerek:
If someone says - 100 days, 100 specifics, it will be easy to count them and we'll see how this assessment turns out for Civic Platform
- Around March 23rd, or thereabouts, 100 days will pass. We'll see, because this will be the first test for Civic Platform and the first clash between the government and the opposition, precisely in this aspect – whether Civic Platform kept its word from the election campaign. Because if someone says: 100 days, 100 specifics, it will be easy to count these specifics and we'll see how this assessment after 100 days turns out for Civic Platform – stated Marcin Mastalerek on Radio Plus.
09:10
Biejat:
The Government's Disregard for its Own Ministers is Disgraceful
- The issue of [abortion] decriminalization is something that could be carried out, as the Third Way is also capable of accepting it. Moreover, Minister Leszczyna, a minister from Civic Platform, recently stated that this needs to be done quickly. The fact that the government doesn't listen to its own ministers, let alone Minister Kotula, who has been fighting for this from the very beginning, is also disgraceful in my opinion - said Magdalena Biejat on Radio ZET.
09:14
Biejat:
It's Time to Present the Public Media Bill
- I believe that yes, with public television, to be clear, a quick order needed to be established. I believe that the procedure chosen was not a good one, but let's also be aware that public television was a pest, functioning in a way that deepened divisions and was simply harmful to democracy, inciting hatred towards people - said Magdalena Biejat on Radio ZET.
- We were promised a bill to change public media, to heal public media, to create them in the mold of that mythical BBC we all talk about, and it's still not here. It's time to show it - she continued.
09:18
Biejat on Clean Transport Zone: 'I Would Expand It'
- I would expand it [the clean transport zone], but in a way that there are alternatives [...] we need to have alternatives for good commuting and transport for everyone, and let's add that all these clean transport zones also have their exclusions, meaning there are groups of people who simply need to get somewhere, regardless of what they drive - said Magdalena Biejat on Radio ZET.
09:27
Schetyna:
The idea of a constitutional reset is indeed noble, but I consider it very difficult to achieve
- The idea [of a constitutional reset] is indeed noble, I would say so. Because it seems to me that those who speak about it and analyze it want to improve this difficult situation. Meaning, to treat it as an attempt to find a new beginning, where we all treat the Constitutional Tribunal and all those institutions, whose functioning is currently questioned, in a serious, normal way. However, I believe that it is very difficult to achieve. I would not want to say impossible, because in politics, in life, there are no impossible things, but it is very difficult due to the fact that PiS and President Kaczyński will not want to cooperate – stated Grzegorz Schetyna in the program "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.
09:31
Schetyna:
I have no illusions that decisions about postal voting were made at Nowogrodzka, and Witek was to carry them out
- I had the impression that Marshal Witek did not fully understand the situation and the questions, because she looked as if she was indeed a participant in this situation, but not the subject and did not make decisions in this matter. This means the decisions were made elsewhere; I have no illusions that the decisions, including those about postal voting, were made at Nowogrodzka, as previous witnesses stated very clearly, and Marshal Witek was to carry them out – Grzegorz Schetyna said on PR1.
09:32
Schetyna:
Those Who Used Pegasus in Political Rivalry Must Leave Politics and Public Life
- I believe that [regarding Pegasus] everything from A to Z, every minor detail, every decision, its preparation, introduction, and passage through government and public institutions, all of it must be explained truly from beginning to end. Because here, the pathologies of the PiS state must be exposed and highlighted and condemned in such a way that such a temptation never returns. People who were involved and used such methods in political rivalry must simply leave politics and public life – stated Grzegorz Schetyna on PR1.
09:33
Schetyna:
I am convinced we will win most regional assemblies, the question is whether all of them
- I am an optimist, we are going in parallel, we are going in a formula similar to October 15th, but I am convinced that we will win the majority of regional assemblies. The question is whether all of them, or not. There have been times, there was 2006, 2010, when we actually won all except one, once we managed to win all regional assemblies. I am in good spirits, I believe that these local government elections are very important because we need to have elected good, cooperative authorities, we need to return to good cooperation between the government administration and local government – Grzegorz Schetyna said on PR1.
