Live Feed

03/21/2024

07:27

Political Agenda for Thursday: Tusk at Nuclear Energy Summit and European Council, Duda Continues Slovenia Visit, Sejm to Discuss Children's Ombudsman, PL2050 on Trading Sundays, PiS Accountability Team on TVP, PiS Press Conferences

The Sejm will resume its proceedings at 9:00 AM with questions on current affairs, followed by a current affairs briefing at 11:15 AM. Subsequently, at 12:45 PM, the Sejm will hear a report on the activities of the Commissioner for Children's Rights in 2023 and remarks on the state of children's rights in Poland. The debate on this matter will last until 3:00 PM.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk begins a two-day visit to Brussels, where he will participate in the first Nuclear Energy Summit and a European Council meeting. At 8:45 AM, the Polish Prime Minister will be welcomed by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi. Then, at 10:00 AM, Prime Minister Tusk will take part in the first Nuclear Energy Summit.

At 12:30 PM, a meeting of the Nordic, Baltic states, Ireland, and Poland will take place. At 1:00 PM, a meeting of European Council members with UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled, and at 3:00 PM – with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. The last item on the agenda for the first day is a working session of the European Council at 3:40 PM.

President Andrzej Duda continues his visit to the Republic of Slovenia. At 10:45 AM, together with the Slovenian President, he will participate in a Polish-Slovenian business forum for the ICT and cybersecurity sector focusing on regional cooperation within the Three Seas Initiative. Afterwards, at 11:25 AM, they will meet with Polish and Slovenian ski jumping representatives following the qualifications for the World Cup finals. The last event is the participation of the Polish President, the First Lady, and the spouse of the President of Slovenia in the unveiling of a bust of Adam Mickiewicz in the Alley of Contemporary Poets (2:30 PM).

At 10:15 AM in the Sejm, a press briefing by MPs from Poland 2050: Ryszard Petru, Barbara Oliwiecka, Żaneta Cwalina-Śliwiowska, and Bartosz Romowicz will be held, dedicated to the bill on trading Sundays.

At 1:00 PM in the Sejm, a press conference with members of the team for settling the accounts of PiS governments will take place, focusing on earnings at TVP. A press conference by Mariusz Błaszczak, Tobiasz Bocheński, and Marcin Horała is scheduled for the same time.

PiS MPs are also organizing a series of press conferences today. At 9:00 AM in the Sejm, a conference with the participation of Jacek Sasin and Przemysław Czarnek will be held, followed – from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – by 18 more in front of the respective ministries.


07:40

Gawkowski:

The Last 100 Days are a Strong Five for the Government
- The last 100 days represent a strong five for this government. I look at it very clearly in terms of the management model. If we look at the number of key matters that have been resolved, the reorganization of the state in the justice system… - said Krzysztof Gawkowski in an interview with Mariusz Piekarski on TVP Info's "Morning Guest".

07:53

Gawkowski:

Tusk said government reshuffling is possible at any moment. I assume the longer we govern, the greater the chance of this
- I remember the first Council of Ministers, the one in December. At that meeting, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that a reshuffling was possible at any moment. I don't see this as a certain scare tactic; I see it as a certain normality. A new leader comes to the government, and with him comes his team from various parties. He sets some tasks and says: you will do this, you will do that, they say what they will do. And now, after some time, this team must come and say: I did it or I didn't - said Krzysztof Gawkowski in “Gość poranka” on TVP Info. - If this team delivers, the Prime Minister doesn't change them. If this team doesn't deliver, he will change them. Will it be after 100 days? I have doubts [...], but I assume that this time will shorten, meaning the longer we govern, the greater the chance that someone will be changing ministers, deputy ministers, people who are somehow not delivering. Are there such people? I see them, but it's not my role... It's not about weaker individuals in the government; I see the problems that are perhaps not being realized somewhere - he continued.

07:59

Śmiszek:

The List of Charges Against Glapiński is Impressive
- This list is very long and this litany of charges against President Glapiński is truly impressive, if one can put it that way. In recent years, President Glapiński has not managed the National Bank of Poland objectively; instead, he has actually been a man at the service of Law and Justice [...]. He has completely confused his role - said Krzysztof Śmiszek on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" (Piasecki's Conversation).

08:00

Siekierski:

Talks with Farmers Were Good, Though Difficult

- The talks [with farmers] were good, though difficult. Regardless of whether we call the outcome an agreement, a consensus, or a communiqué, the content of the document is important, and this content brings farmers closer to what we want to do, how we understand the farmers' demands - said Czesław Siekierski on the program "Sygnały dnia" PR1.


08:01

Siekierski on Farmers' Protest: Many Issues Have Been Addressed, Some Already Resolved, and Others Will Be
Farmers have protested many times. Many of the issues they raised have been addressed, some have already been resolved, and others will be resolved. This was also evident in Jasionka, during talks with representatives of the protesting farmers. Yesterday's protest was announced much earlier – said Czesław Siekierski in the program "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.

