Live Feed

04/03/2024

07:11

Wednesday's Political Agenda: Tusk in Krakow, Morawiecki with Błaszczak, Hołownia and Kosiniak in Płock, The Left in Katowice and Bielsko-Biała, Ministry of Family on Nursery Care Professions, Investigative Committees

At 10:00, the investigative committee on envelope elections will commence its session. Bogdan Skwarka, Director of the Public Administration Department at NIK (Supreme Audit Office), and Sylwester Marciniak, Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (PKW), are scheduled for questioning.

Also at 10:00, the investigative committee on the visa scandal is set to convene. Krzysztof Andrzej Drynda and Paweł Kurtasz, former presidents of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency S.A., are slated for interrogation.

At 10:00, a press conference will be held in Warsaw with the participation of PiS Vice-Chairman Mateusz Morawiecki and PiS Parliamentary Club leader Mariusz Błaszczak.

At 10:30, the Sejm's Committee on Local Government and Regional Policy will gather. The agenda includes considering NIK's report on the results of an audit into the regularity of public task financing for local government units in the years 2019-2022, as well as the results of an audit on state financial support for local governments during tax reforms and the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

At 11:00, a press conference will take place at the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy with Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk and Aleksandra Gajewska. The topic will be changes in the profession of nursery caregivers.

At 12:00, a press conference will be held in Katowice with the participation of Deputy Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Deputy Minister Przemysław Koperski, Deputy Minister Monika Sikora, Senator Maciej Kopiec, and The Left's candidates in the local government elections. A similar conference will be held at 15:00 in Bielsko-Biała.

At 16:30, the Third Way convention will begin in Płock with the participation of Szymon Hołownia and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

An open meeting with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Civic Coalition (KO) candidate for city mayor, Aleksander Miszalski, is scheduled for 17:00 in Krakow.

At 18:00, a meeting with Mariusz Błaszczak will take place in Wyszków.


07:21

Bosacki on the Pegasus Parliamentary Committee: We're Only Just Starting to Receive Materials from the Prosecutor's Office and Services. I Hope It Becomes Clear That Our Work Has Kicked Off

- We are indeed only now, after two months of the committee's work, starting to receive written materials in larger quantities from both the prosecutor's office and the services. I hope that by April, and certainly by the beginning of May, it will be evident that our work has kicked off with a bang - stated Marcin Bosacki on "Sygnały dnia" (Signals of the Day) on PR1.


07:25

Bosacki Announces Further Summons for Kaczyński Before Pegasus Inquiry Committee

- Yes, I am convinced that Jarosław Kaczyński will be summoned again, perhaps even more than once, before the [Pegasus inquiry] committee. Because, once at least, he will certainly be summoned to a closed-door session. He, too, not as often as Mr. Woś, but he also resorted to this escape into closed sessions, claiming to know but being unable to tell us – stated Marcin Bosacki in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.


07:31

Bosacki on Ziobro's Interrogation: It Should Happen Quite Soon, in a Mode Agreed Upon with Him and Doctors

- He was active [Zbigniew Ziobro] when it was useful or journalistically necessary for him, for hours. Looking at his condition, I have no doubt that he is a sick man, but I also have no doubt that the illness is not so serious that, in a mode agreed upon with him and perhaps with his doctors, perhaps with a court-appointed medical expert, he would appear before the commission, and I believe this should happen quite soon – stated Marcin Bosacki on "Sygnały dnia" (Signals of the Day) on PR1.


08:10

Trela:

Pegasus Inquiry Committee Will Summon Ziobro Regardless of His Current Health Condition
- It's not so much that [the Pegasus inquiry committee] should, but it will summon Mr. Zbigniew Ziobro regardless of his current health condition, because we assumed and planned for this [...]. We will do everything in accordance with the procedure, meaning he will receive a summons, and then we will see if Mr. Zbigniew Ziobro appears, or if it turns out to be a medical certificate, what kind of certificate it will be. The Code of Criminal Procedure regulates this very precisely, and we will act in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure in this regard - said Tomasz Trela in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24. - Today, Zbigniew Ziobro's eagerness surprises me a bit, because just a week and a half ago he was seriously ill, unable to get out of bed, and then he held press conferences and met with the media. Now he's so eager to jump in. Mr. Zbigniew, Mr. Minister, please wait patiently for your turn, the summons will come - he continued, when asked about Ziobro's letter to Marshal Hołownia.

