300polityka

07:28

Wednesday's Political Agenda: Tusk Meets Norwegian PM, Government Session, Duda's Appearances, Trzaskowski in Białołęka, Wrzosek Before Investigative Committee

At 9:00 AM, a press conference will be held at the journalists' tables in the Sejm with the participation of PiS parliamentary club leader Mariusz Błaszczak and MPs Waldemar Buda and Paweł Jabłoński.

The investigative committee on postal elections is scheduled to begin its proceedings at 10:00 AM. The agenda includes the interrogation of Ewa Wrzosek, prosecutor at the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw – Mokotów, and Edyta Dudzińska, prosecutor at the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw.

Also at 10:00 AM, a government session will commence. The topics will include a draft amendment to the Accounting Act, a draft act on ensuring the accessibility requirements for certain products and services by economic operators, as well as current matters.

At 11:00 AM, at the Presidential Palace, President Andrzej Duda will present state decorations to the authors of the Report on War Losses.

Also at 11:00 AM, Mateusz Morawiecki, Robert Telus, Jarosław Sachajko, and Halina Szymańska will participate in a press conference summarizing the work of the "Work for Poland" Team regarding Polish agriculture.

At 12:10 PM, a press conference will be held in front of the construction site of a school in Warsaw with Rafał Trzaskowski and candidates for the Council of the Capital City of Warsaw and the Białołęka district.

President Andrzej Duda will take part in the 80th anniversary of the pacification of the village of Wanaty. A ceremony is planned at 12:30 PM at the Monument to the Victims of Wanaty, and at 2:00 PM, a ceremony will take place at the school in Wola Łaskarzewska. The President's speech is planned.

At 12:50 PM, a meeting between Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will begin at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. Around 1:50 PM, the heads of government will meet with the media.

At 1:00 PM, a press conference with Waldemar Buda and Zbigniew Kuźmiuk will be held at the journalists' tables in the Sejm.

At 4:00 PM in Kutno, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, along with Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda, will participate in the ceremony of signing a framework agreement with AMZ-KUTNO S.A. for the delivery of Kleszcz light armored reconnaissance transporters (LOTR).

08:00

Kierwiński on Police Vacancies: Concrete Legislative Proposals Expected Within Days, at Most Two Weeks

- This is a very difficult issue, because indeed there are many vacancies [in the police]. Most of them were created last year, because last year we had a peak when officers were retiring, and at that time the ministry authorities did not react - said Marcin Kierwiński in an interview with Agnieszka Drążkiewicz on PR1's "Sygnały dnia". - What needs to be done is certainly to make it easier for both former officers to return to the police and for new individuals to join the police. Minister Mroczek is already working on appropriate regulations. I think it's a matter of a few days, at most a dozen or so, before we come out with concrete legislative proposals in this regard - he assessed. - But what is perhaps most important is the issue of restoring police officers' belief that they are doing important things, that they work in a socially important service. These last 8 years, the excesses of Mr. Szymczyk, what happened regarding the politicization of the police, the use of the police to, for example, protect Mr. Kaczyński's events [...] that was a degradation of the police's authority - he added.

08:09

Kierwiński:

Yesterday's farmers' protest was very peaceful, thanks to both the police and, above all, the organizers

- This [farmers'] protest yesterday was a peaceful one. Of course, we dealt with a few excesses, we dealt with flares, these are things the police reacted to on an ongoing basis. […] These are truly incidents to which the police reacted, they documented them, and in several cases, there will be specific reports to the prosecutor's office - said Marcin Kierwiński in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1. - This protest was very peaceful, and this is largely thanks to both the police officers, but especially the organizers. It must be said very clearly that the organizers behaved very responsibly yesterday - he added.

08:12

Ejchart on the Prosecutor General Competition: It Was a Very Difficult Choice. The Discussion Was Very Substantive, but Also Emotional

- We weren't supposed to reveal [who Dariusz Korneluk won against], but I've already read that he won and prosecutor Katarzyna Kwiatkowska lost. So, this information has become public. Indeed, it was a very difficult choice. The team debated for over 2 hours, and it was a very substantive, but also very emotional discussion. The team members took the task entrusted to them by the Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General very seriously. Why did Dariusz Korneluk win? Because he presented the clearest, most cohesive, and responsible vision for the prosecution service at all levels. Also because he knows all these levels, meaning he is the only one with experience working at all levels of the prosecution service – stated Maria Ejchart in an interview with Marcin Fijołek on Polsat News' "Graffiti".