08:03

Gawkowski on Bringing Glapiński Before the State Tribunal: The Justification is 68 Pages Long, the Charges are Very Strong
- Yesterday [I signed the motion to bring Adam Glapiński before the State Tribunal]. Yes [I read the justification]. I can tell you that the motion is 68 pages long, but I won't reveal everything because the Prime Minister will present the statement regarding the Tribunal. I can say that these charges - there are eight in the first part - are very strong. And these are charges that, in my assessment, give full grounds to say that the Tribunal will have something to deal with - said Krzysztof Gawkowski on TVP Info's "Guest of the Morning" program. - These are charges concerning the non-observance and non-consultation of the state's monetary policy, these are charges concerning actions taken without the appropriate authorization of the NBP management. These are not just charges about the lack of apoliticality - he continued.

08:07

Gawkowski:

Glapiński Was and Remains the Biggest Detriment to the Polish Economy in the Last 30 Years
- President Glapiński was and remains the biggest detriment to the Polish economy in the last 30 years. He said things that were heresy in economics and state finance, meaning he urged his fellow citizens to take out loans when he knew the inflationary risk was rising and when interest rates would go up. At the same time, he said that inflation in Poland would not increase in the short term, and he said this when it was close to 3%, and it rose to over 18% - said Krzysztof Gawkowski on TVP Info's "Guest of the Morning".

08:08

Śmiszek on the Constitutional Tribunal's Stance on Glapiński Facing the Tribunal of State: We Won't Go Back on Our Word, Having Submitted Resolutions Stating the Tribunal Has No Constitutional Role, We Won't Follow Pawłowicz, Piotrowicz, or Przyłębska
- The Constitutional Tribunal is in a state of decay, it's filled with political appointees, individuals who are not judges sit there. [...] We won't backtrack on our word, as we've said over recent years that the Tribunal is degenerate, that it's not functioning, that it has lost its constitutional role. Having submitted resolutions that were adopted, stating that things are wrong there and the Tribunal has no systemic role, we certainly won't suddenly follow the lead of Ms. Pawłowicz, Mr. Piotrowicz, or Ms. Przyłębska and treat it as gospel - said Krzysztof Śmiszek on TVN24, when asked about Krystyna Pawłowicz's statement that the President of the National Bank of Poland cannot be brought before the Tribunal of State by a simple or absolute majority of votes.

08:08

Siekierski:

We Want to Implement Farmers' Demands, But Everything Takes Time

- We want to implement farmers' demands, but everything takes time. There are also certain possibilities. One of the demands, one could say, is that farmers are saying 'blockade the border, close the border and throw out the Green Deal'. There are also incomes, because that is the fundamental problem for farmers, low profitability, they are looking for the causes of this low profitability partly in the excessive inflow of goods from Ukraine - said Czesław Siekierski in the program "Signals of the Day" on PR1.


08:11

Gawkowski:

I believe the President will receive a copy of the motion for a state trial for Glapiński. For now, I have the impression he's defending a party colleague.
- I believe the President will also receive a copy of the motion for a State Tribunal for Mr. Glapiński, and as a lawyer, he will read it, consider the allegations, and then express his opinion. Because if someone hasn't seen a properly prepared motion, good material, with extensive justification, and says there's no problem at all, then I have the impression that they are also defending their party colleague, rather than thinking that the constitution and regulations have been broken in some part - said Krzysztof Gawkowski on TVP Info's "Guest of the Morning".

08:13

Trela:

I Give the Government a Five

- I'm giving [Donald Tusk's government] a five. Of course, a five, because I support this government, secondly, it's my government, and thirdly, we are implementing what we committed to. Perhaps not everything has been accomplished within 100 days, but the signals and a different quality, a different way of managing are visible, and I'm also gathering these opinions from citizens while preparing and supporting the local government campaign for The Left, and I hear what people are saying – stated Tomasz Trela in a conversation with Dariusz Ociepa on Polsat News' "Graffiti".


08:13

Trela:

The Biggest Defeat is That We Haven't Started Serious Work on Abortion Law Liberalization in 100 Days. This is a Failure of the Parliamentary Majority, Not the Government.

- However, the biggest success is the salary increases for the public sector, because that's a delivered topic. The second success is the PLN 600 billion unblocked from the EU, and the third is in vitro. For me, these are three symbols that show it was possible right away, that the opportunity was there immediately. I don't want to talk about defeats, because even as I reach for it, the biggest defeat for me personally is that we haven't started serious work on liberalizing abortion law in 100 days. It's a defeat, but not of the government, rather of the parliamentary majority - stated Tomasz Trela in "Graffiti" on Polsat News.


08:14

Śmiszek:

Glapiński Should Be Suspended Upon Indictment by the State Tribunal
- In my conviction, absolutely [Glapiński] is suspended; there is no possibility of fulfilling this function [NBP President] while being brought before the State Tribunal. For me, this is absolutely indisputable and absolutely clear [...]. President Glapiński, at the moment he is brought before the State Tribunal, should be suspended from his office - Krzysztof Śmiszek said on TVN24.

