Live Feed

02/29/2024

00:17

Thursday's Political Agenda: Tusk Meets Latvian PM and Attends 'Farmers' Summit,' Hołownia in Prague, MOD Leadership Conference, Trzaskowski with Council Candidates and Discusses City Bike Season Launch

At 10:35, a meeting will take place between Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa. An hour later, around 11:35, a joint press conference is scheduled, followed by a delegation meeting at 12:10.

The head of the Polish government will also attend the "farmers' summit" – a meeting with farmer protest leaders announced yesterday. It will be held at 14:00 at the "Dialog" Social Partnership Centre in Warsaw.

Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia is on a visit to Prague, where he is participating in a meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Visegrad Group countries and Ukraine. He is accompanied by the Chairman of the Sejm's EU Committee, Michał Kobosko; the Senate delegation is led by Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska.

At 8:00, the Sejm Marshal will meet with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk. Subsequently, a meeting of the Speakers of Parliament will take place, divided into two parts (10:00 and 11:35). In the meantime, at 11:10, Szymon Hołownia will meet with the Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini. A working breakfast of the parliamentary heads is scheduled for 13:00, followed by media statements at 14:20.

At 9:30, a press conference will be held by the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, regarding the launch of the new season of Veturilo – the city bike system.

At 10:00, a press conference will be held at the General Staff of the Polish Army by the leadership of the Ministry of National Defence (MON), headed by Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, following a briefing with the Armed Forces commanders on current national security and defence matters.

Subsequently, at 14:00, the Minister of National Defence and Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda will participate in a ceremony to sign a contract for the acquisition of the Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command System (IBCS) for the second phase of the WISŁA program and the NAREW program.

At 11:30, a press conference will be held by the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, along with candidates for the Warsaw City Council and the Ursynów district council.

At 11:45, a press briefing will be held by the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, Deputy Minister Aleksandra Gajewska, and Magdalena Różczka from the "Ukochani" Foundation, prior to the first consultation meeting regarding the foster care system.

At 12:00, a press briefing will be held by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, on the implementation of the EU's DSM directive concerning internet royalties.

At 12:30, a press briefing is scheduled by the Minister for Funds and Regional Policy, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, and Deputy Minister Jacek Protas, focusing on support from European funds for local governments.


07:46

Leszczyna:

PiS Left Many Mines in the Ministry of Health. Three Are in the KPO, but I've Started Disarming Them and I Assure You I Will Disarm Them
- Indeed, PiS left many mines in the Ministry of Health. Three are in the KPO, but I have started disarming these mines and I assure everyone that I will disarm them - said Izabela Leszczyna in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1. - Regarding hospital restructuring – that's what PiS called it and included it as a milestone – we must remember that in reality, the act which our predecessors failed to pass through the Sejm was about liquidating unprofitable district hospitals. If anyone thinks we will liquidate these hospitals, I say: no, we will not do that - she continued. - I have plans, and they are finding understanding and satisfaction among those who manage hospitals, including local government officials – plans to make these hospitals respond as best as possible to the health needs of residents, while also being profitable. I will present all these proposals and convince the European Commission that we want the hospital network in Poland to be such that it meets needs and needs maps. We will not liquidate hospitals, but we will transform them so that they do not incur debt, and this is achievable - she went on.

08:02

Leszczyna:

We Have Two Paths to Completely Eliminate Disposable E-cigarettes. I Want to Take the Faster One
- In my assessment, these disposable e-cigarettes should be subject to the law on chemical substances and their mixtures. [...] We have two paths for the complete elimination of these disposable e-cigarettes. One is through legislation, which requires EU notification, but I also want to take the faster path I just mentioned to protect these children – said Izabela Leszczyna in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.

08:10

Leszczyna:

If the President Doesn't Want Unwanted Pregnancies, He Should Sign the "Morning-After Pill" Bill
- First, I would like to convince President Andrzej Duda to sign the bill that will soon be on his desk – the bill on the so-called "morning-after pill" – said Izabela Leszczyna in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1. - I understand that the President, like myself, is not a doctor, but I have had a series of consultations with doctors, I have the opinion of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, and the opinions of national consultants in gynecology and obstetrics. We know that the pill we are talking about prevents fertilization, meaning there is no embryo, there is no life, and therefore, there is no abortion – she continued. - We are talking about emergency contraception, used extremely rarely and approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2015 for over-the-counter use [...]. It is impossible for a harmful pill to have been available in Europe for almost 10 years and for suddenly only President Duda to believe it is harmful. If the President does not want unwanted pregnancies, he should sign this bill, because it is not enough to close your eyes, pretend to be a saint, and call yourself a conservative. Because in fact, the president here is a hypocrite, not a conservative – she went on to say. - If we educate young people, if contraception is available, there will truly be fewer unwanted pregnancies – she added.