08:18

Ejchart:

Whatever decision Minister Bodnar makes, it will be challenged. This is because PiS failed to complete the justice system's reform.

- I believe that whatever decision Minister Adam Bodnar makes, it will be challenged. This is because PiS failed to complete the reform of the justice system, and while it might be difficult for PiS representatives to believe, what Minister Bodnar is doing is precisely applying the law - stated Maria Ejchart on Polsat News' "Graffiti".

08:19

Kierwiński:

We will discuss with the EC to slow down Green Deal issues and preferential solutions for Ukrainian grain imports

- What we are dealing with today is a terrible legacy from PiS. Farmers are protesting, in fact, about what PiS has subjected them to in recent years. Today, if the farmers were consistent, they would rather go protest at Nowogrodzka [PiS headquarters]. But okay, it's natural that they expect a reaction from the government – said Marcin Kierwiński in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1. - We will discuss with the entire European Commission, with European institutions, to slow down issues related to the Green Deal, and above all, issues of certain preferential solutions on which Ukrainian grain enters the EU – he continued.

08:24

Kierwiński:

Dumping Grain from Transport is a Crime. Police React in Every Such Case, and Perpetrators Will Be Apprehended

- If the [farmers'] protests are peaceful, they can take place. What happened in several locations, namely the dumping of grain from transport, is unacceptable. In every such case, the police react and the perpetrators will be apprehended, because it is simply a crime. The Polish police, the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, will not allow such anarchization of public life - said Marcin Kierwiński in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.

08:24

Ejchart:

Certain decisions will be questioned at the beginning; this is a very difficult start. I believe we will succeed in rebuilding a credible and stable legal system.

- I understand that certain decisions will be questioned at the beginning; this is a very difficult start. However, the comprehensive plan to restore the rule of law, presented by Minister Bodnar in Brussels, consisting of 9 draft bills that will comprehensively address the rule of law, I strongly believe that we will succeed in rebuilding a legal system that will be credible and stable - stated Maria Ejchart in "Graffiti" on Polsat News.

08:25

Ejchart:

As Far As I Know, Resolutions on the Constitutional Tribunal Are Ready

- Yes, the resolutions [regarding the Constitutional Tribunal] are ready. As far as I know, I am not participating in coalition talks, but I do know that the resolutions are ready - stated Maria Ejchart on Polsat News's "Graffiti".

08:35

Ejchart:

Today We Don't Have the Constitutional Tribunal the Constitution Speaks Of

- We must return to using words with their proper meaning. Today we do not have the Constitutional Tribunal the Constitution speaks of. [We have today] a political body that approves, that is a legitimizer, it was a legitimizer of the political actions of the previous coalition. At the moment, it is desperately trying to thwart the government's plans - stated Maria Ejchart in "Graffiti" on Polsat News.

08:37

Kierwiński:

It's untrue that military and humanitarian transports have problems at the border. They are passing normally.

- Such untrue information is appearing, that military transports and humanitarian transports are being stopped, are having problems at the border – no, they are not. They are passing normally, also thanks to the work of the Border Guard, the National Revenue Administration, and of course the Police – said Marcin Kierwiński in PR1's "Sygnały dnia".

08:42

Kierwiński:

Civil Defense Was Completely Forgotten by the PiS Government. We Are Working on a Law

- A full law, or at least very extensive assumptions with concrete solutions, as I declared, we will present by the end of March. We are indeed working on a law concerning civil defense and population protection. This is something that was completely forgotten by the PiS government. Perhaps it should be said more strongly – not only forgotten, but destroyed – said Marcin Kierwiński in "Sygnały dnia" (Signals of the Day) on PR1.

08:44

Trzaskowski:

I Cannot Imagine Sending Regular Military Units to Ukraine

- No [Poland should not send soldiers to Ukraine] - said Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Gość Radia ZET". - I am happy about one thing, namely that our partners in NATO are very determined and take the situation in Ukraine seriously, and that's how I interpret such declarations. However, it is obvious that no one wants to send troops to Ukraine at this moment - he continued. - Instructors are one thing, humanitarian aid is another, and sending regular military units is yet another, and that's what we are talking about; I cannot imagine that at this moment - he went on to say.

08:44

Siemoniak:

This Isn't Just About Dumping Grain. Security from External Factors, Mainly Russian, is Paramount

- There is no more important matter for Polish services today than investigating foreign influences, foreign actions in Poland. This isn't just about dumping grain. The image of that banner circled the world, Ukraine, Russia, so the swift actions of Minister Kierwiński and the Police, and then the prosecutor's office, mean we are clarifying such matters - stated Tomasz Siemoniak on "TOK FM Morning."