08:19

Trela:

Hołownia Got Lost on Women's Rights Issues
I believe that Szymon Hołownia has gotten very lost on women's rights issues. On one hand, he wanted to [address them], on the other hand, he was afraid; on one hand, he had to, on the other hand, he didn't have to, and today he is simply making mistakes. These are Szymon Hołownia's mistakes, because he cannot admit his own error - stated Tomasz Trela on Polsat News's "Graffiti". - Today, if there were a vote [on Szymon Hołownia's election as Speaker of the Sejm], I would seriously consider it. If I were to consider it, my parliamentary club would have to convince me very strongly, if they made such a decision, to do so - he added.

08:21

Śmiszek on whether the motion concerning Glapiński will be filed this week: In my opinion, yes, although I cannot guarantee it; signatures will definitely be collected.
- Each club is collecting its signatures, we in Lewica are probably finishing collecting our several dozen signatures; it will be a formality, I don't think it will be prolonged in any way, I think that today or tomorrow these signatures will be collected, because there is a Sejm session - said Krzysztof Śmiszek on TVN24. - In my opinion, yes [the motion to bring Glapiński before the Tribunal of State will be filed this week], although I cannot guarantee it; signatures will definitely be collected this week - he continued.

08:28

Śmiszek on More Individuals Who Should Face the Tribunal of State: Duda, Ziobro, Tchórzewski. There are Plenty to Be Held Accountable, We're Just Getting Started
- For now, today we are dealing with Glapiński, but I myself announced during the election campaign, and also published a report in June with Lewica lawyers, who should stand before such a [Tribunal of] State. I believe it should be primarily President Andrzej Duda; he must answer, or at least be aware that someone wants to hold him constitutionally responsible, for example, for participating in the destruction of the Constitutional Tribunal, i.e., appointing substitute judges. I am thinking of Minister Ziobro, who had public funds at his disposal, for example, to purchase Pegasus, I am thinking of Mr. Tchórzewski [...] there are plenty of such people to be held accountable [...] we are just getting started – said Krzysztof Śmiszek on TVN24.

08:35

Śmiszek:

I have less and less trust in Marshal Hołownia
- Unfortunately, I have less and less trust in Mr. Marshal Hołownia, because I am convinced that this, perhaps no longer a turbo freezer, but as one of our MPs said, a smiling cooler has been in operation for the last three months. I expected one thing, not to use the argument, and this is probably the most infuriating for millions of women in our country, that someone used this boomer argument: 'we don't deal with abortion before elections'. After all, after the local elections, there will be European Parliament elections, and then presidential elections soon - said Krzysztof Śmiszek on TVN24.

08:38

Trela:

Sroka to Remain Chairwoman of the Investigative Committee

- Yesterday, we held a meeting with the coalition representatives, the chairwoman, and vice-chairpersons of the committee. It was a very frank, two-hour meeting. We aired everything that was not working. We outlined a plan for improvement regarding organizational work. Magda Sroka is the chairwoman, and she will remain the chairwoman - stated Tomasz Trela on Polsat News' "Graffiti".


08:57

Trela:

Wipler's Strange Words and the Konfederacja Bill Debate - I Don't Believe in Political Coincidences

- It's a bit like that [the Speaker of the Sejm is dealing with Sławomir Mentzen and Konfederacja]. Because yesterday, there was the first reading of the Konfederacja parliamentarians' bill on the tax-free amount. And women's rights are still waiting. So, if Mr. Wipler is running his election campaign here, running for the mayor of Warsaw, from the Sejm rostrum, Konfederacja politicians are gushing over this project, and Wipler is its face, then it can be done. But when it comes to women who have been fighting in the streets for years, who went to vote on October 15th, they are already turning their backs on women. I don't like what Speaker Hołownia is doing in this regard - stated Tomasz Trela in Polsat News' "Graffiti".

- 3 days ago, Wipler said words that were very strange to me, that he allows for the possibility that if there were a minority government and Third Way played a dominant role in it, then they, as Konfederacja, would be able to support such a government. And the next day, there is a debate on the Konfederacja's bill. I don't believe in such coincidences in politics, because I have seen a few things already - he continued.


09:20

Hennig-Kloska:

The Green Deal Should Not Be Subject to a Referendum. It is an agenda that must be implemented, but with social consensus.
- I do not believe the Green Deal should be subject to a referendum. It is an agenda that must be implemented, but with social consensus. Poles have repeatedly expressed themselves, many polls investigate this, regarding our sentiments, Poles increasingly want cleaner air, cleaner soils, and cleaner water; this is what they unequivocally expect from the government – stated Paulina Hennig-Kloska on Radio Zet.