08:33

Kierwiński:

We Hope to Reach an Agreement with the Protesters
This is one of those scenarios that also comes up. Of course, the extreme [idea of temporarily closing the border with Ukraine]… We hope to reach an agreement with the protesters. It’s not that simple, because the solution regarding mutual relations with Ukraine, concerning border crossings, should not really concern only Poland, but the entire EU, please remember. Of course, we are taking [unilateral actions], although most of the problems stem from the fact that the European market has been opened quite broadly to goods from Ukraine, and this generates many problems for Polish farmers. And to put it quite frankly, please remember that even if these goods do not enter through the Polish border, they will enter through the borders of other member states. So, if we want to solve this problem comprehensively, we must primarily also hold discussions with the EC, the EU. Donald Tusk and Minister Siekierski are conducting such discussions – stated Marcin Kierwiński in TOK FM.

08:37

Kierwiński on the Farmers' Summit: "I Hope a Roadmap for Solving the Problem Will Be Drawn Up After the Meeting"

- Today is an important meeting of the Prime Minister with the protesters. I hope that after this meeting, some roadmap for solving this problem will be drawn up - stated Marcin Kierwiński on TOK FM.


08:44

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Siekierski Was in Brussels, First Effects Already Visible
- Minister Siekierski is meeting with them [farmers], he was also in Brussels, and the first effects are already visible. It concerns the Green Deal, specifically the issue of land set-aside, restrictions on the use of artificial fertilizers and plant protection products. These are topics that have been blocked because they were supposed to come into effect this year; they will not function, and they must be definitively put on the shelf - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Paweł Zieliński on "Sygnały Dnia" on PR1. - Such discussions on this topic [border closure] are being held with the Ukrainian side - he continued.

08:50

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Much More Needs to Be Done for Full Security
- The security of Poland is the main task, and yes, we are in an alliance, but for full security, much still needs to be done, and much also depends on us. Firstly, national unity, and that's where we have a problem; we also don't have civil defense because this civil defense act was not prepared by our predecessors; it expired with the adoption of the Act on the Defense of the Homeland - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on PR1.

08:54

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Straight from the Studio to the General Staff, Top Commanders from Across Poland Will Be Present
- Straight from the Polish Radio studio, I am heading to the General Staff for the annual performance and tasks review meeting of the Chief of the General Staff with individual commands and commanders. The most important commanders from all over Poland will be there, so we will be planning, we will be summarizing what lies behind us, and outlining plans for the future. We have ambitious plans, especially for individual soldier equipment, which is something they complain about a lot - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on PR1.

08:55

Kierwiński:

Trzaskowski is KO's Natural Candidate for President Today

- A very good poll for the opposition candidates, a very good poll for Rafał Trzaskowski. In this very strong field, Rafał Trzaskowski is clearly the most serious candidate to become the President of Poland in 1.5 years - stated Marcin Kierwiński on TOK FM.

- I know that Rafał Trzaskowski is today KO's natural candidate for president, but he is also the candidate, as all polls show, who has the greatest chance of winning. This should also give many opposition politicians something to think about - he continued.


08:57

Domański:

We Have Finances Under Control

- We have our finances under control. We are seeing significant interest from foreign investors, and we are also seeing considerable interest at auctions of Polish treasury bonds. On the investor side, we have no problems issuing debt, which, as the Minister of Finance, I am very pleased about - stated Andrzej Domański on the program "Gość poranka" on TVP Info.


08:58

Kosiniak-Kamysz on potential Russian attack on Poland: We must be ready for this at any moment
- We must be ready for this [a Russian attack on Poland within the next few years] at any moment. Here, I will refer to the Ukrainian experience: on the eve of the outbreak of the war, the full-scale Russian invasion, exactly two years ago, on the eve of these events, many of the most important Ukrainian politicians, and I'm not even talking about the citizens [...] did not believe that Russia would attack. [...] We must be prepared for every scenario - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on PR1.

09:01

Kierwiński on the Prosecution Service: The Last Bastion of PiS Soldiers is Crumbling, Justice is Finally Returning

- [Resolutions concerning the Constitutional Tribunal will see the light of day] quickly, but it will be Minister Bodnar's decision. Please remember that there is a lot, a lot of tidying up to do in the judiciary. Some processes must follow one after another. Today, we happen to have a situation where Minister Bodnar is cleaning up the situation in the prosecution service, and indeed, the dynamics of these changes are very, very significant. The last bastion of PiS soldiers is crumbling, and justice is finally starting to return there - stated Marcin Kierwiński on TOK FM.


09:02

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

I want the Civil Defence Act to be in parliament as soon as possible. I hope it will be in the coming weeks.
- The Volunteer Fire Brigades (OSP) will be the pillar of civil defence and local government, these two areas are the main burden of this Civil Defence Act. I want it to be in parliament as soon as possible - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on PR1. - Yes, yes, certainly, these are, I hope, the coming weeks - he continued, when asked if this year is a realistic timeframe.

09:02

Domański:

We will work on solutions regarding the tax-free allowance in 2024

- In 2024, we will be working on solutions concerning the tax-free allowance. We want to implement these solutions the following year. Starting from 2024, we will work on these solutions, and they will come into effect from 2025, but of course, further discussions with coalition partners are still required here. We are still in the planning stage of this major reform. We are not backing down from this promise - stated Andrzej Domański in the program "Gość poranka" on TVP Info.