- Security from external factors, mainly Russian, is paramount - he added.

08:50

Trzaskowski:

We are influencing the EU to change its approach. The Prime Minister's and diplomacy's efforts are slowly yielding results

- We are clearly telling the European Union that it cannot raise the standards regarding food quality and thereby allow food that does not meet European standards to enter, that this is fueling farmers' rage. We explain this all the time, so that the European Union changes its approach, and we are influencing that. The European Union has already sent a signal that it is ready to withdraw [...] from some assumptions of the Green Deal in agriculture [...]. So slowly, our diplomacy's and the Prime Minister's efforts are yielding results - said Rafał Trzaskowski on Radio ZET.

08:52

Siemoniak on Cybersecurity: We are Seeking Appropriate Solutions, and Perhaps Establishing a New Institution is an Option

We are seeking appropriate solutions, and perhaps establishing some special new institution is an option. However, it's not as if we are starting from scratch. For over a decade, these capabilities have been developed in various institutions. Meanwhile, the threat that precedes other threats, such as physical, military, or armed forces, means that the Polish digital sphere must be resilient to such actions - stated Tomasz Siemoniak on "Poranek TOK FM".

08:55

Trzaskowski:

I Have Just Ordered an Audit Regarding Diplomas from Collegium Humanum

- We have had a program for over a decade where our employees can further their education. At the University of Warsaw, at SGH, at the technical university, but yes, there are also people who had diplomas from Collegium Humanum. I have just ordered an audit on this matter and we are investigating it thoroughly - said Rafał Trzaskowski on Radio ZET.

09:05

Trzaskowski:

We had no deal with Brussels 'we'll win elections, we'll get funds'

- The milestones only partially concerned the rule of law, and in all these areas, we are on the right track. We already have normal media, as far as TVP Info and TVP are concerned [...] and regarding the reform of the judiciary, we are on the right track. What's more, Minister Bodnar is preparing changes that, as I understand it, even President Andrzej Duda will be able to accept - said Rafał Trzaskowski on Radio ZET.

- Of course not [we didn't have a deal with Brussels 'withhold the funds, we'll win elections, we'll get funds'], it never works like that. [...] This is the manipulation of PiS politicians, because I clearly stated in that statement [that EU funds, fortunately, will not be lost, but frozen]: if we have two options, one, we will be irretrievably losing money, because that's what the [European] Commission wanted to do initially, they wanted to take this money away from us forever, and the second proposal was to freeze them until the situation in Poland improves, then it's probably clear that the second proposal was better - he continued.

09:12

Trzaskowski:

PiS claimed CPK construction meant Okęcie's closure. If both are possible, it changes the situation

- Okęcie is one of Warsaw's greatest assets. All our analyses confirm that businesses are happy to come here precisely because we have such well-connected airport facilities. We've spent hundreds of millions of złoty on a train line, on transport solutions; discarding all of that now would be incomprehensible – said Rafał Trzaskowski on Radio ZET. - I would like [us to keep Okęcie and build CPK simultaneously], but PiS always answered this question by stating that CPK construction would mean Okęcie's closure. If it's possible to build CPK and keep Okęcie, that would also change the situation – he continued.

09:17

Trzaskowski on Shelters: Considering All Locations, Such as the Metro and Parking Lots, There's Enough Space for All Warsaw Residents to Take Shelter

- We have completed an inventory, we know where Warsaw residents could take shelter; for example, we have metro stations, we have underground parking lots, we have this type of infrastructure [...]. If we consider all the places where Warsaw residents can take shelter, such as the metro, underground parking lots, then there is enough space for all Warsaw residents to take shelter. However, these places need to be prepared, they need to be well marked [...] it is important to adopt such legislation so that, for example, when building new schools, when building new public utility buildings, care is taken to ensure that shelters are also included there - said Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Radio ZET.

09:23

Trzaskowski:

I Have No Ambitions to Be Important in the EU; The Job of Warsaw's Mayor is 10 Times More Interesting Than an EU Commissioner's

- I don't have such ambitions [to be important in the EU]. [...] If anyone had to choose between being an [EU] commissioner or the mayor of Warsaw, then it's probably clear that they would choose to be the mayor of Warsaw. It's 10 times greater influence and a 10 times more interesting job - said Rafał Trzaskowski on Radio ZET.

