Live Feed

03/06/2024

07:34

Wednesday's Political Agenda: Sejm on KRS and Constitutional Tribunal Resolution, Pegasus Committee, Senate Session Begins, President Appoints PKW

The three-day Sejm session will commence with the oath of office by MP Monika Pawłowska at 10:00 AM.

At 12:00 PM, the first reading of the government's draft amendment to the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) Act is scheduled. At 2:30 PM, the first reading of the draft resolution concerning the "rectification of the constitutional crisis of 2015-2023 in the context of the Constitutional Tribunal's activities" will begin.

Following this, at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, voting blocks will take place. At 6:15 PM, an information session is planned regarding significant issues arising from the Constitutional Tribunal's activities and rulings in 2022, along with a report from the Committee.

At 10:30 AM, the Sejm's parliamentary ethics committee will convene for a closed session. Matters to be addressed include the conduct of MPs Grzegorz Braun and Włodzimierz Skalik, and Jarosław Kaczyński's statements towards Michał Kołodziejczak.

At 11:00 AM, the sessions of the national defense and foreign affairs committees will take place. During these, the first reading of the government's draft law amending the scope of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe is scheduled; the second reading in the plenary hall will occur at 8:45 PM. The agenda also includes information from the Minister of National Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on conclusions and experiences from Poland's 25 years of NATO membership.

At 12:00 PM, the Pegasus investigative committee will begin its closed session, during which a resolution on the appointment of permanent committee advisors will be adopted. The agenda also includes the consideration of evidence requests and discussion of current matters.

The Senate will commence its two-day session at 11:00 AM. During its two-day sitting, the upper house of parliament will address, among other things, a draft resolution on the 25th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO and an amendment to the Pharmaceutical Law proposing the introduction of an over-the-counter "morning-after" pill.

At 2:00 PM, a ceremony to appoint members to the State Electoral Commission (PKW) will be held at the Presidential Palace.

Wednesday also marks the second day of the Monetary Policy Council's meeting; a press conference with the NBP President Adam Glapiński will be held tomorrow.


08:09

Zgorzelski:

A Good, Wise, and Prudent Decision by Hołownia, Who Removed a Topic Deserving of Respect from the Political Dispute Agenda
  • "No, it's a very good, wise, and prudent decision by Marshal Hołownia, who removed a topic from the political dispute agenda – because we are in an election campaign, after all – a topic that deserves respect, calm, and to be worked through under conditions other than an election campaign," stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Polsat News' "Graffiti".

08:10

Scheuring-Wielgus:

I dressed specially for Marshal Hołownia today. As MPs from The Left, we demand legal abortion.

- I dressed specially for Marshal Hołownia today, and I'm not saying I want a debate on abortion, but as MPs from The Left, we demand legal abortion. Yesterday, Marshal Czarzasty submitted a motion for a vote in the Sejm Presidium for this debate to take place, and with the votes of Szymon Hołownia, Piotr Zgorzelski, and the Confederation, that motion failed - stated Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus on TVN24's program "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".


08:14

Scheuring-Wielgus:

Women and young people voted for Third Way to save it, and now they are disappointed

- You know what's false in Marshal Hołownia's statement, that after the comma there is information that "we won the elections thanks to you, thanks to women, thanks to young people." These women and young people voted for the Third Way to save it, and now they are disappointed. We are now collecting votes from all over Poland, where people are saying, "We apologize that we didn't vote for you, you always stood up for women's rights." - stated Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus in the program "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.


08:21

Scheuring-Wielgus on Hołownia's Announcement of Abortion Bill Deadline: "It's Cowardice and Pretending the Problem Doesn't Exist"

- This is such cowardice, hiding under the table and pretending the problem doesn't exist. I will also say it clearly, because you mentioned a rusty knife, but I wouldn't brandish a rusty knife at Civic Coalition, because they have finally understood, and praise them for it, that a woman should have a choice - stated Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus in the program „Rozmowa Piaseckiego” on TVN24.


08:27

Zgorzelski:

I Found No Threat of Leaving the Coalition in Hołownia's Words

- I did not find in those [Szymon Hołownia's] words a threat of leaving the coalition, because that would be, I know Szymon Hołownia and it certainly wasn't his intention to scare anyone based on the principle... It might have been perceived that way by some, but it was certainly not the intention of Szymon Hołownia or Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz to say something to the effect that if we don't meet this, we will leave, because we are not children in a sandbox - stated Piotr Zgorzelski in "Graffiti" on Polsat News.


08:28

Siekierski on Postponing Abortion Law Proceedings: We Don't Want to Divide Society
- I think that it was the right decision [for Marshal Hołownia to postpone the discussion on abortion] because this topic divides society too much. The discussion related to self-governance, local development, and regional development was replaced by a discussion that should take place more during parliamentary elections - said Czesław Siekierski on "Poranek TOK FM". - We don't want to divide society again - he continued.