10:43
Sikorski After Talks with Cameron: We Discussed Actions to Strengthen Ukraine's Defense Capabilities and Shared Experiences on Sanctions Enforcement
- Great Britain is one of Poland's most important allies in Europe and around the world. We have similar, and in many cases identical, perspectives on the most crucial areas of security policy and Eastern policy. Together, we advocate for maintaining strong transatlantic relations and strengthening the deterrence and defense of the North Atlantic Alliance. We cooperate closely in combating terrorism, organized crime, and disinformation. We collaborate in international forums for the promotion of democracy and the expansion of the security sphere - said Radosław Sikorski in a statement following his conversation with David Cameron.
- The most important topic of our conversation today was the most urgent matter, namely preserving peace in Europe and the world, meaning Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine for the past two years and the resulting threat to the security order in Europe. Minister Cameron does not need to be convinced that Putin's aggressive policy poses a threat not only to Ukraine's statehood but to the security of the entire continent. Stopping Russian imperialism is a fundamental condition for the freedom and value system of the civilized world - he continued.
- We discussed concrete actions we want to take in the coming weeks that will strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. I also presented proposals that I am raising at the European Union forum for increasing the production capabilities of the defense industry of member states. We also exchanged national experiences in the field of enforcing sanctions that both our countries and the European Union have imposed on Russia - he added.
10:45
Sikorski:
We Appeal to the US House of Representatives to Vote on Aid Package for Ukraine
- I would like you to treat this as our joint appeal to the United States House of Representatives and personally to Speaker Mike Johnson, to bring the aid package for Ukraine to a vote. This is, as David said, an epochal decision that will affect American credibility globally among its allies. Therefore, we appeal for this aid package to be voted on - said Radosław Sikorski in a statement following his conversation with David Cameron.
10:55
Sikorski:
No Reparations from Germany
- There will be no reparations [from Germany] because, unfortunately, Potsdam decided otherwise, and unfortunately, the ministers of the previous government know perfectly well that Poland, unfortunately, cannot obtain reparations. So, I hope you will appreciate that we are trying to obtain what is obtainable, meaning not reparations, but a form of compensation that would convince us that Germany is truly sorry for what it did in Poland during World War II - said Radosław Sikorski at a press conference.
11:00
Sikorski:
The previous government believed it had a special relationship with Trump, so I appeal for it to be used now, in this hour of need.
- What worries me more than what Donald Trump says is what he does, and from what we hear, he is persuading members of the House of Representatives, and previously senators, to block the aid package for Ukraine. Thank God that failed. And I would like to ask the Polish admirers of this politician what they think about it, whether they believe it serves Ukraine, Europe, and Poland. And if not, what do they intend to do about it? The previous government believed it had a special relationship with Donald Trump, so I appeal for it to be used now, in this hour of need, to persuade him to at least stop hindering the adoption of this package - said Radosław Sikorski at a press conference.
11:02
Tusk:
We've worked with the EP President for many years and can always count on her support in various matters
- We have been cooperating with the President of the European Parliament, Ms. Roberta Metsola, for many years and we can always count on her support in a very wide range of contexts - said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a joint press conference with Roberta Metsola.
- Amidst all the emotions currently gripping the European Union regarding Ukraine, trade liberalization, farmers' protests, rule of law issues, migration, I could list many other topics that are focusing the attention of public opinion and European politicians - in every one of these matters, I have always been able to count on full understanding and very good cooperation with the President - he continued.
11:09
Tusk:
European Parliament President's Presence in Poland is a Significant Element of the Pro-Turnout Campaign for the European Elections
- Today we also discussed, for obvious reasons, the upcoming European Parliament elections. The presence of Madam President in Poland is also a significant element in the campaign to increase voter turnout. In Poland, voter turnout in elections has reached record levels, both on October 15th, and also during the last European Parliament elections. So I think this is a good place [...] to talk loudly and clearly about how important the European elections are, how important the European Parliament is - said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a joint press conference with Roberta Metsola.