08:14

Trela:

I'm Still Waiting for Access to Top Secret Documents
- I submitted these documents to the Internal Security Agency over two weeks ago and I am still waiting for access to the top secret documents. I don't have it yet, however, I am familiarizing myself with the classified documents that are in the Chancellery of the Sejm, which are in the committee, and a certain picture of the situation is already emerging from these documents - said Tomasz Trela on TVN24.

08:21

Trela:

If I wanted to, I could politically destroy Kaczyński with just one question about his brother
- He won more by being very arrogant, very haughty, and as if nothing concerned him… with such haughtiness, arrogance, maybe yes, but in this commission, that's not my goal, because if I wanted to, I could politically destroy Jarosław Kaczyński. It would have been enough to ask one provocative question about his late brother, Lech Kaczyński, whether he liked the methods his brother used. I guarantee you, Jarosław Kaczyński would have stood up, thrown down his papers, walked out, and said he'd had enough - said Tomasz Trela on TVN24. - That wasn't the main point either. The point is to show, piece by piece, like salami, how this government functioned, why they bought Pegasus, that it was a politically agreed-upon order for political actions. We have to prove this - he continued.

08:27

Trela:

I'm Surprised by Marshal Hołownia, He Should Study a Little More, For Now, He's the One Making Mistakes
- I'm a bit surprised by Marshal Hołownia, who has been in parliament for a very short time, that he says about the party that gave Poland its Constitution, that brought Poland into NATO, into the European Union, that we are engaging in petty politics. I have the impression that Mr. Szymon Hołownia should study a bit more, talk a bit more, think a bit more, because for now, he's the one making mistakes. Because you can run a Sejm session in a cool, YouTube-style way, but when it comes to decisions, you mustn't change that decision: today I'll stand up, I'll talk about women's rights, tomorrow I'll lie down, I won't talk about women's rights - said Tomasz Trela on TVN24.

08:36

Trela:

The Discussion About the Left's Presidential Candidate Is Ahead of Us. Gawkowski Also Has Great Potential
- There is no direct correlation here [between Biejat's result in the Warsaw mayoral election and her potential candidacy for President of Poland] [...] Why are we limiting ourselves to just these two names [Biejat and Dziemianowicz-Bąk], when there are many politicians, female politicians of the Left in the government, in parliament, who could run for the highest office in the state - said Tomasz Trela on TVN24. - I believe that the discussion about who the Left's presidential candidate will be is ahead of us, and I cannot declare today that it will definitely be a woman or definitely a man, because I would be irresponsible. [...] I have known Krzysztof Gawkowski for 20 years; he is a truly very good politician who is currently Deputy Prime Minister, holds a very important position, and in my opinion, has great potential to also run for the president of the country - he continued.

08:37

Sikorski:

I would advise the Israeli Ambassador more moderation and humility. It's rather time for him to apologize
- I would advise the Ambassador [of Israel in Poland] here for more moderation and humility. It is rather time for him to apologize, rather than to inflame emotions – said Radosław Sikorski in an interview with Renata Grochal on the program „Bez Uników. Rozmowa polityczna w Trójce”.

08:56

Sikorski:

Israel should apologize and pay compensation if it knowingly attacked a humanitarian convoy believing a terrorist might be present
- He [the Israeli Foreign Minister] promised an independent investigation, because if what the Israeli press is writing is true, that a humanitarian convoy was knowingly attacked, believing that there might be one terrorist there, who did not pose a direct threat to a larger group of people, meaning there was perhaps a readiness to sacrifice the lives of seven noble, blameless civilians in order to kill one terrorist, then I do not know of an ethical system in which this is justified - said Radosław Sikorski on PR3. - This arouses my moral indignation. For this, Israel should apologize and pay compensation, if these are the facts, which we are still establishing - he declared.