08:35

Siekierski:

Profitability of Farms is My Priority; Some Subsidies Have Been Released
- My priority is the issue of profitability, the issue of farm income, the lack of competitiveness on the European market, the lack of competitiveness of Polish agricultural products against the incoming agricultural goods from Ukraine and also from other regions of the world. That's why certain subsidies, which were planned under EU funds, have been released, including subsidies for corn. Applications for drought relief are being processed. This is important, but it won't fundamentally improve profitability, because grain prices are very low, and the warehouses are full - said Czesław Siekierski in TOK FM. - Yes [grain will remain cheap], because it is cheap on world markets - he continued.

08:35

Śmiszek on Hołownia's Decision: It's Cowardice Before Open Debate and Political Opportunism

- Disappointed, angry, and deeply disheartened that Speaker Hołownia presented such a gift to Polish women on Women's Day – women thanks to whom he is today the Marshal of the Sejm and thanks to whom the previous coalition faded into oblivion. This is a great disappointment, and I would say it is cowardice. It's cowardice before an open debate, cowardice before a discussion, even a difficult one, but a necessary one, because what is parliament for? It's also for difficult conversations, and this is just political opportunism. Well, I understand, Speaker Hołownia has his own party and doesn't really want to show what that party is like. Is this party progressive, or conservative, is it more to the right, or more to the left, so he prefers to sweep everything under the rug – stated Krzysztof Śmiszek on TOK FM.

- Yes, because in the coalition, we tell each other different things frankly, and if we do things that harm the coalition, and I believe that the Speaker is harming the coalition with this decision. Because he has probably forgotten that it was the mobilization of women, so mistreated and persecuted by PiS in recent years, especially by the barbaric ruling of the pseudo-Constitutional Tribunal, that gave us power – he continued.


08:36

Śmiszek:

The Coalition Won't Collapse, But It's a Giant Mistake by Hołownia; His Move Erodes the Trust of a Large Segment of Citizens

- I believe that the Marshal is using a subterfuge, a false concern that some bill will not pass the first reading, meaning it will be rejected in the first reading. This is a false concern; the Marshal will not know this until he puts all the bills to a vote. I believe that today the Marshal is unfortunately trading away women's rights, placing his political interests above the rights of those who gave the Marshal his power – stated Krzysztof Śmiszek on TOK FM.

- No, the coalition will not collapse because the coalition has gigantic tasks and expectations from society. However, this is a gigantic mistake by Marshal Hołownia, because his move unfortunately incites distrust, or erodes the trust of a large segment of citizens who stood on our side, I mean on the democratic side as of October 15th last year – he added.


08:37

Śmiszek:

We Invite All Political Forces to Discuss This Plan and Help Heal the Situation in the Constitutional Tribunal

This resolution [regarding the Constitutional Tribunal] is desperately needed. In fact, I consider this resolution a kind of lighthouse or compass, not only for the parliament when it comes to processing draft laws or normative acts concerning the shape and functioning of the CT. But I also view it very symbolically and believe that this resolution should also be a kind of benchmark for other authorities and other public bodies – stated Krzysztof Śmiszek on TOK FM.

The democratic majority has put four solutions on the table: a resolution, two laws, and a constitutional amendment. We see that the CT is not functioning, we see that the CT has degenerated. We need a plan, and this plan exists. However, we invite all political forces to discuss this plan and to lend a hand in healing the situation in the CT – he added.


08:39

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

Postponing the debate on abortion projects for weeks means maintaining the status quo that kills women in maternity wards
- It is the decision of Marshal Hołownia and the Confederation – because such an exotic alliance has formed in the Sejm Presidium – to prolong the cruel, barbaric anti-abortion law. Because that's how this decision must be viewed. Postponing the debate on abortion projects for another few weeks means prolonging, maintaining the status quo. This status quo that PiS and the Confederation have created, this status quo that kills women in maternity wards – said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk in an interview with Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz on TVP Info's "Gość Poranka".

08:39

Siekierski on Ukrainian Goods Embargo: No, I'm Proposing Full Control and Quotas for Specific Product Groups
- I have prepared a proposal for relations with Ukraine on the basis of a bilateral, two-sided agreement - said Czesław Siekierski on TOK FM. - No [there will be no embargo], I am proposing full control and quotas for specific product groups, which would be monitored through export licenses issued by Ukraine. These include sensitive goods such as sugar, eggs, and poultry meat - he continued.

08:46

Siekierski on Tusk's Announced Border Infrastructure Protection: No Need, as Farmers Allow Humanitarian and Military Aid
- Critical infrastructure concerns only military and humanitarian aid. Farmers have never blocked humanitarian and military aid [...] this is announced [infrastructure protection announced by the Prime Minister], but there was no need for it, because farmers have never blocked such an area. [...] There is no need, because farmers allow humanitarian and military aid to pass - said Czesław Siekierski on TOK FM.