09:32

Sawicki:

Farmers Have Many Reasons to Be Angry. It's High Time to Decisively Change Common Agricultural Policy and Polish Agricultural Policy

Farmers have many reasons to be angry and to protest, and we must admit that it is high time to decisively change the common agricultural policy and Polish agricultural policy, and unfortunately, we have made a huge mistake. PiS made a mistake, where a lawyer started dealing with agriculture in the EU and still does, while agriculture in Poland was managed by ministers who not only lacked education but also agricultural training. Deputy ministers were people who had never been involved in farming, and then such idiotic documents as the National Strategic Plan emerge – stated Marek Sawicki in the program "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24. It's impossible to fix in 3 months what has been broken over 10 years [in agriculture]. Let's not forget that the war in Ukraine hasn't lasted two years, but 10 years, and it hasn't taught the West anything. Only now are they starting to realize that it's necessary to ramp up ammunition production, to ramp up defense production, and that the whole of Europe needs to approach helping Ukraine comprehensively. And it's similar with the situation after '22 and the situation in agriculture – he continued.

09:33

Sawicki:

Today, Railways and Ports are Primarily for So-Called Ukrainian Transit, While Polish Grain Remains Stockpiled as it Has for Two Years

– Have any bans and embargoes in Poland been implemented 100%? None. We are a nation accustomed to circumventing all sorts of orders and bans, and we know how to get around them. [The embargo on Ukrainian goods] works in part and in part it doesn't work – Marek Sawicki said on TVN24.

– If we have this so-called transit introduced by PiS through Poland today. Then the unmodernized railway lines, the unmodernized ports are only able to handle as much as they can. And today, the railways and ports are primarily designated for the so-called Ukrainian transit, while Polish grain, as it has been lying in warehouses, remains so, just as it has for two years – he added.

09:33

Błaszczak:

No Time for Roundtables. PiS Club Presents Resolution Obliging Government to Impose Full Embargo on Ukrainian Raw Materials

- This is not the time for roundtables; it's time for decisions, concrete decisions. The PiS parliamentary club has presented a resolution obliging the government to introduce a full embargo on the import of agri-food raw materials from Ukraine. The regulation issued by Minister Waldemar Buda on September 15th last year is still legally in force, but it only pertains to grains. Today, there is a need for a full embargo that also covers other agri-food products originating from Ukraine – stated Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference. - Enough talk, it's time for work. This work should be focused on two aspects. Firstly, the regulation on a full embargo on the import of agri-food raw materials from Ukraine, and secondly, a very consistent and firm stance towards the European Commission regarding the Green Deal – he continued.

09:34

Sawicki:

It's Time for Brussels to Take Responsibility for Feeding the World and Exporting Overlapping Ukrainian Grain from Europe

- The European Commission is most responsible [for the situation in agriculture]. It has been silent for two years, doing nothing. It knows there are food surpluses, and it's high time, something I've been saying for months, to allocate at least 5 billion euros to export 20 million tons of grain, which is at least 20 million tons in surplus from Europe, to Africa and the Middle East, where almost a billion people are starving. Enough of fat bellies, enough of what I would call cholesterol-covered reasoning in Brussels, and it's high time to take responsibility for feeding the world. Truly humanitarian export quotas for grain from Europe would do much more than further announcements of any subsidies for farmers – stated Marek Sawicki on TVN24.

11:54

Morawiecki:

Farmers' Strike Symbolizes Government Impotence. We Present a Plan to Save the Countryside

- This protest is an expression of deep disagreement with the realities that have recently taken hold in Poland. Specifically, I will remind you that on September 15th, we imposed an embargo on the import of Ukrainian grain and Ukrainian products into Poland, and now we are demanding the continuation of this very embargo. This strike is also a symbol of the government's powerlessness. Powerlessness because the government can react immediately. We showed this twice last year: on April 15th and September 15th. Even if some say we reacted too late on April 15th, perhaps, but we did react, we made a decision. And then, when the deadline for the ban on importing Ukrainian grain expired, we repeated it on September 15th, without asking for permission from the European Commission, and now we are demanding the same - said Mateusz Morawiecki during a conference of the Labor for Poland Team. - Today we want to present our plan, our offer, our constructive plan [...] on what needs to be done [...] to save the Polish countryside. This plan consists of three basic areas, three basic postulates, which can be summarized by very short slogans. The first point is an embargo on Ukrainian grain [...]. The second point: subsidies [...]. And the third point: stop the European Green Deal - he continued. - We checked the 10 largest Ukrainian agroholdings, and [...] none or one is registered in Ukraine, meaning they pay taxes somewhere in Cyprus, somewhere in the Netherlands. The beneficiaries are oligarchs from the West or the East. This is not help for Ukraine; it is help for large, international lobbies, which Polish farmers are fighting against, and we will certainly help them in this fight - he went on to say.