09:11

Śmiszek on Pegasus: Those Who Receive Notifications Will Have Rights Due to Victims
- These individuals who will receive these notifications [regarding Pegasus] will be entitled to all rights afforded to victims, because that is how these people should be treated; they are victims of the actions of the prosecution and the special services. I also believe that these matters should be clarified through very thorough, detailed, and I would even say surgical prosecutorial proceedings. [...] These lists will be sent, according to the Prosecutor General, within the next few days, as there is no longer a need to clarify or gather further and additional information – stated Krzysztof Śmiszek on Polsat News's "Graffiti".

09:15

Śmiszek:

Audit of the Justice Fund is Conducted Continuously
- The audit is conducted continuously, some payments have been suspended, we are announcing further competitions in a transparent, open manner regarding the expenditure of funds from the Justice Fund, because we simply operate differently, not out of acquaintance, not by buddies, not for friends. Everything will be transparent, there is a new board of the Justice Fund with external experts, we have nothing to hide – said Krzysztof Śmiszek on Polsat News.

09:16

Tusk to Netanyahu and Israeli Ambassador: The Tragic Attack on Aid Workers and Your Reaction Provoke Understandable Anger
- Prime Minister Netanyahu, Ambassador Livne, the vast majority of Poles showed full solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attack. Today, you are putting that solidarity to a truly severe test. The tragic attack on aid workers and your reaction provoke understandable anger – wrote Prime Minister Donald Tusk on social media.

09:24

Sikorski:

I Demanded Full Cooperation from the Israeli Side with the Polish Prosecutor's Office
- I demanded full cooperation from the Israeli side with our prosecutor's office, and here, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we will of course provide support. The Consular Department and the embassy are of course at the disposal of the Ministry of Justice - said Radosław Sikorski in PR3.

09:29

Sikorski:

Something is clearly wrong with the Israeli military's rules of engagement
- This is not the first time the Israeli army has used excessive force. I will remind you, a few - I think now a dozen or so - weeks ago, they shot their own hostages who wanted to reach their side, waving white flags - said Radosław Sikorski in PR3. - One cannot dismiss this by saying that it happens in war, as Prime Minister Netanyahu did yesterday. Clearly, something is wrong with the Israeli military's rules of engagement - he emphasized.

09:33

Sikorski:

We already have a candidate for Poland's ambassador to Israel; the president will be the first to know
- Relations with Israel are not easy. I remind you that as of now, we do not have an ambassador in Israel, although we already have a candidate. I won't say [who it is]. The prime minister already knows, but the president will be the first to know before I share this information - Radosław Sikorski said on PR3.

09:41

Sikorski on Expelling the Israeli Ambassador: It Would Be Satisfying for Some for 48 Hours, But Then We Need Inter-State Relations, as There Are Still Poles There
- I know it's easy to demand the expulsion of ambassadors, the breaking of diplomatic relations, etc. It would be easy and satisfying for some for 48 hours, and then we need normal inter-state relations, because there are still Polish hostages there, and Polish citizens in Israel, and Polish citizens in the West Bank, under Palestinian authority. And we provide them with assistance, and embassies are useful for that - said Radosław Sikorski on PR3.

10:32

Błaszczak:

We Publicly Pose Three Questions to Third Way

- We publicly pose three questions to Third Way: will Third Way support the draft law submitted by the Law and Justice Parliamentary Club on restoring the zero VAT rate on food? Secondly, will Third Way support pushing Poland into the euro zone? And thirdly, will Minister Hennig-Kloska, who represents Third Way in Donald Tusk's government, submit a draft law extending the energy shield, and thus maintaining financial support for energy recipients, for the second half of this year? - stated Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference.