09:25

Hennig-Kloska:

I'm for proceeding with abortion bills, but in the atmosphere Lewica is creating, we won't reach any consensus
- Such brutal attacks by Lewica on the Marshal do not lead to a solution of the abortion issue, nor to a good atmosphere in the governing coalition, so I encourage Lewica to be more restrained and to resolve coalition disputes internally, rather than on social media or in traditional media – said Paulina Hennig-Kloska on Radio Zet. - I will not argue with my colleagues from Lewica publicly. For me, these types of posts are unacceptable, but I see MP Trela is seeking public confrontation, hoping it will boost their poll numbers, which, as it turns out, isn't happening before the upcoming elections. Worsening the atmosphere within the governing coalition for the sake of local election results is irresponsible and unserious. We formed this coalition to change and rebuild the country, and we have plans for 4 years, not for the 100 days that have passed. However, regarding the abortion issue itself, I am for proceeding with these bills, but not in this atmosphere. In the atmosphere that Lewica is currently creating, we will not reach any consensus – she continued.

09:29

Hennig-Kloska:

We Want to Lower Tariffs So That Budget Subsidies for Energy Prices Aren't Necessary to Such an Extent
- We want to achieve lower tariffs. There is room for this, energy prices are much lower on the market today, there is no reason why we should build up extraordinary profits in energy companies, as was the case under the previous government. We want to lower tariffs so that budget subsidies for [energy] prices aren't necessary to such an extent – stated Paulina Hennig-Kloska on Radio Zet.

- We expect bills could change by PLN 30 per month, while at the same time we want to prepare support for families, individuals affected by energy poverty, so that no one in Poland has to choose between warmth in their home and a hot meal – she added.

10:06

Suski:

In Sovereign Poland, opinions likely prevail that it's time to leave the EU as soon as possible

- What argument? A minor exchange of views. As for that, it's a recording from some meeting of Patryk [Jaki]'s that ended up online somewhere and caused what they call a storm in a teacup, or in this mug. There's a significant difference in approach to the EU, because in Solidarna Polska, now Suwerenna Polska, they haven't yet broken out into sovereignty, I think so [they are trying to break out into sovereignty]. At least for now, I would say, in their statements, but it's also the case that there is a discussion within the political camp, differences, assessments within this Suwerenna Polska, opinions likely prevail that the EU should be left as soon as possible, and this is a discussion within the right-wing camp. A significant part of PiS says that this is not good for Poland, at least for now. It's unknown in which direction, for now it's visible that the EU is not going in a very good direction - stated Marek Suski in an interview with Łukasz A. Jankowski on Radio Wnet.


10:42

Tomczyk:

MoD Did Absolutely Nothing Regarding the Bydgoszcz Incident; Minister Ignored Reports for Two Weeks

- Regarding the report of December 16th, the minister told the truth, but information about the incident appeared in the Polish public sphere in a report prepared on December 17th. Minister Błaszczak did not disclose this to the public during the press conference. One thing is certain: the leadership of the Ministry of National Defence (MoD) did not familiarize themselves with the December 17th report. The omission of this information at the press conference was a manipulation, as it suggested that there was no record of this incident in military materials. Therefore, I want to cut through this clearly and decisively. Secondly, it must also be stated directly that the responsibility for organizing the internal information system of the MoD lies with no one else but the Minister of National Defence himself, who at the time was Minister Błaszczak – stated Cezary Tomczyk in the Sejm.

- I think it will also be important for public information and opinion that the report informing the Minister of Defence about what happened near Bydgoszcz was prepared on December 23rd. For nearly two weeks, the Minister of National Defence, despite being in possession of this document, did not review it. I know there were holidays during that time, I know there was New Year's, but these are critically important matters, these are matters concerning the security of the Republic of Poland, and now the question is, what did the ministry do? As I said, absolutely nothing – said Cezary Tomczyk in the Sejm.


10:42

Tomczyk:

Błaszczak Manipulated Public Opinion with Ambiguous Information Regarding the Missile That Fell Near Przewodów and in Zamość Near Bydgoszcz

In my opinion, the Minister of National Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak, manipulated public opinion by providing ambiguous information about his knowledge concerning the missile incident near Przewodów. As I stated, he was informed from the very beginning about an unidentified aerial object that initially threatened us from the east, and then he was informed about an object that traversed Poland. It traveled several hundred kilometers, passed Warsaw, bypassed Poland's most important cities, and landed near Bydgoszcz in the village of Zamość – stated Cezary Tomczyk in the Sejm.


10:57

Poland 2050 Submits Draft Law on Sunday Trading: "This Amendment Stems, in a Way, from a Lack of Action by One of the Ministries"
- We are submitting a draft law on liberalizing Sunday trading. This draft has been sent to the Marshal's office, and [underneath it] are the signatures of our club's members. This is the draft law restoring two trading Sundays per month. I would like to remind you that this was our electoral commitment, and furthermore, I want to draw attention to the fact that this is a kind of compromise between full liberalization of trade and the current ban - said Ryszard Petru at a press conference. - I want to draw attention to the fact that we have taken care of trade employees, and in this amendment, we propose double pay for working on these trading Sundays. What's more [...] the employer will be obliged to give him [the employee] one day off six days before or six days after the day on which he will work on Sunday - he continued. - This amendment stems, in a way, from a lack of action by one of the ministries, but I would not want you to perceive this as a conflict within the coalition. It is rather our concern to ensure the implementation of our program, but also our concern to stimulate economic growth in Poland - he went on to say.