09:04

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

No Plans to Reinstate Mandatory Conscription
- It [mandatory conscription] is suspended, there are no further plans to reinstate it. We will be developing voluntary basic military service, and that is a good idea that will be continued. The second issue is the active reserve, - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in PR1.

09:06

Domański on Zero VAT for Food: We are Still Talking with Prime Minister Tusk. A Decision Will Be Made Next Week

- We are still talking with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. A decision will be made next week. On the one hand, we see that prices on global markets continue to fall, while on the other hand, I know that for many households, food prices still represent a significant portion of their basket of purchased goods - stated Andrzej Domański on TVP Info's "Morning Guest" program.


09:10

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

We Invite Coalition Partners to Support the Only Abortion Bill That Can Become Law
- Any other bill [...] liberalizing [abortion regulations], and ours, which we are proposing, is liberalizing, any other besides ours will not be accepted by President Andrzej Duda, and we know this well. So this is just chasing the rabbit, not a desire to make it real. We want to do something that is real, possible, and if our coalition partners [...] we invite them to support the only project that is possible to enter into force - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on PR1. - I would be surprised if someone from The Left or from Civic Platform did not vote for the project liberalizing the current principles, even though they have their own objectives in this regard, I respect that, but one must also act very realistically and vote for what is possible to adopt, not for dreams - he continued.

09:12

Domański:

Credit Holidays to Appear on the Agenda of the Next Council of Ministers, Offering a More Favorable Option for Borrowers

- I can confirm that credit holidays will appear on the agenda of the next Council of Ministers, and it will be a more favorable option for borrowers. It won't be credit holidays for everyone, but it will be a more favorable option than the one we discussed at the previous Council of Ministers – stated Andrzej Domański on the program „Gość poranka” on TVP Info.


10:15

Petru:

The EU Will Have to Reform the Green Deal. It's Clear These Goals Were Too Ambitious

- The EU will have to reform the Green Deal for several reasons. Firstly, the goals set were too ambitious, and secondly, it also threatens the rise in popularity of far-right parties, and this is not just a problem for France, it's a problem for Germany, it's a problem for all of Europe. And the protests are, as it were, a visible form of non-acceptance of these, let me say, targets. Certainly, the deadlines that seem too optimistic, unrealistic, all deadlines for the implementation of individual postulates, such as for example, the year '30, some criteria, for example, for the reduction of pesticides to be used in agriculture, etc., need to be postponed. It's clear that these goals were too ambitious and, therefore, a greater reform is necessary – stated Ryszard Petru on RMF FM.


10:16

Petru:

I am in favor of returning to the pre-Polish Deal health contribution, in line with our program and declarations

- I am in favor of returning to the health contribution that existed before the Polish Deal, in line with our program and the declarations we made during the election campaign. I know it's costly, but if we want economic growth, if we want state budget revenues, we must alleviate the burden on entrepreneurs – said Ryszard Petru on RMF FM.


10:17

Petru:

On the Issue of Trade Liberalization, We Have a Problem with the Left; Such a Project Should Come from the Ministry of Family

- I know that on the side of Civic Coalition (KO) there is a similar way of thinking, we have a problem with the Left, I will say it directly. Such a project should come from the Ministry of Family, and it's high time it happened. The issue of abortion is important and I would also like to discuss it, but let's not forget that the economy must keep moving, and we have two options: either full liberalization [of Sunday trading], or the proposal from Poland 2050 and the Third Way (TD), which suggests every other Sunday, we are looking for compromises, it's important that it is implemented – stated Ryszard Petru on RMF FM.

- I don't want to put everything on the line, as it were. I hope that we will reach an agreement within the coalition and find some compromise that will allow us to avoid proceeding with parliamentary bills – he added.


10:18

Petru:

ZUS Shouldn't Be Voluntary, Because We'd All Prefer Not to Pay, Leading to No Funds for Pensions

- I don't want to speak on behalf of the Polish People's Party (PSL), but I remember that as Polska2050, we proposed holidays [from ZUS payments], not voluntary ZUS. [ZUS shouldn't be voluntary] because each of us would gladly not pay ZUS, and then ZUS would have fewer revenues, consequently there would be nothing to pay pensions with, and thirdly – we would condemn ourselves to poverty pensions – said Ryszard Petru on RMF FM.


10:18

Petru:

I Will Vote for Full Abortion Liberalization, but If No Project Gains a Majority, I Support a Referendum

- I will vote for full [abortion] liberalization, and currently, the closest project is the one from PO. And in connection with the probability that none of these projects will gain a majority, I am in favor of voting for a referendum, because the current legal state cannot persist – stated Ryszard Petru on RMF FM.


11:11

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

There is no issue more important than security; it is Poland's raison d'état
- There is no issue more important than security. Security is Poland's raison d'état; national community, strength in alliances, and a well-organized and managed, apolitical army are the fundamental points of action for the government of the Republic of Poland, for all state bodies, for all constitutional bodies. There is no issue more important today than Polish security, the security of all citizens, and every day the actions we undertake together, as a team, are directed and implemented with this main thought in mind. There is no issue more important than security in these difficult and dangerous times – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference.