10:35

Błaszczak:

We're Submitting a Bill to Reinstate Zero VAT on Food
During the election campaign, no later than yesterday, at a market in Praga Północ, in the presence of Tobiasz Bocheński, a candidate for the office of Mayor of the Capital City of Warsaw, we presented a bill prepared by the Law and Justice parliamentary club, concerning the maintenance of a zero VAT rate on food. Residents asked us what the chances were of this bill being passed, so we are responding, according to how the majority in the Sejm looks today. This is a project of the Law and Justice Parliamentary Club, which we have submitted. So, first, a Third Way politician must allow this bill to be debated. The Sejm session will take place as early as next week. And secondly, we are counting on the Third Way supporting this project, then it can turn into a law. Of course, we are skeptical that this will happen, but theoretically, such a possibility does exist, because Third Way politicians said during the parliamentary campaign that they position themselves somewhere between Law and Justice and Civic Platform, so this will be a test of whether the Third Way is Donald Tusk's third leg, or if it is a separate political entity – stated Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference.

10:42

Morawiecki:

We Demand Prime Minister Tusk Immediately Address the Incident That Shook Poland Yesterday

- Yesterday, we were faced not only with a blatant violation of all principles of international law, but of course, also with the murder of a Pole. We demand that the Prime Minister of the Polish government immediately address this matter, and provide a thorough explanation for the incident that shook Poland yesterday and cannot remain unexplained - stated Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.


11:03

Kobosko on Tusk's Presidential Candidacy: I Am Rather of the Opinion That Yes, That the Prime Minister is Considering It Very Seriously
- A short answer from today's perspective? I am rather of the opinion that yes, that the Prime Minister is considering it very seriously – said Michał Kobosko on the program "Gość Radia ZET," when asked if, in his opinion, Prime Minister Donald Tusk will run in the presidential elections.

12:46

Gawkowski:

Election Security and Cybersecurity are a Priority for the Tusk Government
Every election is a social declaration, which is why, together with the Minister, we wanted first and foremost to encourage participation in the upcoming elections. It is important for the local community to have the opportunity to decide and take responsibility, and the higher the turnout, the stronger the citizen's voice, which is then translated into election results – stated Krzysztof Gawkowski at a press conference in Warsaw. These elections are also an answer to the question of whether the state knows how to properly manage the most important process, the electoral process. We know how to do it, and that's why we have been preparing for it in recent weeks. Today, we issue a message that is both encouraging and informative: election security and cybersecurity are a priority for Donald Tusk's government. We have prepared the state, we are ready, which is why we are making a joint statement with the Minister today – he continued.

12:47

Gawkowski:

We Must Speak Boldly and Responsibly, Stating That the Situation in Ukraine is Difficult and Critical

- In 2022, there were 40,000 critical incidents throughout the year. In the past year, 2023, we registered 80,000 incidents, a year-on-year increase of 100%. The first quarter of 2024 indicates that there will be even more incidents in 2024. Therefore, approaches to managing hybrid threats – both stationary and cybernetic – must go hand in hand, and one of them is precisely preparing communities to understand the gravity of the situation. We are facing a difficult and critical situation if we look at the war in Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine has become much tougher in recent months, and we must speak about this boldly, but also with a degree of responsibility to our compatriots – said Krzysztof Gawkowski at a press conference in Warsaw.

- Disinformation must be combated, and responsibility for fake news must lie where it is produced. There is no way we can say today that someone can wash their hands of it, hide their heads, and claim nothing has happened – he added.


12:52

Kierwiński:

Final Touches and Last Consultations on the Civil Protection Act

- Final touches and last consultations regarding the Civil Protection Act. Two weeks ago, I stated that mid-April, let's say the third week of April, would be the moment when this act formally enters the legislative path. This will effectively be the rebuilding of civil defense and civil protection in Poland after PiS. I don't want to repeat everything I've said, but the previous government destroyed civil defense, effectively removing civil defense from the Polish legal system. We will be restoring it. An element of this will, of course, be an audit of locations that can serve as temporary protection sites for the population or as shelters – stated Marcin Kierwiński at a press conference in Warsaw.


12:52

Kierwiński:

The Experience of Recent Years Shows Public Funds Were Treated as One Big Electoral Fund by the Previous Government
The experience of recent years shows one thing: public funds were treated as one big electoral fund by the previous government. We have the Justice Fund. Even when we were Members of Parliament, Prime Minister Gawkowski and I informed you about the results of our parliamentary inspections, for example, at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, about how funds from the prime minister's reserve, funds intended for extraordinary situations, were distributed arbitrarily. They were distributed because some friendly foundation or some friendly media outlet needed support – stated Marcin Kierwiński at a press conference in Warsaw.