11:04

Petru:

If the Left Wants to Spend, We'll Show How to Earn Money
- We will encourage all coalition partners to support this project. Civic Platform was in favour of all Sundays being shopping days, so I hope there will be no problem. I believe we have a chance to reach an agreement with the Left as well - Ryszard Petru said at a press conference. - I understand that the Left may not be delighted with this idea, but let's remember that the Left proposes various additional budget expenditure projects at a time of very high deficit. This is a formula that shows how to increase state budget revenues in Poland. Therefore, if the Left wants to spend, we are saying how money can be earned - he continued. - This is truly a compromise; it's the first and third Sunday of the month that would be commercial, the remaining two would be prohibited - he added.

13:20

Błaszczak:

One Can Conclude That If CPK Will Be Competitive Towards German Airports, That's the Reason for Halting This Investment

- We wanted to present our position regarding the Central Communication Port (CPK) and the actions being taken in this matter. With us is Mr. Marcin Horała, who dealt with this investment from our country's perspective, and currently a candidate for the mayor of Warsaw, Mr. Tobiasz Bocheński (…) When Law and Justice was in power, we undertook ambitious projects like the Central Communication Port. This is undoubtedly an important investment for the economic development of our country, for the future of Poland. Now we can say directly that this investment has been halted by the government of the December 13th coalition. Little or nothing is happening in this matter, which harms Poland's fundamental interests. One can conclude that if the Central Communication Port will be competitive towards German airports, then that is the reason for halting this investment. I hope that under social pressure, this investment will not be completely abandoned – said Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference.


13:22

Alleged Appointment of New National Public Prosecutor. Duda Writes to Tusk

- Mr. Dariusz Korneluk has not been effectively appointed to the position of National Public Prosecutor, due to the circumstances indicated above and my lack of expressing – owing to the pending competence dispute – the obligatory opinion referred to in Article 14 § 1 of the Act of January 28, 2016 – The Code of Public Prosecution. The actions of both Mr. Prime Minister and the Prosecutor General (Minister of Justice) are in stark contradiction with the law currently in force in the Republic of Poland, and thus constitute a betrayal of the oath taken in accordance with Article 151 of the Constitution – wrote President Andrzej Duda in a letter to Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

"The consequence of the actions taken by the Prosecutor General (Minister of Justice), accepted by Mr. Prime Minister, will be the paralysis of the justice system through the current and future undermining of both the decisions of Prosecutor Dariusz Barski, which did not happen before 2024, but above all of prosecutors unlawfully indicated as his successors, i.e., Prosecutor Jacek Bilewicz and Prosecutor Dariusz Korneluk. In particular, indictments and appeals, requests for temporary detention, or the exercise of powers resulting from Article 13(3a) of the Act of January 28, 2016 – The Code of Public Prosecution, related to the management of operational controls conducted by services indicated in this provision, are and will be challenged.

Furthermore, given that the National Public Prosecutor is the supervising prosecutor for prosecutors of the National Public Prosecution Office and prosecutors of other general organizational units of the prosecution, and appoints and dismisses regional, district, and local prosecutors (respectively: Article 18(2) and Article 15(1) of the Act of January 28, 2016 – The Code of Public Prosecution), analogous actions will be possible regarding the activities of prosecutors at all organizational levels of the prosecution. The only beneficiaries of this situation will be individuals accused of committing often the most serious crimes.

In light of the above arguments, a clear demand should be formulated for the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice to abandon attempts at illegal changes in the prosecution service, particularly concerning the position of the National Public Prosecutor."



13:28

Błaszczak:

Bocheński, Our Candidate for Warsaw Mayor, Guarantees Ambitious Policy

- The December 13th Coalition is pursuing a policy of denial and inaction. An example of this is the current Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, and his actions in the capital. He is the Vice-Chairman of Civic Platform. For instance, the tram construction to Wilanów has been dragging on for many years, over two years now. The construction of a tram to Zielona Białołęka has been abandoned. This demonstrates a failure to respond to the needs of residents in specific Warsaw districts. Mr. Tobiasz Bocheński, our candidate for Mayor of Warsaw, guarantees an ambitious policy. He guarantees that he will pursue investments that increase economic opportunities, and he will act in a way that these investments improve living standards, make it easier to handle daily affairs, and improve the everyday lives of residents. Tobiasz Bocheński guarantees that if he becomes Mayor of Warsaw, he will pursue such a policy – stated Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference.


13:37

Morawiecki:

Poland Faces Housing Poverty. We Cannot Allow This.

- The European Parliament has adopted the so-called Building Directive, which was supported by representatives of the currently ruling coalition. This is a powerful blow to the household budgets of Poles and another whim of the European Green Deal. See what exactly the adopted directive means - stated Mateusz Morawiecki in a recording published on social media.