11:16
Sienkiewicz:
Decisions Made During Transition Period Characterized by Compulsive Spending of Public Funds for PiS's Flagship Institutions
- We promised, we said publicly, that many doubts that arose during this interregnum period between the October 15 elections and December 13 require clarification and investigation. We wanted to briefly talk about this period, and then we will discuss other ministry actions - stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.
- These two months, including the pseudo-government of Prime Minister Morawiecki, were a very heated period for the Ministry of Culture, as enormous sums were disbursed at a greatly accelerated pace. Frankly speaking, 175 million PLN was spent during these less than two months, and for comparison, in 2022, the year before, the ministry spent 77 million PLN in the same period. So, the increase was by 100 million PLN. What happened to these 100 million? The decisions made during this transition period were characterized by compulsive spending of public funds for PiS's flagship institutions within the Ministry of Culture, an attempt to stuff these funds where they could still be stuffed - he continued.
- We believe this was done solely for political purposes, and so on November 29, 2023, Minister Gliński made three financial decisions that increased the budget of the Biuro Niepodległa, and literally within 1 day, from the decision to the transfer of funds, this bureau received 4.5 million PLN. The Centre for Development of Creative Industries, the favorite child of our predecessors, received 24 million 432 thousand within 2 days. The decision was made the next day, and the money was transferred. The Museum of Polish History, an impressive building constructed with enormous public funds, very beautiful, but without a permanent exhibition, received 18 million PLN, and this is essentially a permanent increase. The Museum of Memory and Identity named after the late John Paul II - 15 million PLN, and for the Lex Veritas foundation of the well-known Toruń businessman, Father Rydzyk - Sienkiewicz pointed out.
11:17
Sienkiewicz:
A System of Rushing Public Funds to Allies Was Created Under the Guise of Noble Historical Figures
- In addition, there are two issues that have had a very significant social resonance, namely Otwock and Chełm. Otwock - PLN 100 million for the operation of an institution that combines two great historical figures, Dmowski and Paderewski. And Chełm and Otwock represented a transfer of funds for the next year to local governments belonging to the same party as our predecessors. We have halted these funds, and analyses are ongoing, just as I halted the disbursement of funds for the construction and permanent exhibition of the John Paul II Museum of Memory and Identity. Simply put, the ministry's limited resources do not allow for the transfer of these funds, but the truth is, regardless of the legal reasons, we are dealing with something that is obvious, that is, under very noble names, under the beautiful surnames of historical figures, a system was created within these two months of violently pushing public money to their own – stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.
11:17
Sienkiewicz:
This is one of our commitments – church businessmen will not prey on public funds for culture
- Regarding Toruń and this museum, and the entire project referred to as Father Rydzyk's, I would like to remind you that this is one of our pre-election commitments, meaning church businessmen will not prey on public funds designated for culture. There is no possibility of that. We are currently reviewing the contract that was concluded. In our opinion, there are grounds to believe that the funds and the entire agreement, which resulted in over PLN 200 million flowing into Father Rydzyk's projects in Toruń, are questionable from the perspective of their intended purpose. We will conduct further analyses. If it proves possible, we will seek to amend this agreement – stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.
11:18
Tusk:
Polish Farmers Must Be Assured Solutions Will Be Friendly, Not Against Their Interests
- We had a long discussion today about the specific situation of Polish agriculture, considering its geography and character. I am counting heavily on the understanding of the President of the European Parliament, and I know I will not be disappointed; I know we have gained such understanding - Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during a joint press conference with Roberta Metsola.
- There is no doubt that European, including Polish, farmers must be assured that the solutions we will be preparing will be friendly to them, not aimed against their fundamental interests. I am referring here to both the export of agricultural and food products from Ukraine to Europe, as well as to certain provisions of the Green Deal - he stated.
- This is not simple; there are no simple situations in European politics today. We will have to, one way or another, jointly, both during this term and the next term of the European Parliament, more effectively start looking after the interests of agricultural producers in Europe and in Poland - he continued.
- Everyone has the right to full respect, deference, and understanding for their own interests in Europe. But this is also a fundamental issue of the security of the entire EU and Poland in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the threat of global conflict, which is not an abstraction, and we must all prepare for it as united as possible, also bearing in mind food security - he emphasized.