08:50

Siekierski:

These Are Not the Authentic Protests of the Beginning. PiS Harms Farmers by Politicizing the Protest
- I hope so [that the protests will cease after Saturday's meeting] and my proposals to the Prime Minister are heading in that direction. Of course, things can turn out differently, because the protests have become very politicized. These are not the protests that were there at the beginning, which were very authentic. First a smaller opposition party entered, then a larger opposition party [PiS], which is responsible for the difficult situation related to the Green Deal. It is harming farmers by politicizing this protest - said Czesław Siekierski on TOK FM.

08:53

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

If a tragedy occurs, if a woman is harmed, it will be on the conscience of those who postpone the abortion debate
- I say this with full responsibility. If a tragedy occurs, if a woman is harmed, if a woman is turned away from a hospital because the hospital invokes the conscience clause, if a woman is afraid to help another woman by giving her pills for medical abortion, then every harm, every fear, every humiliation will lie on the conscience of those who postpone, who put off the debate on liberalizing abortion law to never, ever happen – said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on "Gość Poranka" TVP Info.

08:54

Siekierski:

I will be meeting with farmers today; rather, farmers will be received by a representative of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister
- Yes, I will be meeting [with farmers today] and I am at the disposal of the Marshal of the Sejm, at the disposal of the Prime Minister, the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, because rather the farmers will be received by the head or a representative of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. If it is the wish of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, then [I will be there] - Czesław Siekierski said in TOK FM.

09:05

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

If Hołownia wanted to vote against abortion liberalization, he should do so. His voters deserve to see his stance.
- If he [Szymon Hołownia] wanted to vote against the bills liberalizing the anti-abortion law, he should do so. Because his voters deserve to see what position Third Way takes - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on TVP Info's "Morning Guest".

09:10

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

We will demand the introduction of abortion projects to the agenda. If not at this Sejm session, then at the next one.
- Still today, during this Sejm session, we will take further steps, further appeals to Marshal Hołownia not to delay this debate. We will continue to work as we have worked in recent years - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on TVP Info's "Gość Poranka". - We will demand – just as Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty demanded yesterday at the Sejm presidium – the inclusion and introduction of these projects to the agenda at this Sejm session. If not at this Sejm session, then at the next Sejm session and on every subsequent occasion - she continued.

09:14

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

Women Who Voted for the Democratic Opposition Now Clearly See Each Party's Stance
"All women who voted on October 15th for the then-democratic opposition precisely because they wanted an end to the women's hell, now clearly have the positions of individual political groupings laid out on a platter," said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on TVP Info's "Morning Guest."

10:30

Hołownia:

If There's a Clear Declaration from All Coalition Clubs to Advance All Abortion Bills to Second Reading, I'm Open to Discussion
- What is most important today is to achieve a situation where we have a clear declaration from all coalition clubs that these projects [concerning abortion] will not be rejected in the first reading. [...] I said that I do not intend to risk the lives and health of women and the safety of women because someone will be afraid whether they will fall from the pulpit before the elections or what they will read on their Twitter in their bubble – Szymon Hołownia told journalists. - The situation is indeed serious. I am accused as if I were creating a situation where we will not be proceeding with these laws. We will be proceeding with them on April 11th. However, I repeat once again: if there is, and currently there isn't, a clear declaration from all coalition clubs that they decide to let them through, not throw them in the bin, let them through all these projects to the second reading, then I am open to discussion. Of course, any acceleration here could only be brief – he continued.

10:32

Kotula:

These Local Elections Will Be About Abortion, About Women's Rights

- If Marshal Szymon Hołownia thought that by postponing the proceedings of these bills he would ensure these local elections would not be about abortion, then I want to say that he was very mistaken. Dear women, voters, these local elections will be about abortion, they will be about women's rights. Go to these elections and show a red card to those who, after 39 years of a barbaric law being in effect, tell you "not now, someday, later" - stated Katarzyna Kotula at a press conference in the Sejm.


10:34

Hołownia on Abortion: This Has Divided Us Deeply From the Very Beginning
- This [issue of abortion] has already divided us, and it has divided us very deeply from the very beginning. Because we went into these elections with a clear, simple message: it cannot be as it was, and we do not agree to this law, which is draconian and inhumane today, while we will want to do something about it, each one something different. And here we have the consequences of this disagreement - said Szymon Hołownia in an interview with journalists.

10:36

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

As MPs of The Left, but Above All as Women, We've Had Enough of Waiting
We want to say this as MPs of The Left, but above all as women – we've had enough of waiting. It's not the case that any elections can interfere with voting, with debating human rights. Local, parliamentary, or European elections are about what is fundamental for people. Women's rights, the right to life, the right to decide about one's body, health, about one's future – these are fundamental matters – stated Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk at a press conference in the Sejm.