12:38

Joński on Prosecutor Wrzosek: The Entire PiS State Apparatus Was Mobilized to Destroy an Honest Person

- After listening to Prosecutor Wrzosek, there is no doubt, and this has already been stated, that the entire PiS state apparatus was mobilized to destroy an honest person. That is why this honest person, the prosecutor, initially filed a motion to exclude one member of the commission, who served as Deputy Minister of Justice, the most trusted person of the National Prosecutor and Minister of Justice, Mr. Ziobro. This is because impartiality, which should be maintained, would not have been present, which is obvious. In some way, the prosecutor was being destroyed, solely and exclusively because she made decisions regarding the postal ballot elections – stated Dariusz Joński in a conversation with the media.

12:40

Karnowski:

PiS Wants to Torpedo the Investigative Committee's Actions Because They Fear It

- I am also surprised by the motion to the Constitutional Tribunal, which Mr. Czarnek is announcing, because they want to torpedo the actions of this committee, because they are afraid of this committee. They are afraid of what prosecutor Wrzosek said, they are afraid of what Mr. Sypniewski, Mr. Kurdziel from Poczta Polska said. It is evident that the noose of their responsibility is tightening, and they are very afraid of it – said Jacek Karnowski in a conversation with the media.

13:14

Duda:

It's a Shame the Prime Minister Allows Himself Such a Statement

- To my great surprise, not so long ago the Prime Minister stated that, from a legal, formal, and international perspective, in his opinion, the issue of reparations has long been settled and is outdated. I don't know on what basis he said this. Because in essence, it is a matter of dispute today between several countries and Germany, which, obviously, is protecting itself from paying anything to anyone - stated President Andrzej Duda during the ceremony of awarding state decorations to the authors of the Report on War Losses.

- No compensation is due for this? This matter has been settled? Excuse me, how has it been settled? By saying that one must not remember, because Germany is powerful and strong today, and has the largest economy in Europe? Is this the justice of contemporary Europe? Is this the fairness of today? Because someone claims that Poland supposedly said it didn't want anything from the GDR? Because that was the decision made in Moscow? That someone had to say that? — PAD continued speaking.

- One can only say that it is a shame that the Prime Minister, elected today in democratic elections, allows himself such a statement. Because the matter has not been settled and is not closed, and from a financial perspective as well, it is at least disputed with Germany, which, obviously, does not want to pay - the president emphasized.

- Even if an attempt is now being made to sweep this matter under the rug because it is politically inconvenient for someone, there will still be time when it will return to the table, to the desk, and will be discussed. Because there is no Polish family that did not suffer losses in WWII, in which someone was not killed, murdered, did not die during the war - he noted.

13:15

Trzaskowski:

I Hope for a Great Mobilization on April 7th; We Must Take Another Step Towards Strengthening Democracy and Self-Governance

-It is understandable to me that in the current geopolitical situation, when we look with concern at what is happening in Ukraine, at a time when we are restoring the rule of law after 8 years of its destruction by PiS. Not everyone is as focused as we are on the local government campaign, but I am convinced that above all, residents – both men and women – are watching what is happening. Credibility is important to them, how Warsaw will develop is also important to them, and therefore, we also hope for a great mobilization on April 7th. Because we must take this next step on the path to strengthening democracy, but also strengthening self-governance, which has been destroyed over the last 8 years – stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press conference.

14:00

Tusk:

Polish-Norwegian Relations Could Be a Model for Other Countries Worldwide

- I want to confirm that Polish-Norwegian relations can be a model for other countries around the world. I can emphasize with great satisfaction that the first part of our meeting today has confirmed this. As you have noticed, for many weeks we have been rebuilding relations with all countries in the region, primarily with Poland's security, Europe's security, and the security of the countries in this region in mind - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway.

14:03

Tusk:

We Discuss Everywhere the Need to Build Full Security for Europe, Norway, Poland, and Our Other Partners

Norway is a key partner for us, but with every interlocutor I speak to, tomorrow it will be the Prime Minister of Latvia, on Monday I will still be in Vilnius, whether it was Kyiv or yesterday the Visegrád Group, everywhere we discuss, even if there are sometimes different points of view, the need to build full security for Europe, for Norway, for Poland, for our other partners - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway.

14:04

Tusk with Norwegian PM: We want to motivate others to further intensify aid for Ukraine

- We are discussing how to effectively support Ukraine. I am pleased that here with Norway we have a 100% shared view, meaning our countries want to motivate others as well to further intensify aid for Ukraine, concerning armaments, funds for reconstruction, and sustaining the Ukrainian economy. We will also cooperate bilaterally on the details, and will discuss further - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway.