11:20

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz:

We've Submitted the First Applications for Refinancing from Cohesion Funds

- We've submitted the first applications for refinancing from cohesion funds. Finally! Because this is already the fourth year of the current financial perspective. That's over PLN 2.9 billion. PLN 1.668 billion for national programs, PLN 1.271 billion for regional programs. The money will arrive in Poland within a dozen or so days – wrote Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on Twitter.


11:24

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

We Spend Over 4% of GDP on the Army, Surpassing the US Proportionally
- Firstly, the highest budget in the history of the Republic for the army, for modernization, over 3% of budgetary funds, together with the budget of the Armed Forces Support Fund, this amounts to over 4%. This is first place in NATO among all member states; we are ahead of the United States in this percentage of GDP for modernization and armaments. Almost 50% of these expenditures are for transformation, as we are moving from the stage of modernization to transformation. Transformation is not just about replacing equipment, but about strengthening capabilities. The size of the army is very important, but operational capabilities, which we are enhancing, and combat readiness, readiness here and now, not just in 2035, are even more crucial. Many purchases made over the last few years, under our previous governments, under the governments of our predecessors, or purchases being made now, the effects of these purchases will be seen in a few to a dozen years – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference. - The slogan "Let's be safe here and now" is the main slogan, which also stems from today's consultations, from today's briefing at the General Staff, and all the actions we are taking this year, the creation of drone forces, the creation of a space component forces, or medical forces – these are actions that strengthen the Polish army and also result from Ukrainian experiences – he continued.

11:29

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Poland Nominates its Candidate for Head of the EU Military Committee
- Our action within the NATO and EU structures is important, we have already unblocked contacts, for instance with Germany, much has changed in this regard. A joint coalition for armoured capabilities to aid Ukraine. A joint NATO decision, and this is one of our [Poland's] major successes in NATO concerning the NATO-Ukraine Training and Education Centre. The first tangible decision regarding NATO-Ukraine cooperation, not just teams, but an actual place where we will raise qualifications and utilise these experiences and implant them into the language of military utility – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference. - Poland is nominating its candidate for the head of the EU Military Committee, General Sławomir Wojciechowski, who is our representative today at the EU, at NATO – he added.

11:48

Tusk at Press Conference with Latvian Prime Minister: I Find No Points of Disagreement Between Us Today

- We discussed, among other things, the situation in Moldova, the worrying signals from Transnistria, and Polish-Latvian cooperation in areas I've spoken about in recent weeks with leaders across the entire northeastern region. This concerns military security, including the positive consequences of Sweden and Finland joining NATO for the region, it concerns our energy security, where we also have several projects to complete together with Latvia, including synchronization of electricity grids. Broader security also includes better transport connections, and therefore we also spent quite some time discussing a railway connection - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Latvian Prime Minister.

- I find no points where we have any differences of opinion today with the Prime Minister and with Latvia. We have precisely the same problems and very similar ideas on how to solve them - he continued.


11:56

Tusk:

Latvia has decided on an embargo on Russian agricultural products. I do not rule out that Poland will also take a relevant initiative

- We also talked about the situation of farmers and food producers, both in Latvia and in Poland, and here too we have similar problems. What is important, and I will discuss this with Polish farmers today, is the opinion of our guest today, the Prime Minister, on the export of Russian food and agricultural products to the EU, including to our countries. Latvia has decided on an embargo concerning Russian products, this was the decision of the Latvian parliament. I want to say that we will diligently study this Latvian decision, and I do not rule out that Poland will also take a relevant initiative here - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Latvia.


12:01

Tusk:

Few realize our market in Europe and Poland is being destabilized by products from Russia and Belarus
I want everyone to understand clearly that the problem of food and grain surpluses in Poland and Europe, the problem of unfair competition, is not solely an issue of grain and food imports from Ukraine. Few realize that our market in Europe and Poland is being destabilized by products flowing from Russia and Belarus. Therefore, all possible steps must be taken, and I thank you for doing this together in Brussels, to convince European institutions to take a very serious approach to better, safer regulations for our countries regarding the import of grain and food products from eastern directions - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Latvia.

12:09

Tusk:

Europe Must Understand That the New Arms Race Imposed by Russia and Aggression in Ukraine Demand an Awakening in All European Capitals

- During our conversation, Russia was listening to President Putin and his speech. There is no doubt that Putin's words, stating that Russia is arming itself and has de facto shifted to a war footing, and that its entire economy has been repurposed for war, are true. These words, along with the aggressive rhetoric and the decisions announced by President Putin regarding increasing Russia's self-sufficiency, shifting its economy to a war economy, and modernizing its armed forces, must all be taken with deadly seriousness -
stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Latvia.

- And once again, I can reiterate what I have been saying and discussing with our partners in recent weeks in Warsaw: Europe must understand that the new arms race Russia is imposing on the world and the Russian aggression in Ukraine must lead to an awakening in all European capitals and the EU as a whole. The European part of NATO must finally make decisions that will balance Russia's military potential and ensure that Europe is not only as well-armed and prepared for bad scenarios as Russia, but better so. This is becoming an absolute necessity of the moment - he continued.