11:36
Scheuring-Wielgus:
Management of the Saxon Palace Company Dismissed, Directors of Zachęta Art Gallery, National Museum in Warsaw, and National Film Archive Removed
- As the minister just said, there were many decisions made between October 15th and December 13th, not only financial decisions, but also personnel decisions concerning directors, particularly of institutions. And during this period we are now discussing, Minister Gliński made 29 personnel decisions, 21 of which concerned pay raises for directors, and 14 decisions concerned director appointments, which included extending contracts, for example, for another 7 years, or appointing for a new term, or appointing a new director – stated Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus at a press conference of the Ministry of Culture.
- Regarding the decisions made by Minister Sienkiewicz from December 13th onwards, you are aware of these decisions, I will just repeat them. The management of the Saxon Palace company has been dismissed due to concerns about the proper expenditure of public funds. The director of the Zachęta Art Gallery, Mr. Janusz Janowski, has been dismissed by the minister due to failure to fulfill the obligation to create and implement the institution's strategy. The director of the National Museum in Warsaw, Mr. Łukasz Gaweł, has been dismissed due to irregularities in human resource management, and Director Robert Kaczmarek of the National Film Archive has been dismissed due to truly serious violations of personal data regulations and failure to fulfill duties related to securing the institution's archival resources – she continued.
11:42
Metsola:
I am glad that Poland is returning to the heart of Europe
- I am glad to be here today, at this special moment in Warsaw, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the EU. I am very pleased to have returned here precisely at this moment, when Poland is returning to the heart of Europe, becoming a leader - said Roberta Metsola during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
12:14
Sienkiewicz on TV Republika: Until I'm Certain It's a Journalistic Institution, Not a Thieves' Den, I See No Reason to Invite Their Representatives to My Conferences
- I have one housekeeping remark. Recently, some controversy has arisen regarding TV Republika's participation in ministry conferences. I would like to clarify the matter. TV Republika, at a time when PiS MPs and former TVP authorities forcibly occupied TVP's buildings, used TVP's equipment, studios, and trademarks illegally. Pre-litigation claims have been issued in this regard, and frankly. Until I am certain that this institution is a journalistic institution, and not an institution of thieves, I see no reason to invite their representatives to my conferences – stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.
12:16
Sienkiewicz:
Those Who Created and Managed TVP from Nowogrodzka Will Not Return to the Station
- The previous system, to put it most concisely, collapsed under the weight of its own vileness. And the moment when, on the one hand, the previous administration broke the law regarding the public media management system, not to mention the truly vile practice of its exploitation, and the moment when a new media order is established in Poland, one thing is certain – those who created and managed TVP from Nowogrodzka will not return to this television station. We will await the resolutions, and the appropriate place for these resolutions and the building of a new media order is the Polish parliament, the Sejm and the Senate – stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.
12:18
Sienkiewicz:
The Most Appropriate Solution is the Establishment of an Extraordinary Parliamentary Committee on Media Order
- I am convinced that the most appropriate solution is the establishment of an extraordinary parliamentary committee on media order, and it is in my interest for this committee to start operating as soon as possible. Not only in my interest, but in the interest of Polish citizens, plain and simple - stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.
- I assure you that I have plan B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and as long as the issue of media order is not definitively resolved, I believe it is my duty to maintain the status quo - the Minister of Culture continued.
13:05
Sienkiewicz:
Public Media Will Receive Funding
- There are three other ways of transferring money to public media, and Donald Tusk's government will utilize all legal possibilities. There will be money for public media - stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.
15:40
Siekierski:
We are negotiating a bilateral agreement with Ukraine on agricultural goods
- We have achieved a lot in that trade liberalization is not to the extent proposed by the European Union. The EU has made certain concessions. The issues are still being negotiated, as this document will be subject to deliberations in the European Parliament, as well as the Council of Agriculture Ministers. However, we are simultaneously negotiating a bilateral agreement with Ukraine to establish certain principles for this period that would define the quotas for individual goods that can enter the Polish market, so as not to disrupt the stabilization of individual markets - said Czesław Siekierski in a conversation with journalists after a meeting with representatives of protesting farmers.