14:10

Tusk:

Poland and Norway are financially prepared to enhance support for Ukraine

- Poland and Norway are ready and financially prepared to improve support for Ukraine. This includes equipment, humanitarian aid, training for soldiers, and ammunition supplies. These are the expectations articulated by Kyiv and President Zelensky. In today's discussions, we have agreed to do even more. Neither Norway nor Poland have any complexes, nor do they need to, as they are at the forefront of countries implementing everything possible for Ukraine - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway.

14:19

Tusk announces agricultural summit:

I will meet with leaders of protesting groups.

- Funds unlocked from the so-called Recovery Fund will also serve Polish farmers and food producers. The first tranche, which may be disbursed even tomorrow, certainly in the coming days, amounts to 6 billion euros, with almost 1.5 billion euros intended for small food producers, companies, and farms in Poland, but this is only the beginning of this initiative. I can now announce information that protesting farmers in Poland have certainly been waiting for: I have convened an agricultural summit in Warsaw for tomorrow. Tomorrow at 2 PM at the Centrum Dialogu, I will meet with the leaders of all protesting groups who protested yesterday in Warsaw and at the borders with Ukraine - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway.

14:54

Tusk:

We are discussing a temporary border closure with the Ukrainian side

- I will not reveal any great secret here by saying that we are also discussing a temporary border closure and the cessation, in general, of the exchange of goods, with the Ukrainian side. I will also discuss this with the protesting farmers tomorrow. Such a solution would only be temporary, and would be mutually painful - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway. - I am prepared to make even tough decisions when it comes to the border with Ukraine. Always in agreement with Kyiv, so that there are no unnecessary tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv, but we must find a long-term solution - he continued.

16:55

Hołownia on the Visegrad Group: I don't know if the word 'crisis' is appropriate, but the format is certainly at a crossroads

- The Visegrad Group summit has actually been ongoing for some time. The prime ministers met, and now we, as Speakers of Parliament, will meet [...] primarily to discuss the future of the format, and with it, the future of our part of Europe is very closely tied - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference before departing for Prague. - The Visegrad format is currently experiencing, one could say... I don't know if the word 'crisis' is appropriate, but it is certainly at a crossroads, beyond which I hope cooperation will emerge, both in security and in other areas that are very important to us today. Perhaps we will manage to adopt a joint declaration, which I am counting on greatly - he continued. - I and we are very keen to clearly state our common challenges today, and they are universally known and very fundamental in terms of security, and also to see if the Visegrad format can become an effective platform for cooperation for those countries as well, which at many moments do not share a common assessment of the situation - he went on to say.

17:36

Contract Signed for ‘Kleszcz’ Transporters:

The Eyes and Ears of the Polish Army Will Come from Kutno.

- There is no matter more important than our security. There is no matter more important for the authorities, for our government, than ensuring the security of our compatriots, of the Republic. This is a fundamental matter, a sacred matter, a matter of raison d'état, and it also has no political colours – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference. - Today, we are signing a framework agreement that precedes implementation agreements. […] This agreement, which the head of the Armaments Agency and the president of AMZ Kutno signed today, concerns 286 units of vehicles […] – magnificent, light armoured reconnaissance transporters – the Deputy Prime Minister continued, presenting the ‘Kleszcz’ vehicle. The vehicle on a 4x4 wheeled platform will be equipped by the reconnaissance sub-units of the Land Forces – the ministry informed. - I am very grateful that this is precisely with a Polish company. This is another reason for us to believe it is worth investing in the Polish defence industry – added the Minister of National Defence. - For the Polish Army, this contract is also a confirmation – we will strengthen our defence, we will modernise the Polish army – he assured. - A light transporter that will serve reconnaissance is very much needed in the Polish army today. The war in Ukraine has shown how important eyes and ears are […] The eyes and ears of the Polish army will come from here, from Kutno – he stated.

19:52

Joński:

Prosecutor Wrzosek Launched Investigation into 'Envelope Elections,' But After a Call from Her Superior, Prosecutor Dudzińska Dropped the Case Within Three Hours

- Today we had two prosecutors. One initiated, Prosecutor Wrzosek initiated an investigation into the 'envelope elections' following a citizen's request. After 20 days, the system assigned Ms. Wrzosek, Ms. Wrzosek initiated this proceeding, and suddenly the prosecutor [Head of the Warsaw-Mokotów Prosecutor's Office] called another prosecutor, who arrived at the prosecutor's office after hours and within three hours dismissed the investigation, Prosecutor Dudzińska – stated Dariusz Joński on Radio Zet.