12:20

Sienkiewicz:

Consultations on EU Directive Implementation Regarding Internet Royalties Concluded

- Today, all intergovernmental consultations and those conducted by the Department of Copyright and Film at the Ministry of Culture have concluded. We are implementing the law concerning the use of royalties on the internet and are incorporating into this act, for audio-visual creators and performers, as well as performers of musical works, the right to collect royalties resulting from the playback of works online - stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.


12:22

Trzaskowski:

We Have a Chance to Win in the Vast Majority, If Not All Regions

- I am convinced that these elections will give us all a really big boost of energy. All of us who are struggling today to solve the most important problems. This is because the October 15th Coalition, I am convinced, will win these elections. Of course, the most important for us is KO (Civic Coalition), we are its members, we support our candidates. We have incredibly strong lists for the regional assemblies, for the city council, and for all Warsaw districts, and I am convinced that this energy will also carry us to victory in Mazovia, that it will carry us to victory throughout Poland, where candidates from KO, as well as other parties associated with today's governing coalition, will be winning. We have a chance to win in the vast majority, if not all regions, which will allow us to take care of rebuilding and strengthening local self-government, which was destroyed by the PiS government – stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press conference in Warsaw.


12:24

Trzaskowski:

Rule of Law is Finally Returning to Poland, Unblocking KPO Funds

- Dear citizens, these funds, which will be unlocked thanks to the fact that the rule of law is finally returning to Poland, represent an absolutely incredible sum. Because it's almost 600 billion zlotys […] These funds will serve to accelerate Poland's development, to accelerate Warsaw's development – said Rafał Trzaskowski at a press conference in Warsaw.

- As for Warsaw within the Cohesion Fund itself, I managed to negotiate 2 billion zlotys, and that's exactly how it was, because these funds were not in the [Cohesion Fund] budget. Only after talks with Commissioner Ferreira and with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, we managed to persuade the Commission to allocate one billion zlotys for the metro and 800 million for the replacement of rolling stock. However, we expect significantly more funds from the KPO, and that the European Commission will be open to discussions to make this program more flexible – he continued.


12:25

Sienkiewicz:

Internet royalties regulations to reach parliament within 2-3 weeks at the latest

- I hope that within two to three weeks at the latest, the new law [regulations on internet royalties] will go to parliament. We want to achieve a situation in the end where the government, the parliamentary majority, and creators will stand shoulder to shoulder behind this new law. Then, a fundamental discussion will take place on who is for and who is against it. Then, in the Sejm, which is the venue for this type of debate, corporations and other stakeholders will be able to step forward - stated Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.


12:38

Sienkiewicz:

I Support the Construction of the Saxon Palace, but with a Different Vision
- As long as the law on the Saxon Palace is not changed, I am obliged to continue this construction; the law simply mandates it. Until it changes, I will do my utmost to rebuild. Yes, personally, I am a supporter of this construction, but with a different vision. We are not rebuilding a palace; we are creating an environment worthy of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the only place in Poland that unites all Poles. It cannot be as it has been so far, with a hotel and casino on one side and companies on the other. This is not a worthy environment for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - said Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.

12:45

Sienkiewicz on Streaming Fees: We're Trying to Escape the Guillotine Blade Set by the Previous Government
- We are trying to escape the guillotine blade that was set for us by the previous government, and that's why we are acting the way we are, so that in this final and most difficult stage, when the Sejm is considering this act, it will be absolutely clear who is for and who is against, and that the 'against' can resonate in the eyes of all those who wish to watch. We believe this approach speeds up parliamentary work and hope that in this way we will escape this risk. In fact, this is one of the main reasons, apart from the actual resolution of the streaming fees issue - said Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.

- We are in a situation where the CJEU can announce at any moment, any day, that there will be a hearing and a verdict in 30 days. We hope that the very fact that this has been taken up for government work will already concretely [...] cause a bit of patience, perhaps, on the other side, and that we will ultimately avoid these penalties - he continued.

12:52

Sienkiewicz:

KRRiT and the President were bodies that tried to starve public media to death. This intention failed.
- It [the situation at TVP] has now normalized, the money is there, it will be disbursed throughout the year in certain tranches. I can only say that the financing of public television for this year is secured, and this is despite the position of the National Broadcasting Council and despite the position of Mr. President, because both of these bodies tried to starve public media in Poland to death, and I want to say that this intention failed – said Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz at a press conference.

12:53

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on KPO: Good News for All of Us

- We have good news for all of us. This is the dotting of the i. We have just received formal approval from the Commission, both formal acceptance of the first KPO application and formal acceptance of the condition related to the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Thus, 600 billion PLN for investments, 15,000 PLN for every inhabitant of Poland – stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz at a press briefing.


14:18

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

A Great Day for Poland, the USA, NATO, and Our Security

- A great day – that's what Ambassador [Brzezinski] just told me, a great day for Poland, for the USA, for NATO, for our security. Here and now, we are signing an agreement in Phase II of the Wisła program for an integrated air and missile defense command system. The Polish army, its air and missile defense systems, are gaining what is most valuable, what is most valuable to us, in the life of every person, namely the brain, that which provides us with reconnaissance capabilities. The Polish army, thanks to our lasting, strong alliance with the USA, is gaining an operational brain for its air and missile defense system. This is a big deal – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.