10:40

Żukowska to Hołownia: You've Replaced the Parliamentary Freezer with a Smiling Cold Room

- As a Catholic, you wield the word 'liar' with abandon. You called Marshal Czarzasty a liar, stating that he spoke of freezing, blocking, and you preventing the proceduralization of bills concerning the right to abortion. You have exchanged the parliamentary freezer for a smiling cold room. Similarly, there are no hidden draft laws in those drawers, at that desk, yet this is precisely what you are doing. The time is never right for the men governing this country, holding power. First, it was NATO accession, then EU accession, then elections, followed by more elections. After the first round, there will be the second round of local elections, then European elections, then presidential elections, and subsequently parliamentary elections. For you, the time is never right for women. Therefore, I formally move to close the session in order to supplement the agenda with draft bills concerning the right to abortion. And this lightning bolt will be aimed at you – stated Anna-Maria Żukowska in the Sejm.


10:44

Hołownia:

The Claim That Bills on Abortion Rights Won't Be Considered in This Sejm is Incorrect
I want to inform you once again, because perhaps it hasn't been communicated clearly enough, that the claim that bills concerning abortion rights are not being considered or will not be considered in this Sejm is incorrect. A date has been set for when they will be considered. There must be a date. There must be a date if we are to consider these bills. That date is April 11, - stated Szymon Hołownia in the Sejm. I will not allow us to leave this chamber on Women's Day with a basket full of draft laws that were meant to improve women's rights in Poland and improve their fate. I will not allow this, because it would be a slap in the face to those who elected us, to those who believed in the hope that the October 15 coalition also carried, and I am telling you this clearly and unequivocally - he continued. I inform you that if I have a unanimous declaration from all parliamentary clubs forming the parliamentary majority today, that the bills, the last of which met all formal requirements last week, that all clubs will solidarily declare that they will not throw these laws into the trash during the first reading, then I am open to discussions on this matter - the Marshal of the Sejm emphasized.

11:39

Hołownia:

If I Have to Pay the Price for Legislation on Women's Rights to Finally Emerge from the Sejm, This Draconian, Inhumane Law, I Will Gladly Pay It

- Also after this, so to speak, detonation that took place today, talks will begin, I deeply believe that. And declarations will also begin that we will not reject these bills at the first reading, that they will be processed. If I have to pay the price for legislation on women's rights to finally emerge from this Sejm, this draconian, inhumane law, I will gladly pay it. Because I believe that this draconian law should be changed - stated Szymon Hołownia in an interview with journalists in the Sejm.


11:47

Czarnek:

Obajtek explained he hired a detective to protect the largest State Treasury company in Poland
- That is untrue [that Daniel Obajtek hired a detective agency to track MPs] [...] not even Tusk said what he was getting at, he just lied brazenly from the rostrum, and Mr. Daniel Obajtek explained [...] that he hired a detective to protect the State Treasury company, the largest in Poland, from unfair competition, that's all I've heard, today I think I also saw a statement from this gentleman detective somewhere that it was not within his duties to track any MP - said Przemysław Czarnek in an interview with journalists.

11:50

Czarnek on Sejm Resolution Regarding the Constitutional Tribunal: Resolutions Can Be Adopted, But They Have No Legal Effect
- You can adopt all sorts of resolutions, but they have no legal effect whatsoever. When it comes to the Constitutional Tribunal, it has 15 judges elected by the Sejm with an absolute majority of votes, sworn in by the president long ago, issuing rulings published in the Journal of Laws, so these types of resolutions that are being proposed are the opinion of a part of the Sejm, having no legal consequences – said Przemysław Czarnek in an interview with journalists.

11:54

Czarnek:

I would like to participate in a substantive effort for the constitutional reset proposed by Konfederacja
- I would generally like to participate in a substantive effort for the constitutional reset proposed by Konfederacja, I would like it to finally happen, for this constitutional reset to get underway, but through a substantive conversation among serious people, not through such resolutions [...]. I am ready to sit down for a substantive conversation about all the changes that would stop this madness that is in Poland - said Przemysław Czarnek in a conversation with journalists.

11:57

Czarnek:

I Do Not Share Morawiecki's Opinion on Abortion
- No, I do not share it – said Przemysław Czarnek in a conversation with journalists, responding to the question of whether he shared Mateusz Morawiecki's opinion that it was a mistake to refer the abortion law to the Constitutional Tribunal. - I do not share Prime Minister Morawiecki's opinion on this matter – he continued, when pressed whether he did not share Mateusz Morawiecki's view that he had always been in favor of an abortion compromise.

11:58

Siekierski:

We Achieved Significant Limitations of the Green Deal

- Regarding the issue related to the Green Deal, we have generally achieved significant limitations of the Green Deal, including concerning problems with pesticides, conditionality, and also regarding farmers not being penalized for unintentional errors. The conditions for fallowing land have been limited, and a request has been submitted to cease or repeal the obligation of fallowing in 2024. For next year, we propose transferring this to voluntary actions within eco-schemes, for which farmers would be paid. This is because we are proposing a review of the Green Deal, so that this review is carried out this year – stated Czesław Siekierski in the Sejm.