- The point is that here we had a prosecutor on call, and listeners are listening to us. Has anyone heard of this? Surely many people have had a case in the prosecutor's office, or heard that someone had a case in the prosecutor's office. But has anyone heard of one prosecutor initiating a case, and three hours later someone closing it, so that there would be no trace of it and no one would be interrogated? – he continued.

19:52

Joński:

Confrontation Between Prosecutors Wrzosek and Dudzińska to Take Place in March, Hearings Expected to Conclude in May

- I hope that the confrontation between Prosecutor Wrzosek and Prosecutor Dudzińska will take place still in March. On Monday morning, we have the commission, further hearings, and I will request, I will submit a motion for this confrontation to occur. I predict that the work of this commission will conclude in May, that is my goal. The report is one thing, but the hearings will end – Dariusz Joński stated on Radio Zet.

19:53

Joński:

Soboń Must Be Questioned Again After Testimony from Former Polish Post CEOs

- Mr. Morawiecki will be invited, Mr. Kamiński, as the head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, will also be present, but we are also returning to previous witnesses, because Mr. Soboń, after these last testimonies, which I find to be groundbreaking, from the former CEOs of Poczta Polska, must be questioned – stated Dariusz Joński on Radio Zet.

20:19

Trzaskowski on Local Elections: Turnout Will Decide Everything. If it's low, anything can happen

- We need to show full determination. There is nothing worse than if anyone thought we considered the matter settled, because it is not settled. Turnout will absolutely decide everything. If there is high turnout, if the women and men of Warsaw agree with my view that this stage is very necessary to end the PiS era, because if PiS loses the local elections, it will slowly start to crumble - said Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Grzegorz Kajdanowicz on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach". - If they also notice that this gives us a chance to address real problems, such as child psychology and psychiatry or educational issues, then there will be high turnout and then I think the result will be good. If turnout is low, then anything can happen - he continued.

20:27

Tomczyk on Sending Troops to Ukraine: This is a Red Line for Now

- Let us remember that today in Europe various options for aiding Ukraine are being considered. It is good that this discussion is taking place, and perhaps part of this discussion should be held behind closed doors. However, it is undoubtedly the case that countries like France, or indeed Germany, but also our Western allies, see that the situation is very serious and that there must also be a very serious involvement of European forces in aiding Ukraine - said Cezary Tomczyk in the program "Gość i9:30" on TVP Info. - There are certain lines that we cannot cross. This [sending troops to Ukraine] is certainly a red line for now, but I would also like to clearly emphasize that all initiatives must have the stamp of [...] NATO - he continued.

20:30

Tomczyk:

Today, We Are Opening People's Eyes in Europe

- Today, we are opening people's eyes in Europe. We have always said that Poland can be an excellent ambassador for these mutual relations. That we understand both the West and the East, because we are a bridge. We have Slavic culture, a Slavic language, and at the same time, we feel part of Western culture. Therefore, today we are blazing trails, building new capabilities, and new opportunities to help Ukraine – said Cezary Tomczyk on TVP Info.

20:33

Trzaskowski:

When I see Bocheński dressing up as a defender of women's rights today, it drives me mad

- When I see Tobiasz Bocheński dressing up as a defender of women's rights today, it drives me mad. How can someone who belongs to a party that has been trampling on women's rights all along, trying to limit their influence on their own lives, build credibility? - said Rafał Trzaskowski in TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach". - I'm afraid that if he wraps himself in the flag of the Women's Strike any time soon, he won't be able to walk the streets of Warsaw, because girls and women will simply chase him away. And who will I be debating with then? - he stated.

20:34

Tomczyk:

I am embarrassed by Hungary's stance on certain issues. They must decide if they want to be in the EU

- I am, of course, saddened, 'saddened' is the wrong word, I am embarrassed by Hungary's stance on certain issues. I hope that this process [of convincing Hungarians] has already been initiated. Hungary must decide today how it wants to fulfill its mandate within the European Union. Whether they want to be in the European Union, whether they share European values or not, because the issue of democracy, the issue of the rule of law, the issue of defending the weaker are the fundamental values of the European Union - said Cezary Tomczyk on TVP Info.