14:28

Prime Minister Meets with Farmer Representatives

The agricultural summit, a meeting between government representatives and representatives of protesting farmers, has begun at the "Dialog" Social Partnership Centre in Warsaw. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture, Czesław Siekierski, Stefan Krajewski, and Michał Kołodziejczak, are participating in the meeting.


14:46

Hołownia on V4 Countries: There is no one among us who would stand hand-in-hand with the criminal, dictator Putin
- You know very well that at a press conference after the recent V4 prime ministers' summit, a question was asked whether the V4 would soon become a V2+V2. I believe that today we have answered this question for ourselves, that this will not happen, that the Visegrad Group, which was established over 30 years ago, among other things, to help countries in this part of Europe cope with Russian imperialism, is still very much needed today to deal with Russian imperialism expressed in a new way, presented in a new way - said Szymon Hołownia in a statement after the meeting of the speakers of the parliaments of the Visegrad Group countries and Ukraine. - There is no one among us who would stand hand-in-hand today with the criminal, dictator, and a man who has threatened the world order today, Vladimir Putin. There is not a single such country among us. We all agree on the diagnosis and have no doubts, and no one will nuance here and say that the truth lies in the middle, because it lies where it lies. It was Russia that bestially invaded Ukraine, not Ukraine Russia, and we all have one voice regarding the diagnosis, which is expressed in the statement we adopted, a joint declaration - he continued. - We sometimes differ on the prescriptions we write for this time, having established that the diagnosis is the same - he went on to say.

14:55

Hołownia on Topics of Discussion Between V4 Parliament Speakers: Energy Interconnectors, Migration, Visegrad Fund
- Today we touched upon many threads that give the Polish presidency, the concluding Czech one, then the Polish one, and then the Hungarian one, the opportunity to develop many projects that Visegrad can and should develop. These are projects to support energy interconnectors between our countries from the parliamentary level - said Szymon Hołownia in a statement after the meeting of the speakers of the parliaments of the Visegrad Group countries and Ukraine. - The second thing, we talked about it a lot, we are ready to undertake joint initiatives within the European Union forum, but also perhaps our own, regarding migration. We would like to look for solutions [...] on how we could help countries that are currently being colonized, for example in Africa by Russia, so that they do not become a source of migration [...]. Today we talked about food programs [...] about information programs that we could undertake together to warn people against making drastic decisions that will destroy their lives because they are being lied to by Putin and Lukashenko - he continued. - The third thing is [...] a proposal to rework and increase the Visegrad Fund. We really need our internal, Visegrad Erasmus today, we need exchanges between students, between academics, between people of culture, we need joint initiatives - he went on to say.

15:06

Hołownia:

Either Putin is defeated in Ukraine, or we will defeat him on our territory
- The fact is that we differ, and this difference has been echoed many times, regarding the method and intensity of engagement in helping Ukraine today. [...] There is no one in this group [...] who does not think about the war currently raging in Ukraine without thinking about the peace that should finally prevail there. But it is not about peace at any cost, but about a just peace. About a peace that will ensure a sense of security for Ukrainians, but also ensure it for us, who, according to some, and perhaps Vladimir Putin himself, are next in line – said Szymon Hołownia in a statement after a meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Visegrad Group countries and Ukraine. - The matter is clear for Poland without any doubt: either today we will pay with money to help Ukraine, or after some time we may start paying the price in this war with the blood of our children. Either Vladimir Putin is defeated on the territory of Ukraine, or we will have to defeat him, and we will defeat him, on our territory. This is the stake that is in play today and which cannot be covered by any moral symmetry, any search for truth in the middle – he continued.

15:31

Hołownia:

An Open Border with Ukraine is in Poland's and Europe's State Interest
- The border between Poland and Ukraine should be open, it should be open primarily for the aid being provided to Ukraine. This is the border of the European Union with a country at war, and the Polish government, aware of how crucial this border is, is doing everything to ensure the smooth flow of this communication channel. I hope no one will even consider blocking this border permanently, from either side - said Szymon Hołownia after a meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Visegrad Group countries and Ukraine. - Of course, we can argue about which goods should cross the border, how they should be treated. This is a dispute that will continue for a while [...] however, we must clearly state today that an open, unhindered border with Ukraine is in Poland's state interest and in Europe's state interest - he continued.

17:04

Kierwiński:

I Cannot Shake the Feeling That Today's Obajtek Affair is Just the Tip of the Iceberg

- I cannot shake the feeling that today's Obajtek affair is just the tip of the iceberg... - wrote Marcin Kierwiński on Twitter.


18:40

Tusk:

I will speak with coalition leaders and the Marshal of the Sejm and convince them to adopt a Sejm resolution

- The Latvians made this decision to impose an embargo on Russian and Belarusian products, so tomorrow I will speak with coalition leaders and the Marshal of the Sejm and I will convince them to adopt a Sejm resolution that clearly indicates the need to implement this type of decision - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference.