- Firstly, the lack of funding for gas boiler installations, effective from the beginning of next year. This is a huge threat to the Clean Air program. As many as 700,000 Poles have applied to install them in place of so-called 'smokers' [inefficient, polluting heating devices]. Secondly, the obligation of zero-emission new buildings, introduced by 2030 at the latest. Within the next 20 years, this will apply to all existing buildings. Who will bear this great cost? Nobody supporting this decision has said. Thirdly, huge expenses related to the national building renovation plan. This will hit the least wealthy Poles hardest. On top of that, there are various new, very costly requirements for energy performance certificates. Poland faces housing poverty. We cannot allow this. PiS will always defend the Polish interest - he emphasized.


13:48

Bocheński:

I am the Only Candidate for Warsaw Mayor Who Categorically Supports the Concept of Building CPK
I would like to point out to all of you that I am the only candidate for the office of Warsaw Mayor who categorically and clearly supports the concept of building the Central Communication Port (CPK) and I am the only one who participated in the administrative processes aimed at causing this airport to be built. One of my last decisions as the Mazovian Voivode was to grant permission for preparatory work, which can be carried out even before location decisions are issued. CPK is vitally needed for Warsaw and is vitally needed for Poland. It is not only an aviation component, but also a railway one - said Tobiasz Bocheński at a press conference. CPK means security, it means economic development, technological development, investments. It is extremely needed in the vicinity of Warsaw. Therefore, I clearly and categorically support the necessity of its construction and I am a huge proponent of it - he added.

14:43

Tusk Responds to Duda:

Mr. President, Let the Prosecution Do Its Work.
- According to the Supreme Audit Office (NIK), Prime Ministers Morawiecki and Sasin were involved in shady dealings concerning faulty respirators and masks. During a pandemic that claimed thousands of lives. There are no words. Now it's time for the prosecution. Mr. President, please let it do its work - Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on social media.


15:21

Domański presents new proposals regarding health insurance contributions:

We are proposing changes for entrepreneurs that will benefit 93% of them.
- In our coalition agreement, we included a point concerning the reduction of the oppressive tax and contribution system, and on the other hand, we promised to increase spending on healthcare [...]. The Polish Deal burdened Polish entrepreneurs with an additional levy, causing their health insurance contributions to significantly increase. Today, we are presenting a proposal that meets the expectations of Polish entrepreneurs. The main goals of the changes we are presenting are, of course, primarily the simplification of the rules for calculating and paying health insurance contributions, but also, and perhaps even primarily, a reduction in the amount of health insurance contributions, especially for taxpayers with low and medium incomes - said Andrzej Domański at a press conference. - The most popular form of settlement for entrepreneurs is, naturally, the so-called tax scale. Over half of entrepreneurs settle using the tax scale. This group of 1.3 million entrepreneurs is who we are proposing a low, flat-rate health insurance contribution of 9% of 75% of the minimum wage for all entrepreneurs. In the conditions of 2025, this would mean a projected minimum benefit of approximately PLN 100 per month. [...] The second significant form of settlement is, of course, the linear tax. Here, we propose a fixed, low contribution of 9% of 75% of the minimum wage up to an income, which is important, amounting to 2 times the average wage. In the conditions of 2024, such a contribution would be PLN 286 instead of the minimum contribution of PLN 382. [...] After exceeding 2 times the average wage, the contribution will be 4.9% of the excess over 2 times the average wage. The maximum health insurance contribution will be lower by approximately PLN 530 per month [...]. We will also introduce the possibility of paying contributions based on 1/12 of the last declared annual income. This means an entrepreneur, if they wish, will be able to pay a fixed health insurance contribution throughout the year and only later make the necessary adjustment in their annual settlement - he continued. - Approximately 700,000 people settle using a lump-sum tax on registered revenue. For this group, we propose a fixed, low contribution of 9% of 75% of the minimum wage up to a monthly revenue of 4 times the average wage. After exceeding this 4-fold threshold, the contribution would be 3.5% of the excess over 4 times the average wage. The exclusion of revenues from the sale of fixed assets from the basis for calculating health insurance contributions would be an additional benefit. [...] For entrepreneurs settling through a tax card, we propose a lower contribution of 9% of 75% of the minimum wage - he further stated. - Today, we are proposing changes for Polish entrepreneurs that will benefit 93% of them. We wanted these benefits, in percentage terms, of course, to be most strongly shifted towards those Polish entrepreneurs who earn less - he added.

15:38

Kaczyński on the Motion Regarding Glapiński: It's a Crime Against the Polish Economy. The Goal is to Introduce the Euro

- This is simply an abuse of law. Even more than that, it is simply a crime against the Polish economy, against Poland's credibility. And this is something that could last for decades, and this is not my opinion, I am not an economist, this is the opinion of economists - stated Jarosław Kaczyński in an interview with TVP Info.

- This perfectly shows how unfounded these accusations are and how much we are dealing with a political action whose ultimate goal is to introduce the euro, which means another great robbery of Poles - he continued.

- He brilliantly fought inflation without a serious weakening of the economy, and only for two months was the price increase higher than the wage increase. No one in Europe managed to do that. It was a truly brilliant action, and I often, many months before the success, spoke about it, saying that this is how it is being conducted - added the PiS leader.