13:00

Czarzasty to the Israeli Ambassador: If You Don't Change Your Approach, You Will Fuel Anti-Jewish Sentiment

- I wanted to say a few words to the Ambassador of Israel in Poland. We listened to your statements yesterday, which spoke about what happened and who died during the attack by Israeli forces, where volunteers perished. And I wanted to tell you, on my own behalf, but also on behalf of The Left – what you presented yesterday was exceptionally arrogant, Mr. Ambassador. You are the only Israeli politician I know who, if you do not change your approach, will lead to an increase in anti-Jewish sentiment in Poland. This is not a good idea. Mistakes must be apologized for, mistakes must be corrected, families must be helped, and one must possess a great deal of distance and remorse - stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty at a press briefing in Katowice.


13:01

Czarzasty:

I've Arranged to Meet Bodnar Next Week to Analyze the Blida Case

- Today I spoke with Minister Bodnar, whom I trust and deeply respect. We have arranged to meet next week for a very thorough analysis of the possibilities for re-examining the Barbara Blida case, Barbara Blida's death. We will do this because the information we are obtaining about the formation that ruled at the time, about the deceit of that formation – I am referring to the formation with which Minister Ziobro is associated – about the concealment of various facts, about the lies that occurred over the last 8 years, compel us to believe that hands were washed too quickly in the Blida case, and one after another - stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty at a press briefing in Katowice.


13:45

Dziemianowicz-Bąk on Proposed Changes for Nursery Caregivers: Thousand Zloty Bonus, Public Official Status, Additional Leave Days
- A few weeks ago, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft bill that will enable the government to create special programs, under which nursery caregivers will receive a gross bonus of one thousand zlotys to their salary starting from July, because supporting caregivers working in municipal nurseries is a priority for us, primarily in financial terms, but not only - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk at a press conference. - Together with Minister Aleksandra Gajewska, we have prepared a draft amendment to the act on the care of children up to three years of age, thanks to which, starting April 4th, the Day of the Young Child Caregiver will be introduced. This is a symbol, a gesture that has been called for by people performing this important profession, but it is not just a symbol and a gesture. It is also an opportunity to celebrate, it is also an opportunity to recognize individuals who stand out among their colleagues with a special bonus, award, decoration, or medal. Such decorations and awards can be granted by the minister responsible for family affairs, the voivodeship marshal, the village mayor, or the city mayor - she continued. - We also want, within the scope of the amendment to the act, for nursery caregivers to enjoy the status of public officials. This is a matter of work safety, it is a clear signal from the state to caregivers of the youngest children that they are important, that they should be protected, that they should be safe [...]. According to our project, two additional days of annual leave will be granted to every caregiver after five years of work - she further stated.

13:55

Dziemianowicz-Bąk on the "Active Parent" Program: We Have Guaranteed Funds in the Budget Act to Launch It This Year
- The assumptions of this project have already been sent for further government work, thanks to the joint efforts of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, and of course the decision of the Council of Ministers with Prime Minister Donald Tusk at its head, we have guaranteed financial resources in the budget act for this project, for this program to be launched still this year, immediately after work on the legal basis, on the appropriate act, and the implementation of the system for distributing these funds. But still in 2024, "Active Parent" should be launched, and all individuals who wish to return to professional activity after the birth of a child [...] will receive support from the state within the framework of this very project - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk at a press conference.

13:56

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

We Expect Support for the Civil Defence Act, Contribution Holidays, and Reduced Health Contributions
- Why didn't the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government fight this tax, this inflation? Because revenues gained by the Minister of Finance were more important to them than the finances of Polish families. For us, the finances of Polish families are paramount, so we expect an end to sowing confusion and chaos, and a return to normality, especially in the area of security and cooperation. This is what we would demand, because Poland needs normality, and the Polish People's Party (PSL) and Third Way stand for normal relations. We can disagree, we can argue, but we should have normal relations – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference in Narew. - We expect support for the Civil Defence Act, we expect support for contribution holidays, we expect support for reduced health contributions, which were raised by our predecessors. I hope they will have the courage to vote for the tax cuts they introduced. We are submitting these proposals, and these proposals are already awaiting consideration in parliament - he continued.