18:41

Tusk After Agricultural Summit: We All Seem to Believe We're on the Same Side with a Shared Goal
- The protesters, regardless of the fact that they sometimes hold different views on various matters, and as you know, not everyone, to put it mildly, is my fan, they have very strong arguments. The proposed solutions may not be entirely coherent yet, perhaps some expectations are very high, as they concern a change in European Union policy in the first instance - Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference after the agricultural summit concluded. - Something that is a very serious commitment for me, and it's not an easy task, stems from the conviction of my interlocutors that I am capable of negotiating something in Brussels, a change in the EU's stance regarding free trade with Ukraine, but also concerning sanctions or embargoes on Russian and Belarusian agricultural products, and the regulations of the Green Deal - he continued. - My interlocutors certainly presented different views and political sympathies, but we all seem to have finally believed that we are, one way or another, on the same side. And that the Polish government - and I personally, certainly - and the protesters have one goal: how to protect Polish agriculture, the Polish market, and consequently the European market, from the very unfair and, in my opinion, crushing consequences of the ill-considered decision to fully liberalize trade with Ukraine - he stated.

18:55

Tusk:

Border Crossings Must Be Secure and Open for Military and Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine. Everyone at the Meeting Agreed on This Point.
- I said that border crossings must, one way or another, be absolutely secure and open for military transports, military equipment, and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Everyone there was absolutely of the same opinion. I am not talking about those who attach themselves to the farmers' protests, those most politically charged groups - Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference after the conclusion of the agricultural summit. - But my interlocutors today, representing practically the entire spectrum of protesters, spoke with one voice: we want to support Ukraine, we are on Ukraine's side, this is not the issue at all. However, this cannot come at the expense of Polish farmers. And this is not about the cost of them losing a little money, but truly [...] this is about their lives - he continued.

18:59

Tusk:

We Agreed to Prepare Precise Demands from Protesters and the Polish Government Regarding Changes to the Green Deal
- We have agreed to prepare precise demands from the Polish side – not only of the protesters but also of the government – concerning changes to the Green Deal. It is known that the goal is not to overthrow or discard the entire Green Deal, but in reality, practically all provisions within the Green Deal concerning agriculture are, especially now – during wartime and free trade – another blow and must be suspended or withdrawn – Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference after the concluded agricultural summit.

19:08

Tusk:

Polish Agriculture Will Not Comply with Green Deal Provisions Unless They Are Changed
- Farmers are ready to implement the Green Deal in a flexible, evolutionary manner, where it is possible, where it is understandable for them even immediately, but they do not agree – and I am on their side – to the compulsory enforcement of provisions that are not entirely rational, and from the perspective of Polish agriculture are, to put it mildly, excessive – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference after the concluded farmers' summit. - Here we are on the same side. We will prepare such a list of Polish demands, with the information that Polish agriculture will not comply with the provisions if they are not changed – he added.

19:14

Tusk:

I Support the Proposal for the EU to Finance the Purchase and Transport of Grain from European Markets for Needy Countries
- There is also a proposal, which I also support, for the EU to finance the purchase and transport of grain from European markets for countries in need. We are talking about humanitarian aid here, and at the same time, it is about this surplus of grain – nearly 30 million tons in Europe – to free Europe from this excess grain. This is important for Poland because we currently have, depending on calculations, about 9 million tons of grain surplus – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference following the concluded agricultural summit.

19:23

Tusk Announces Further Meeting with Farmers: 'I Will Inform About the Effects of My Actions, Perhaps About More Drastic Decisions'
- I wasn't bluffing. I know what's within my reach, what's possible. I think that at least this was appreciated by my interlocutors, I take them very seriously - Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated at a press conference following the concluded farmers' summit. - I will inform about what is possible, what has been achieved, probably next week, perhaps on March 5th, perhaps on the 7th. Not on the day of the demonstration, because it's harder to talk then. We will meet in this or a similar composition, and then I will inform about the effects of my actions and perhaps also about more drastic decisions, if such are needed - he announced.

19:39

Tusk:

Closing the border with Ukraine for goods trade is not an ideal scenario, but unfortunately, we must consider it
- We spoke, as I informed you, with Prime Minister Shmyhal. Prime Minister Shmyhal suggested that until a solution is found at the European level and during bilateral talks with Ukraine, Ukraine is ready to close the border concerning the trade of goods, not military and humanitarian aid - said Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference. - However, such a potential decision will have its consequences, as it will be reciprocal. This is not an ideal scenario, but unfortunately, we must consider such a possibility if our demands are not heeded by our partners in Brussels, as well as on the Ukrainian side - he emphasized.

19:53

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz:

KPO Revision Needed to Maximize Investment Opportunities Amidst Two-Year Delay
- It is realistic to invest a significant portion of these funds [from the KPO], however, a revision of the KPO is necessary. At this moment, we are finalizing the revision package. Following the Prime Minister's decision, we will enter into negotiations with the Commission. This will all take until the end of summer, and there will also be public consultations, which are very important. The goal of this revision is precisely to reformat the KPO, as much as possible, to maximize the chances of investment given the reality that we are two years behind schedule - said Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach".