15:47

Domański on the Budgetary Costs of Changes to Health Contributions: We Estimate Them at PLN 4-5 Billion
- Of course, this proposal involves costs, which we estimate, depending on so-called behavioral effects, at PLN 4-5 billion. It depends on how many entrepreneurs who settle their taxes under the lump-sum system decide to switch to other forms of settlement - said Andrzej Domański at a press conference, when asked about the budgetary impact of changes in the law concerning health contributions.

15:52

Leszczyna on Health Contribution Changes: Patients Can Be Reassured About Benefit Availability and Quality
- We have an expenditure act, I showed that next year these expenditures on healthcare, estimated of course, will amount to PLN 224 billion, which means another significant increase compared to the current year. Patients can be reassured regarding benefits, availability of benefits, their quality, and availability of medicines, including reimbursed ones. This quality and availability will undoubtedly continue to grow – said Izabela Leszczyna at a press conference, when asked what patients can expect after changes to the health contribution.

15:58

Leszczyna on 'Morning-After Pill': If the President Doesn't Rethink, We'll Introduce It by Regulation
- Regarding the 'morning-after pill', as I have said and promised, it will be available without a prescription from May 1st. If the President does not rethink and insists on what I believe to be an unwise decision, we will introduce it by regulation, and it will be a pharmaceutical service. I am speaking with the Pharmaceutical Chamber and representatives of pharmacists. We have a ready regulation that will introduce this pill - said Izabela Leszczyna at a press conference.

16:15

Sikorski:

It Seems to Me These Were Some of the Best 100 Days in Foreign Policy in Many Years
- I am pleased that Polish society appreciates, firstly, that Prime Minister Donald Tusk has secured money from the National Reconstruction Plan for Poland, as this is also part of foreign policy, and secondly, that Poland is finally pursuing an effective, successful, and rational foreign policy. I would like to remind you that in the very first days, we reinstated the application of European Court of Justice rulings in Poland, Poland joined the European Public Prosecutor's Office, ended unnecessary disputes with the European Commission, stopped the slandering of Germany, and finally, the Weimar Triangle is functioning. Today we have seen that the Visegrad Group is also functioning, to the extent it can – said Radosław Sikorski at a press conference. - Poland has returned to the group of decision-making states. It is a country that supports Ukraine and is achieving practical results in this support through cooperation, for example, with the Czech Republic. The Czech ammunition initiative will likely be a success. Warsaw is a venue for serious discussions; we have renewed dialogue with the United States and with the most important capitals. It seems to me that these were some of the best 100 days in foreign policy in many, many years – he continued.

16:22

Sikorski:

Together with European partners, we will update our laws so the Russian war machine has no components to wage aggression against Ukraine
- I would like to remind Polish companies once again, that sending their goods either to countries suspected of onward transmission or in transit through Russia to such countries, that these sanctions, both European and American, can be very painful. Therefore, I appeal and warn them not to do this - said Radosław Sikorski at a press conference. - Together with our European partners, we will update our laws and practices so that the Russian war machine has no components to wage aggression against Ukraine - he continued.

16:29

Sikorski:

We are materially aiding Ukraine in regaining its internationally recognized borders and earnestly request Hungary not to hinder us.
- We are disappointed, but we respect the Hungarian decision not to send weapons to Ukraine, however, we ask that they enable us to do so. And the non-payment of compensation for previous deliveries makes it difficult for us to send further supplies. We are doing this regardless, but these are funds that go, as I understand it, towards the modernization fund for the Polish army, which is our urgent task in the face of Putin's aggression. So, when Hungary speaks of the invasion as an act of aggression and that Ukraine has the right to regain its internationally recognized borders, we are materially helping Ukraine in this matter and earnestly request that Hungary does not hinder us in this regard - said Radosław Sikorski at a press conference.

20:05

Gawkowski:

Audits Are Still Underway, There's a Lot to Do

- I'm cleaning up all the time and I will continue to clean up. Finances, organization, matters concerning audits that are still ongoing, and I have a feeling there is still a lot to do, because we don't know everything yet, although we know a lot. We realize that we will be uncovering these things because they have been hidden. In my ministry, in subordinate institutions, things happened where multi-month severance packages were signed in the final months. A golden parachute - stated Krzysztof Gawkowski on TVN24's "Fakty po faktach" program.


20:10

Gawkowski:

I Want to Expand the mObywatel App

- I want to expand mObywatel with further functionalities, because in recent weeks, for example, the legal advisor's ID card has been added to the application, but there are also long-term plans. We are thinking about new applications, new functionalities - stated Krzysztof Gawkowski on the TVN24 program "Fakty po faktach".


20:20

Gawkowski on Abortion: We Still Need to Work on MPs from the Third Way Today

- In my opinion, today we still need to work on the MPs from the Third Way for all of this to succeed. We are working behind the scenes, but we know what's most important – the leaders' voices count, after all – stated Krzysztof Gawkowski on the TVN24 program "Fakty po faktach".