11:58

Siekierski on Embargo on Agri-food Products from Ukraine: There Will Be Full Oversight of Goods and Maintained Trade Exchange

- Regarding the liberalization of trade, for which the Polish government previously agreed. Within this liberalization, proposed from June '24 to June '25, we have introduced certain restrictions concerning sensitive goods, and this is currently being processed at the parliamentary level and at the EU Council level. But at the same time, and most importantly, we are conducting bilateral negotiations with Ukraine, because we want to reach a bilateral agreement where we will establish the terms of trade, where we will set quotas. These quotas will have to be accepted by the importing party, i.e., Ukraine, and also accepted for the reception of these goods by the Polish side. Therefore, there will be full oversight and trade exchange will be maintained – said Czesław Siekierki in the Sejm.


12:05

Sejm on the National Council of the Judiciary. Bodnar: This is the first bill, more will follow
- We must restore the normal, constitutional framework for the functioning of the KRS. But also for other justice bodies, and this bill is the first one, but it will be followed by others concerning the Supreme Court, the status of the prosecution, the system of common courts, or for example, the execution of ECHR judgments - stated Adam Bodnar in the Sejm.

12:35

Bodnar:

The amendment to the KRS Act aims to restore the constitutional status of the KRS's activities
  • "The amendment to the KRS Act, in its briefest essence, aims to restore the constitutional status of the KRS's activities, especially for those 15 judges who are appointed to the KRS. If we go back in time, we will recall the period of 2017-2018, when this fundamental change, from the perspective of the Polish system, occurred in the method of electing the 15 judicial members of the KRS. Namely, from '89 until 2017, they were elected by judges. This means that judges elected the members of the KRS who were judges," stated Adam Bodnar in the Sejm.

12:45

Gasiuk-Pihowicz:

The KRS Bill States Illegally Elected Individuals End Their Activity. They Don't End Their Terms Because They Never Began Them
- The government's draft bill on the National Council of the Judiciary restores the composition of this body in line with the Constitution and European standards, and implements the rulings of Polish courts and European tribunals. According to them, it primarily states that individuals illegally elected to the National Council of the Judiciary will cease their harmful activities there. They are not ending their terms because they never began them. They were elected in violation of the Constitution, and the Constitution does not protect them. Their illegal election is not protected now either. Law cannot be born from lawlessness. 15 representatives of judges will be elected by the judicial community, not by politicians of any particular party, as the unlawfully acting PiS wished, in a transparent procedure overseen by the State Electoral Commission - said Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz during the Sejm debates.

14:54

Sejm on Resolution Regarding the Constitutional Tribunal: Gasiuk-Pihowicz States, 'This Resolution Restores Hope for a State of Law, a Credible, Honest, and Just State.'

- As part of the democratic coalition formed on October 15th, we are jointly presenting a resolution aimed at rectifying the consequences of the constitutional crisis of the past eight years. This is our expression of gratitude, a fulfillment of our commitment, a thank you to those who steadfastly defended Polish democracy on the streets and in front of the courts. A thank you to activists, judges, citizens, both male and female, and representatives of the legal professions – we thank you. It is from this very resolution that we begin the repair process for the Constitutional Tribunal. A process that is necessary, long-awaited, discussed, and wisely planned. It is undisputed that the previous government inflicted this crisis upon us. In a democratic state, when we speak of the Constitutional Tribunal, we think of the protection of the constitution, the protection of citizens' rights, the principle of the separation of powers, the stabilization of the political situation, and authority and legitimacy – stated Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz in the Sejm.


- This resolution restores hope for a state of law, a credible, honest, and just state. It is the first step, and more will follow. Two laws and a constitutional amendment. We will restore the Constitutional Tribunal to Poles – she added.


15:24

Kołodziejczak:

Emerging Information Suggests Retreat from Green Deal Provisions on Agriculture
- The information that has now arrived suggests that there will be a withdrawal, for now, from those Green Deal provisions that concern agriculture. This is not just Poland, but based on this information, we are talking about a broader withdrawal. This also shows that the European Commission does have a certain reflection, which is very important, and it also negates the claim that it is impossible to withdraw from certain provisions – stated Michał Kołodziejczak in a conversation with journalists. - When I see Piotr Duda, who hid in the pocket of PiS for 8 years, and now he is poking his head out to shout and to again try to gain something elsewhere, I think that farmers, first and foremost, should ensure that such people do not speak at farmers' protests. Because it undermines credibility, and if we are talking about uniting different groups, these protests, I can even say, may intensify because people see a certain effectiveness of the government – he continued.