20:38

Tomczyk:

We Should Utilize Russian Assets from European Banks and Transfer These Funds to Ukraine

- This is [using frozen Russian assets to purchase weapons for Ukraine] a great idea. We should utilize both the interest generated in European banks from the freezing of these assets, as well as the assets themselves, and transfer these funds to Ukraine, because these are dirty money, war money, oligarchs' money - said Cezary Tomczyk on TVP Info.

20:42

Trzaskowski:

I am against the Smolensk monument disappearing from Piłsudski Square

- If, during the reconstruction of the Saxon Palace itself, it will be necessary to move this [Smolensk] monument slightly - okay. However, I am not a supporter, I am an opponent of this monument disappearing from the square, because it would provoke another war, unbelievable emotions that would accompany us for years to come - said Rafał Trzaskowski in "Fakty po Faktach" on TVN24. - We do not need emotions concerning monuments; let the monuments that are there remain, let's focus on solving real problems, not on building further emotions, deepening the divide, the Polish-Polish war. We do not need this - he stated.

20:42

Tomczyk:

Farmers' Protest Largely Concerns the Green Deal, Prepared by, Among Others, a PiS Commissioner

- We have been in dialogue with the farmers from the very beginning, I'm speaking here about Minister Siekierski, Minister Kołodziejczak. People have the right to protest, there is nothing alarming about that [...]. Let's remember that this protest largely concerns the so-called Green Deal, which was prepared by, among others, a PiS commissioner, Mr. Wojciechowski [...] who explicitly stated that this is effectively PiS's program and they simply implemented it. Today, Polish farmers are suffering, and we are doing everything we can to help them - said Cezary Tomczyk on TVP Info.

20:47

Tomczyk:

Tusk Met with Farmers, Kaczyński Rather Locked Nurses in the PM's Chancellery and Turned Off Their Phones

- Donald Tusk has been interested in this matter from the very beginning, he met with farmers, moreover, they even came to one of his open meetings. I have never seen Kaczyński dealing with a protest in this way, because I remember that Kaczyński rather locked nurses in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and turned off their phones - said Cezary Tomczyk on TVP Info.

20:48

Trzaskowski on the Reconstruction of the Saxon Palace: For Me, the Most Important Thing is That It Serves the Residents of Warsaw

- I am not a dogmatist. The Minister [Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz] is obliged to do this because that is what the law says, very precisely laid out in months. Plus, President Duda has announced that he will veto any changes - Rafał Trzaskowski said on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach". - Minister Sienkiewicz is a proponent of the [Saxon] Palace reconstruction. I believe that this money could be used in a completely different way, but for me, the most important thing is that the palace definitely serves the women and men of Warsaw, that it is not a place that will be closed off […], that the intervention in the Saxon Garden is as minimal as possible, that there will be no tree felling, and that the traffic solutions are sensible - he continued.

20:50

Tomczyk:

Błaszczak Continues to Pretend He's Defense Minister, and It's Becoming Increasingly Grotesque

- I have a deep conviction, it seems to me that my intuition is not misleading me here, that PiS politicians in general, including Mariusz Błaszczak, are still in some kind of deep shock after their defeat, they cannot come to terms with it. Minister Błaszczak continues to pretend he's the defense minister, and it's sounding more and more grotesque - said Cezary Tomczyk on TVP Info.

20:52

Tomczyk:

Soldiers in Line Units Have Steel Helmets from the '70s and '80s. There are Problems with Vests, Uniforms, and Boots

- What I'm about to say is very sad, but I can say it because we will fix these mistakes within the next few months. Soldiers in line units have steel helmets from the '70s and '80s. [...] There are problems with bulletproof vests, with uniforms, with boots. I understand that you can create an army for parades, but that's really not the way to go - said Cezary Tomczyk on TVP Info.

20:58

Tomczyk:

The Smolensk Commission Lost Evidence and Spent Money Unchecked. Błaszczak Should Face Prosecutors for Negligence of Duty

- The Smolensk commission, the people who took on the burden of responsibility for re-explaining the causes of the Smolensk catastrophe, lost the prosecution's evidence. The prosecution under Mr. Barski, a man associated with PiS, threatened Macierewicz with an investigation for obstructing the Smolensk investigation. There were about 20 letters sent to Macierewicz asking him to return the evidence to the prosecution under Zbigniew Ziobro, which was conducting the Smolensk investigation - said Cezary Tomczyk on TVP Info. - Money was spent without any control. The Minister of National Defence, Mr. Błaszczak, had full knowledge of what was happening in the Smolensk commission and did nothing in this matter. I believe Błaszczak should answer to the prosecutor for negligence of official duties in connection with the lack of supervision over the commission, despite reports from the services - he continued.

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