- The Left wants to implement its program, but it also entered government so that no one would ever threaten democracy, to respect the system, and to prevent PiS from returning to power – he added.


20:23

Kierwiński:

I'm Not Going to the European Parliament
- I'm not going to the European Parliament. I will not be running. There is enough work to be done here in Poland - said Marcin Kierwiński in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "Kropka nad i" program. - I think there are a few [who would like to run], but that will be Prime Minister Tusk's decision. […] I think the vast majority of ministers are staying here in Poland - he continued.

20:33

Kierwiński:

Policemen Said Directly – We're Leaving Because We Don't Want to Serve as the Party's Annex. That Has Ended.
- Policemen told me directly – we are leaving the police force because we don't want to serve as the party's annex. That has ended, and it will never happen again. The police will be apolitical, it will serve the citizen, not Mr. Kaczyński – said Marcin Kierwiński on TVN24’s „Kropka nad i”.

20:42

Kierwiński:

Officer Reprimanded for Incident During Farmers' Protest, Materials Sent to Prosecutor's Office
- This case [which took place during the farmers' protest in Warsaw] has been thoroughly investigated, I ordered it and declared […], that there would be consequences. The officer has been reprimanded, the case is clarified […]. It is unknown what he threw […], we know what this officer declares, and it was not a stone. In the protocol, it seems to be a flare that he was discarding. There is already a reprimand, disciplinary proceedings are underway, and the materials have been handed over to the prosecutor's office - said Marcin Kierwiński on TVN24's "Kropka nad i" program.

20:46

Kierwiński:

On Monday, results of the control over the second major scandal in the police in recent months
- On Monday, I will present the results of the control over the second major scandal in the police in recent months, namely the issue of the private use of a police helicopter, which hit a power line, causing gigantic losses. There will also be referrals to the prosecutor's office, and the scale of the pathology will be shown, not only in how this Black Hawk flew to that event, but also in how it was obfuscated and swept under the rug - said Marcin Kierwiński in "Kropka nad i" on TVN24.

20:53

Kierwiński Announces Presentation of Civil Defense Act Assumptions
- Tomorrow, with Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, I cordially invite you; we will be presenting the assumptions for this [Civil Defense] act. We will quickly consult these assumptions with local governments and NGOs, and this act will then enter the legislative process – said Marcin Kierwiński on TVN24's "Kropka nad i" [The Point Beyond]. - Poland will have procedures for protecting its residents in the event of a serious crisis: both natural disasters and wartime threats. Poland will have procedures for preparing shelters, and for how state services should act when, for instance, the population needs to be evacuated – he continued.

21:10

Kierwiński:

I Understand the President is Doing Everything to Hinder the Prosecution in Investigating PiS's Wrongdoings
- The President has become rather strangely active with these protests lately. He reportedly wrote a letter today. I appreciate the President for rediscovering the art of letter writing, but I would like to ask him one question: did he write letters to Prime Minister Morawiecki and Prime Minister Szydło when the Constitutional Tribunal was being dismantled? – said Marcin Kierwiński on TVN24’s „Kropka nad i”. - Did he say a single word when the Supreme Court was being destroyed? Did he say a single word when the prosecution was being taken over or public media was being destroyed? Back then, the President was silent, he didn't say anything. Why? Perhaps because he was an accomplice to these iniquities – he continued. - Mr. Korneluk holds the position of National Prosecutor. Mr. Dariusz Barski was never the National Prosecutor. I understand, the President is doing everything to hinder the prosecution in investigating PiS's wrongdoings. But Mr. President, every PiS wrongdoing will be investigated – he addressed Andrzej Duda.

21:19

Siewiera:

The President Was Not Informed Until the Missile Was Discovered
My second observation pertains precisely to the issue of the missile and the incidents. Much went wrong at that time, and while Minister Tomczyk's statement sheds new light on these events for the public, which is extremely valuable and important and should have happened, I understand that it was prepared in a certain way for the needs of a parliamentary debate and, ultimately, for political use. However, from the perspective of state security, what could have been done better is crucial for me. This is precisely why the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces approached the issue of dismissals, or insinuations about dismissals, with great reservation at the moment this situation was revealed – stated Jacek Siewiera on the program "Gość 19:30" on TVP Info. The President learned of the circumstances of this event after the missile itself was discovered. He was informed, and I remember that moment as if it were today, because I made a phone call to the presidential plane. It was exactly the day when the wreckage of this missile was found; it was late evening for us. The President was on his return flight from Mongolia, somewhere over Kazakhstan, where he was informed on board the plane within approximately half an hour of the information being received by the National Security Bureau. However, until that time, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces had not been informed of the incident – he continued.

21:19

Siewiera:

In My Assessment, Trump Motivates the European Side to Properly Spend Defense Funds

- I had the honor of meeting President Donald Trump in my previous, let's call it, incarnation, and in my assessment, Donald Trump uses words very effectively, also for the benefit of his election campaign, and intentionally, motivating the European side to properly spend defense funds – said Jacek Siewiera on TVP Info.