16:05

Kołodziejczak:

What's happening now under the Sejm isn't a farmers' protest, it's a provocation
- What's happening now under the Sejm isn't a farmers' protest, it's a provocation - Michał Kołodziejczak wrote on social media.

16:12

Tomczyk Responds to Morawiecki:

Immediately Stop Showing Out-of-Context Videos Used by Russian Propaganda.

Mateusz Morawiecki shared a video on social media showing a police intervention during a farmers' protest. The former Prime Minister added the description #Koalicja13grudnia. The name obliges to the recording.

- You are a former Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland. Here, using the Polish flag, provocateurs are tearing up cobblestones to throw at the police. Please immediately stop writing and showing out-of-context videos that are being used by Russian propaganda - wrote Cezary Tomczyk in response to Morawiecki's post.


16:41

Senate Approves 'Morning-After' Pill Bill for Over-the-Counter Access

The upper house of parliament has passed, without amendments, the amendment to the Pharmaceutical Law, which introduces over-the-counter access to the 'morning-after' pill. Fifty-eight senators voted in favour, 33 voted against, and 3 senators abstained. The bill will now be sent to the president.


16:49

Błaszczak:

The December 13th Coalition Has Once Again Deceived Polish Farmers. You Were the Total Opposition, You Are Totalitarian Power
- The European Commission has just debunked the information about an immediate withdrawal from the Green Deal! The December 13th Coalition has once again deceived Polish farmers, and the provocative statements of Minister Marcin Kierwiński have led to the escalation of the situation under the Sejm! You were the total opposition, you are totalitarian power - wrote Mariusz Błaszczak on social media.

17:14

Bodnar:

Resolution on the Constitutional Tribunal to Summarize the Situation Regarding Unqualified Individuals Sitting on the Tribunal
- The resolution, as you know perfectly well, is part of a larger package that was presented this Monday. [...] The idea behind presenting all of this is for the resolution to summarize a certain state of affairs concerning the presence of individuals in the Constitutional Tribunal who are not authorized to adjudicate, to also address the issue of the President of the Constitutional Tribunal, and the impact of this situation on the daily functioning of the Tribunal - said Adam Bodnar in the Sejm.

17:29

Rosa to PiS: Now you stand up for protesters, but you beat the defenseless.

- And do you remember when women took to the streets to defend their rights? How you sent police officers against them, how the gas tasted on those women's faces, how the baton was on their backs? And do you remember how young people from the LGBT community were treated by you, by police units? Do you remember that? Now you shed tears, and how did you treat disabled people who protested here in the Sejm corridors? Now you stand up for protesters, but you beat the defenseless. Remember that - stated Monika Rosa in the Sejm.


17:33

Hołownia:

Shameful Incidents Occurred During Protest. I Don't Believe Farmers Did It, But Provocateur Groups Clearly Joined Them
- I observed these events here, in the Marshal's Guard monitoring center. I must say that absolutely shameful incidents occurred during this protest. I do not believe that the farmers who actually came here to protest did it, but provocateur groups, masked individuals, clearly joined the protesting farmers, who physically violated the bodily integrity of officers - said Szymon Hołownia in the Sejm.

- Stones were thrown, pyrotechnics were thrown, the police repeatedly asked to leave this place, that the assembly was illegal, that MPs and senators should leave this place. Several police officers were injured, a dozen or so people have been detained, and if we take the slogan 'Shoulder to Shoulder with Polish Uniforms' seriously, then we should always take this slogan seriously - he continued.

17:34

Hołownia:

Police Officers Who Defended Our Security Deserve Support. And the Hooligans Who Threw Cobblestones Should Be Held Accountable.
- Police officers who defended our security today deserve our support. And the hooligans, not protesting farmers but ordinary hooligans, who threw cobblestones today, behaved in a scandalous manner and should be held accountable - said Szymon Hołownia in the Sejm.

17:35

Kierwiński to PiS: Aren't You Truly Ashamed for Attacking Police Officers When Cobblestones Are Thrown at Them?

- Just a few months ago, this part of the chamber loved the saying "Standing united behind the Polish uniform." You loved that saying, Mr. Kaczyński, Mr. Minister Błaszczak. And what do we see today? Today, we are witnessing scenes where a band of provocateurs is throwing cobblestones at Polish police officers, and you are attacking the Polish police. Where is your decency? These officers have been defending protesters, including farmers at the border, for over a dozen days, ensuring their safety in a professional and calm manner. Only when your provocateurs step in here do things suddenly begin... Aren't you truly ashamed for attacking police officers when cobblestones are being thrown at them? Haven't you seen those images? Be ashamed of it - stated Marcin Kierwiński in the Sejm.