- The talks, from a technical perspective, are in the final stages. We believe that by the end of March, we should have everything agreed upon and the principles, quotas, and volumes established - added the Minister of Agriculture.
15:53
Trzaskowski:
I spoke with Domański about planned changes to local government financing. Better times are coming, details soon
- For 8 years of PiS rule, this was unthinkable. But under the democratic coalition of October 15th, it's obvious that local governments are treated seriously by the government. I thank Minister Andrzej Domański for a good conversation about the planned changes in local government financing - Rafał Trzaskowski wrote on social media.
- This is a fundamental matter for both Warsaw and for all regions, cities, towns, and villages in Poland. Better times are coming. Details soon! - he added.
Przez 8 lat rządów PiS było to nie do pomyślenia. A za rządów demokratycznej #koalicja15października to oczywiste, że samorządy są przez rząd traktowane poważnie. Dziękuję ministrowi @Domanski_Andrz za dobrą rozmowę o planowanych zmianach w finansowaniu samorządów. To… pic.twitter.com/1JYl0A0UpD
— Rafał Trzaskowski (@trzaskowski_) February 15, 2024
16:51
Kosiniak-Kamysz:
Poland Leads NATO in Defense Spending Relative to Economy
- Many bilateral meetings, very good ones. Poland is one of the leaders among NATO countries, and I wanted to start by saying that during my address, I emphasized Poland's expenditures on armaments, on the army, on national defense, and we are indeed a leader among NATO countries. We spend the most [on defense] in proportion to our economy. The largest percentage of GDP, it's 4.23% of GDP, we spend on armaments, with over 50 [half] going towards modernizing the army, which is extremely important for us, and we are showing and setting a good example – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference in Brussels.
- The second matter concerns a success, a tremendous success, which has become a reality today. The NATO-Ukraine Centre for Education, Analysis, and Training will be established in Bydgoszcz. The decision was made at today's meeting of the defense ministers of NATO countries. We have full agreement, and we are commencing the construction of this center […]. This is the first initiative of its kind between NATO and Ukraine that yields tangible results – he continued.
- Another issue is Poland's role in the Armoured Capabilities Coalition, which we are leading. When I began my mission, this process was just starting; we made the decision to join this coalition and become its leader. I am pleased that more countries are declaring both support and participation, as well as transferring funds to this coalition. Today, in direct conversation with me, the Canadian Minister of Defence did so, the British have declared their participation, and other countries are also joining. Germany will be a co-leader of this coalition, which is also very important for us – he added.
16:53
Kosiniak-Kamysz:
We are reviving Weimar Triangle meetings, the first one to be held in Poland before the Washington summit
- We are strengthening cooperation with the Weimar Triangle countries, with Germany, with France; these are important partners for us. We are reviving meetings in the Weimar Triangle format, the first such meeting will take place in Poland before the summit in Washington – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference in Brussels.
- In this format, we will cooperate, and a meeting with a strategic partner, Great Britain, is very important. Great Britain supports Ukraine, but the presence of British soldiers in Poland is also extremely important for us, for our actions. This is a strategic partnership, despite us no longer being together in the EU. Poland is a representative, a hugely important partner within NATO, and also a representative of Great Britain's interests in its relations with the EU – he continued.
16:56
Kosiniak-Kamysz:
I am in favour of allocating a significant portion of EU funds to the defense industry
- This direction, that defense matters and integration within the EU be strengthened, is absolutely right. Never in the history of the EU has security been as important as it is now. I am in favour of allocating a significant portion of EU funds, various ones, from cohesion funds to the KPO [National Reconstruction Plan], to actions of the defense industry, to supporting this part of the economy's functioning – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference in Brussels.
17:35
Duda and Tusk at the White House. Meeting Date Announced
On March 12, Joe Biden will meet with Andrzej Duda and Donald Tusk. The meeting will coincide with the 25th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO. The politicians will reaffirm their support for Ukraine defending itself against Russia, and will also discuss, among other things, American-Polish partnership regarding energy security. The White House conveyed the information about the meeting in a released statement.