19:58

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz:

There are investments that we see make no sense or are a big question mark, for example, the Izera
- There are also investments that we simply see make no sense, or there is a big question mark, such a question mark hangs over the Izera. Firstly, there are no signed agreements, the project is not as advanced as it was presented, [...] in the KPO itself, the word "Izera" is not present, but there is mention of completed cars or means of transport. It's impossible to build a factory at such a pace. Therefore, the question arises of how to redirect funds for electromobility towards such investments so that we can still manage by 2026 - said Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on TVN24.

20:06

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on Key KPO Areas: Energy Transformation, Digitalization, Health
- This is a very real risk [that part of the KPO money will be lost], but now, let's be clear: the KPO consists of two parts. One part is the grant component [...] which the Union repays entirely, collectively, and it is hugely beneficial for Poland. The second part is the loan component, also for beneficiaries, and here the cost on the Polish state's side is slightly higher. Therefore, we are adopting a strategy to primarily shift and protect this grant component as much as possible, because it is incredibly advantageous money for us. And if we are unable to utilize, invest [...] an unused loan is not such a great loss - said Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on TVN24. - The most important areas are primarily the green energy transformation [...]. The second area is digitalization, and here a huge, very important investment, which is broadband internet, to have it everywhere in Poland, investments in public services, and in my opinion, the health sector is crucial here. In the grant component of the KPO, there are 19 billion PLN allocated to health - she continued, when asked about the most important investments and reforms related to the KPO.

20:10

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz:

KPO Delay is Harmful to Polish Citizens; There Should Be Accountability
- This delay [in KPO] is certainly an action detrimental to Polish citizens. Citizens had the opportunity, thanks to our membership in the European Union, [...] to access favorable funding that could have been invested and combined with much-needed reforms [...] this money lay idle and was not utilized - stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on TVN24. - If specific individuals and their actions can be identified that resulted in a loss for the Polish citizen, then there should be accountability for such wrongdoings, actions taken from a position of power, I understand - she continued.

20:15

Nowacka:

The Prime Minister Shows Great Determination to Resolve Poland-Ukraine Issues

- We see the Prime Minister's great determination to resolve the issues arising on the Poland-Ukraine axis, particularly those affecting farmers, as quickly as possible, to shift this debate to the European level. Protecting the Polish market is truly a priority for us, but it's also good for the protection of the European farmer to be a priority, as we are a significant player in the market - stated Barbara Nowacka on the TVP Info program "Gość 19:30".


20:21

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz:

Putin's Threat is an Attempt to Intimidate EU Societies from Supporting Ukraine
- Putin is not threatening with nuclear weapons for the first time; this is a threat that unfortunately appears from his lips, and from the lips of other representatives of the regime, very often, and these statements now have two types of goals. One goal is internal; Putin must mobilize his public opinion, he must constantly justify this aggression and the ever-increasing involvement of the Russian state, which is reflected in the citizens, in the ongoing war - Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz said on TVN24. - There is a second goal [...] it is very important that we understand this goal: it is the destruction of the morale of European Union societies, an attempt to intimidate, to panic us all, so that we feel that supporting Ukraine is dangerous for us, that we should withdraw from it, because what if there's a nuclear war. Well, we cannot unfortunately rule out some fatal decisions in the Kremlin, because that is the kind of regime it is, however, the method for our security is not to panic, to support Ukraine, and not to give in to this emotional blackmail from Putin - she continued.

20:26

Nowacka:

I'm terribly sad that men are once again arguing about women's rights instead of helping women solve the problem

- I am terribly sad that men are once again arguing about women's rights instead of helping women solve the problem. Poles went to the polls, among other reasons, because they wanted to feel safe. Once again, before the elections, they see a squabble about their cause, instead of getting the matter resolved. These issues have been addressed many times and are also handled by non-governmental organizations, because we are, in fact, delegates of these organizations to implement laws that we know are important – stated Barbara Nowacka on the program "Gość 19:30" on TVP Info.


21:08

Hennig-Kloska:

I want household energy bills to increase by no more than PLN 30 per month after price freeze is lifted

- I would like the monthly household energy bill not to increase by more than PLN 30 [...] We are working on solutions and, first and foremost, what we agreed on today at a morning meeting, which was very good and very constructive, is that there is room for further price reductions. Because we have very good conditions on the market, which is stabilizing – stated Paulina Hennig-Kloska in the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

- We are moving in this direction, to simultaneously, on the one hand, continue to support people with lower incomes. This is quite a large group of households for whom such assistance from the budget will remain. On the other hand, we want to achieve lower energy prices [...] Even 4.5 million households may be covered by additional assistance – she continued.


21:09

Hennig-Kloska:

The Gigantic Inflation Raging in Poland is Now Behind Us
Gigantic inflation, raging in Poland, is now behind us. Please note that the situation is stabilizing at the moment of the government's change, and the zloty has strengthened – said Paulina Hennig-Kloska in the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.