17:36

Kierwiński:

23 Provocateurs Detained. Full Information Will Be Provided on Who They Are and Whether They Came to Protest Peacefully

- 23 of these provocateurs have been detained, and you will have full information on who they are and whether they came here to protest peacefully. Because the majority of protesting farmers came here to protest, but unfortunately, there were also bandits who attacked the police. And in such situations, the Polish police will always react, and the police will defend Polish citizens – stated Marcin Kierwiński in the Sejm.


17:38

Kaczyński:

Resolution on the Constitutional Tribunal Will Have the Same Significance as a Resolution on Changing the English King

- This resolution [on the Constitutional Tribunal] will have the same significance as a resolution, for example, on changing the English king. It will have practically no significance, and its adoption is simply a comedy, a theatre, and something that insults this chamber – stated Jarosław Kaczyński in the Sejm.


18:01

Błaszczak Announces No-Confidence Vote Against Kierwiński
- Are you truly proud of yourself for what happened in front of the Polish Sejm? Are you proud of the farmers being beaten? Are you proud that a young man with a white and red flag was thrown to the ground, that the Polish flag was desecrated? [...] Are you proud that through your provocations, you led to the crises that occurred when you governed, when PO and PSL governed? One only needs to mention the Independence Marches – always provocations. When PiS governed, demonstrations were held peacefully – said Mariusz Błaszczak in the Sejm. - I declare that the PiS parliamentary club will file a motion of no-confidence against the Minister of the Interior and Administration, and then Donald Tusk will have to defend, or attempt to defend, Kierwiński, because Donald Tusk is not in this chamber today. Where is Donald Tusk? – he continued.

18:04

Sejm Adopts Resolution on the Constitutional Tribunal

The Sejm has adopted a resolution "on removing the effects of the constitutional crisis of 2015-2023 in the context of the Constitutional Tribunal's activities".

240 MPs voted in favor, 197 against, and no one abstained.

The resolution states that Mariusz Muszyński, Justyn Piskorski, and Jarosław Wyrembak are not judges of the Constitutional Tribunal, and their adjudicatory activities are one of the reasons why numerous rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are legally flawed. The resolution also states that the function of the President of the Constitutional Tribunal is held by an unauthorized person, and it includes an appeal to the judges of the Constitutional Tribunal "to resign, and thus to join the process of democratic transformations".


19:20

Schetyna:

EU Will Have No Choice Regarding Easing or Withdrawing from the Green Deal
- I think [the EU] will have no choice [regarding easing or withdrawing from the Green Deal]. What Commissioner Wojciechowski has been saying for the last months and years, he initially said that this Green Deal is part of the PiS program they are running on in the elections, and one thing follows from the other. Now he says the Commission is backing down, and after a few minutes, the European Commission spokesperson distances themselves from the commissioner's words. This is absurd, it speaks to the level of Commissioner Wojciechowski, and the entire PiS policy concerning politicians and agriculture. It is the bankruptcy of their policy – stated Grzegorz Schetyna in an interview with Beata Lubecka on Radio Zet.

19:23

Schetyna:

It's Important for Protesting Farmers to Understand that Tusk is Their Ally
- I think it's important, that is, this meeting that Prime Minister Tusk had. But I think one can, one must talk. Because it is important for the protesting farmers to understand that the Polish government, Prime Minister Tusk, is their ally and in agreement with other heads of government can indeed effectively introduce changes to the Green Deal and agricultural policy, and EU Commission policy. This is possible – stated Grzegorz Schetyna on Radio Zet.

19:26

Schetyna on Abortion: I am in favour of a debate that concludes with a vote
- This is a very important debate, where we need a full conversation. There are very different proposals, significant differences within the ruling coalition, so I was surprised that we are fitting this debate scenario [on abortion] into the election campaign. It's about timing, about choosing the right time; either it's done immediately after the elections, there were no such motions, so it was impossible, but now I believe a calm discussion is needed. I am in favour of this debate, but this debate must conclude with a resolution, meaning a vote – Grzegorz Schetyna said on Radio Zet. - It is impossible to avoid the debate because it is such an important matter that it is also a test for the coalition. If the date of April 11th is set, the discussion or processing of the four proposals will take place. The question is what will happen with them, because it's a question of whether they will all go to committee, whether a subcommittee will be appointed, what are the next legislative steps prepared, what is the Sejm Chancellery's, Marshal Hołownia's idea for further proceedings. This will be a question we will pose already today, following Marshal Hołownia's declaration – he continued.

19:39

Przyłębska in the Sejm: I Appear Before You as the President of the Constitutional Tribunal
- I will begin by stating that I appear before you as the President of the Constitutional Tribunal… […] I had a completely different plan regarding the presentation of the annual report. I will begin by stating that there is some misunderstanding in the Sejm. The Constitution provides for the separation of powers. […] These powers complement each other, but the legislative power has no right to review the judicial power. [...] The Constitutional Tribunal cannot be compared to an ordinary court, if only because the Constitution clearly states: judges of the Constitutional Tribunal are subject in their rulings solely and exclusively to the Constitution. Judges of ordinary courts – to the constitution and laws. [...] A judge of the Constitutional Tribunal cannot be held accountable in the same way as a judge of an ordinary court – said Julia Przyłębska in the Sejm.