17:55
Duda:
Joint Washington Visit Demonstrates Enduring Strength of Polish-American Alliance, Regardless of Leadership
- The joint visit of the President and Prime Minister to Washington on the anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO demonstrates that the Polish-American alliance is and will remain strong regardless of who governs in either country. Poland, by allocating 4% of its GDP to defense spending, is a credible ally and a role model for other Alliance states - President Andrzej Duda wrote on Twitter.
Wspólna wizyta Prezydenta i Premiera w Waszyngtonie w rocznicę wejścia Polski do @NATO pokazuje, że sojusz ????? jest i będzie silny bez względu na to, kto rządzi w obu krajach.
— Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) February 15, 2024
Polska, wydając 4% PKB na obronność, jest wiarygodnym sojusznikiem i wzorem dla innych państw…
18:43
Karnowski on Duda and Tusk's US Visit: We'll See if Duda Also Visits Trump
- It's a big surprise that [Duda and Tusk] are [flying together to meet Biden]. I don't know if President Andrzej Duda will also visit President-elect Trump, or not, we'll see - said Jacek Karnowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the "Gość Radia ZET" program.
- I'm a bit malicious, because supporting a man like Trump, who wants to dismantle NATO, is not a good thing - he continued.
18:47
Karnowski:
I Think Biejat Will Get 10-12% of the Votes
- I wouldn't want to underestimate Ms. Biejat, I think 10 to 12% of voters will support Ms. Magdalena - Jacek Karnowski said on Radio ZET.
18:52
Karnowski:
No Reason for Duda to Appear Before the Envelope Election Inquiry Commission
- There are no such reasons [for Duda to appear before the inquiry commission on envelope elections], because President Andrzej Duda, to our knowledge, and nothing has emerged in any documents so far, including declassified documents, nor in any testimonies, to suggest that he exerted any pressure for these elections to take place one way or another. I know the President's opinions that he said it was good those elections did not take place, because I understand he would not want to be elected like Lukashenko, under some strange circumstances. [...] There is no trace that he consulted about it in any way or made any decisions on this matter - said Jacek Karnowski on Radio ZET.
18:57
Karnowski:
We Will Likely Have to Question Marshal Witek Again
- Marshal Witek does not remember who brought this bill to the Sejm, she says it was not prepared by the government. I think we will have to question Marshal Elżbieta Witek again [...]. I believe that Marshal Szymon Hołownia will provide Marshal Witek with the papers so she can recall, and then she will know who came up with this devilish idea - said Jacek Karnowski on Radio ZET.
- I already put forward this motion at the last session, it was not voted through, but I believe that for clarification, because it is indeed very important - he continued.
19:02
Karnowski Asked About the Final Report of the "Envelope Election" Commission: I Hope for May or June
- I hope it will be sometime in May or June, because I am convinced that unfortunately, there will be a need for further investigative commissions, for example, concerning the sale of Lotos or NCBiR, and this commission should conclude. [...] I think we are somewhere almost halfway there - said Jacek Karnowski on Radio ZET, when asked when the final report of the investigative commission on the "envelope elections" would be ready.
19:46
Bodnar on resolutions concerning the Constitutional Tribunal: Work is ongoing, it's about minor details
- Work on this matter is still ongoing [...]. No, absolutely [there are no quarrels within the coalition]. The October 15 coalition is doing well, I am in constant dialogue with representatives of all political forces [...]. Literally, it's about minor details concerning this issue - said Adam Bodnar in the 'Gość Wydarzeń' program on Polsat News, when asked by Bogdan Rymanowski about draft resolutions regarding the so-called 'double judges' in the Constitutional Tribunal.
When pressed whether the resolutions would be ready for the next Sejm session, he replied: - I would not want to anticipate that yet.
19:53
Bodnar:
I Don't See the President Being Circumvented. A Bill on the National Council of the Judiciary Will Be Presented; the President Has a Constitutional Right to Opinion and Decision
- I do not see this issue of circumventing the president. Because, for example, now we have a draft bill on the National Council of the Judiciary on the table, this draft will, I hope, be adopted by the Council of Ministers [...] next week, and here the president certainly has a full constitutional right to express his opinion on this draft, and then to make substantive decisions - said Adam Bodnar in "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.