19:48

Przyłębska:

Parliament cannot pass a resolution stating a judge has no right to rule in the Constitutional Tribunal
- Had the esteemed Members of Parliament taken a closer look at this ruling, perhaps they would not have adopted such an absurd resolution, one that undermines the foundations of the rule of law. Parliament cannot pass a resolution stating that a judge has no right to rule in the Constitutional Tribunal. You have no right to do so - stated Julia Przyłębska in the Sejm. - Questioning the credibility of the Constitutional Tribunal is the MPs' game and exercising their mandate against society. Because society does not fully understand what is happening. It does not realize that undermining the rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal, undermining court rulings, can lead to a situation where a citizen will have no sense of security whatsoever - she continued.

19:49

Kwiatkowski:

I have no doubt that it wasn't farmers throwing cobblestones, road signs, firecrackers, and flares at the police
- I have no doubt, of course, that it wasn't farmers throwing cobblestones, road signs, firecrackers, and flares at the police, because the farmers came there to manifest their dissatisfaction with the decline in agricultural profitability, with what the common agricultural policy and the Green Deal, which Janusz Wojciechowski from PiS left us, have resulted in – said Krzysztof Kwiatkowski in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News. - There are over 20 people detained [...] I think we will soon find out if they were farmers or other individuals. My intuition suggests that among the detained farmers, there were very few – he continued.

19:55

Kwiatkowski:

Unilateral Decision Leads to Border Closure with Ukraine from Both Sides and Collapse of Polish Dairies. A Decision by the Entire EC Would Be Best
- If someone speaks on agricultural matters, they should have basic knowledge. We have a trade surplus in our relations with Ukraine. Today I had a meeting with representatives of cooperatives, including dairy cooperatives, which export a lot of their products to Ukraine. A unilateral decision is a decision that results in the border being closed from the other side as well and the collapse of Polish dairies - Krzysztof Kwiatkowski said on Polsat News. - We must do this through a decision by, ideally, the entire European Commission. Of course, if that doesn't work out, yes, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has already announced that in an emergency scenario after March 28, we will be making decisions unilaterally - he continued.

19:58

Przyłębska:

Parliament Cannot Dissolve Legally Operating State Bodies Through a Resolution
- The Sejm is not an organ that can, based on a resolution, dissolve legally operating state bodies. My appeal to you is that even if you disagree with something, you can refer to our rulings. However, the Sejm is not a reviewer of the Constitutional Tribunal. I refer you to the separation of powers, to respect for citizens, and to not introducing chaos in matters fundamental to our homeland. Because legal anarchy leads to loss of sovereignty. Let us learn from history - said Julia Przyłębska in the Sejm.

20:02

Kwiatkowski on Szczucki's Words: The Height of Arrogance, I Expect an Apology
- Regarding the Constitutional Tribunal, one thing: we have a group of people who have occupied their positions, and the most reprehensible thing is today's words from Member of Parliament Szczucki about two former members of the Tribunal who have passed away. To say that 'they also passed away – and these words were directed at the opposition – as a result of your hatred' is the height of arrogance, to suggest that the natural deaths of two members of the Constitutional Tribunal are the result of some actions by the opposition [currently the ruling coalition], I expect an apology for these words, because such words should never be uttered in the Polish parliament - said Krzysztof Kwiatkowski on Polsat News.

20:10

Kwiatkowski:

Przyłębska is Not the President of the Constitutional Tribunal
- Madam President [Przyłębska], her term has ended, which was confirmed by her colleagues from the Tribunal, for example, Mr. Muszyński. Her term ended much, much earlier, and she is not the President of the Constitutional Tribunal today, a view shared by individuals appointed to the Constitutional Tribunal by Law and Justice as well – said Krzysztof Kwiatkowski on Polsat News. - They [TK judges] were appointed improperly. They were appointed by a resolution, so the Sejm had to confirm the irregularity of this appointment by way of a resolution – he continued.

20:34

Kwaśniewski:

One Argument from Hołownia Convinces Me

- I understand the outrage and I understand those words, because this was one of the most important campaign topics for the Left. The elections were on October 15th; after many months, a government was formed as a result of the President's obstruction, and they have the right to expect these issues to be resolved more quickly, but I repeat once more. If we hold Szymon Hołownia to his word, April 11th is a month away. One argument from the Marshal convinces me. If, in this election atmosphere, everyone will be thinking about their electorates and not about the matter, and as a result, all these projects will be rejected, then we are in the worst possible scenario. So perhaps patiently enduring this campaign period and waiting until April 11th makes some sense – stated Aleksander Kwaśniewski on TVN24's "Kropka nad i".