20:05
Bodnar on the KRS Bill: So-called Neo-Judges Can Vote, But Shouldn't Run for the Council
- This bill [on the KRS] is, in my opinion, even an attempt to meet the President's expectations, because in many statements the President said he doesn't want to undermine the judicial appointments he has made, and this bill focuses solely on the issue of how to elect KRS member-judges – said Adam Bodnar in “Gość Wydarzeń” on Polsat News.
- I believe they [judges appointed after 2017] should not [run for the KRS]. I believe they can vote, but I think that in order to resolve this issue, we must introduce some restrictions, which is why this solution was proposed in this way – he stated.
20:16
Bodnar:
We Never Had Dual Authority, Because There's One Prosecutor General. I Am Responsible for How the Prosecution Service Functions
- We have never had dual authority because there is one Prosecutor General, and it so happens that I currently hold that position. I combine the functions of Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General. I am responsible for how the prosecution service functions; I have the right to issue orders, commands, and guidelines [...] and here we do not have any dual authority. Jacek Bilewicz is the acting National Prosecutor, and a competition has recently been announced – said Adam Bodnar in "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.
20:22
Bodnar:
All actions taken by Prosecutor Barski until January 12th are valid
- I believe that all actions taken by Prosecutor Barski until January 12th are valid. Moreover, the vast majority of these decisions were made not only by him independently, but in cooperation with other prosecutors - Adam Bodnar stated on Polsat News' "Gość Wydarzeń" (Guest of Events).
- The moment the lawfulness of the appointment was questioned was January 12th. I operate under the assumption that everything he had done up to that point was done in good faith and was absolutely in compliance with the law - he added.
20:31
Bodnar:
The coming months should be dedicated to exiting the rule of law crisis by adopting further legislation
- The destruction of the rule of law over the years has resulted in numerous, very serious rulings by the CJEU and the ECHR. We must not only explain ourselves regarding these judgments, but we must also mend the legal reality in Poland. I believe that the coming months should be dedicated to precisely this, to exiting this crisis by adopting further legislation - said Adam Bodnar in "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.
- I spoke about the bill concerning the KRS, but we also face debates regarding the bill on the Supreme Court, the Act on the Organization of Common Courts, and the separation of the offices of the Minister of Justice and the Prosecutor General. Step by step, we will be doing this - he announced.
20:37
Bodnar:
If the Prime Minister tells me to go talk to the President about the KRS bill, I am of course ready
- I think that if Prime Minister Donald Tusk tells me: Mr. Bodnar, you will go to Mr. President and you will talk [about the draft bill on the National Council of the Judiciary], then I am of course ready. But such decisions are decisions at the highest political level, and it is the head of government who decides, not any of the ministers. Of course, I will then undertake such conversations - said Adam Bodnar in "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.
20:49
Bodnar:
We've agreed with Siemoniak to consider how to disclose information on Pegasus-spied individuals
- I am in constant contact with the Minister Coordinator of Special Services, Tomasz Siemoniak, we are discussing this matter [Pegasus]. The documentation of the Ministry of Justice also contains documents related to the purchase of this particular software - said Adam Bodnar in "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.
- Such information [list of individuals under surveillance] is at the disposal of the special services, meaning Minister Tomasz Siemoniak and the individual special services. I have access to it, but I cannot say anything more on the subject - he stated.
- Minister Siemoniak and I have arranged to meet in the coming days to consider how to bring about the disclosure of this information - he informed.
- I bear a great responsibility for what is contained there. To what extent was this software misused, and to what extent was it used against individuals suspected of genuinely harmful activities. […] A situation could have occurred where illegal software was used against a person suspected of activities threatening state security. And now the question is - should such a person find out about it? I have my doubts - he explained.
- But if it was used unlawfully, excessively, against individuals for whom there are no serious suspicions, or if it did not lead to any subsequent proceedings at all, then such information should be communicated to the public. I think this is one of the criteria - he continued.
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