14:00

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

The Green Deal in Agriculture Has Been Halted, All European-Level Issues Have Been Resolved
- The issue of the Green Deal in agriculture has been halted. There will be no fallowing, no restrictions on the use of plant protection products and fertilizers, no such controls on farms up to 10 hectares, and no issue of winter cover. All demands from those protesting the Green Deal have been met; all these matters concerning the Green Deal at the European level have been resolved – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference in Narew. - Regarding the embargo, we have maintained the embargo on agricultural products such as wheat, corn, rapeseed, sunflower, bran, and others. Transit has been limited, significantly less transit than under the rule of our predecessors, and increased controls at the border. This transit from Ukraine, as the Ukrainian side informs, for the vast majority no longer goes through Poland, but through the Black Sea - he continued.

14:33

Hołownia:

We Have the Right to Demand Very Detailed Explanations from Israel, and the Word 'Sorry'
- Today, we have the right to demand very detailed explanations from Israel. We have the right to demand the word from Israel, which I have not yet heard, and which should be said – 'sorry.' So far, words of regret, deep pain, condolences, and sympathy have been expressed, but the word we are all waiting for, or at least I haven't heard it – the word 'sorry' – has not been uttered - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference in Warsaw.

17:17

Hołownia:

Third Way Is Not Leftists, Not Rightists. Not Socialism, Not Wild Capitalism
- We are not leftists, not rightists, but simply Poles. That is the Third Way. The Third Way is not socialism, it is not wild capitalism, it is a third way in the economy. Whoever needs help will receive help, and whoever wants to spread their wings will be given a chance by the state, whoever is capable of doing so, so that they can develop as beautifully as possible. That is the Third Way - said Szymon Hołownia at the Third Way convention in Płock.

17:18

Tusk:

We've Just Finished Work on the So-Called 'Grandma's Benefit'. We Will Adopt This Project at the Next Government Meeting

- Today here in Krakow, I want to share good news for all mothers, both future ones and those with the youngest babies. We've just finished work on the so-called 'grandma's benefit'. In a few days, at the next government meeting, we will adopt this project - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow.

- I can say with 99% certainty, but I am confident, that the first 'grandma's benefits', officially and more accurately called "Active Parent", will be paid out this year. I think that after the holidays, Polish parents, mainly mothers of course, will be able to be active a few months after the birth of their child - he continued.


17:24

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

The Prime Minister's Offer and Other Positions Were Laid Out for the Third Way; a Sole Government. We Did Not Decide on That.
- Do you remember all those slogans: surely strange people will enter there, who will take some shortcuts, surely you can be bought with the offer of the Prime Minister, other positions. All this was brought on a silver platter, do we have such a short memory? Will we remember this for such a short time? Everything was laid out before the Third Way, a sole government, one could say. But we did not decide on that because we promised something else to the voters, dialogue and cooperation - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Third Way convention in Płock.

17:25

Tusk:

We Must Convince Poles to Maintain the Positive Yet Serious Mobilization from Last Autumn
We must convince Polish women and men to maintain this positive, great, joyful, yet serious mobilization from last autumn. I admit that it was very important for me to be in the south of Poland, here in Krakow, at the conclusion of this campaign. Tomorrow I will also be in Silesia. It is important for me to be here, in Małopolska, not only symbolically but also politically, as the fate of this campaign will be decided here – stated Donald Tusk in Krakow.

17:29

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

The Health Contribution Reform Bill Isn't Perfect Yet, We'll Do Everything to Improve It
- There is a bill for changes to the health contribution, a bill that meets the expectations of employers' unions, entrepreneurs, various unions, small and medium-sized businesses. Is it perfect, is it what we dreamed of? Not yet, we will do everything to make it even better - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Third Way convention in Płock.

17:31

Tusk:

The 'Cell+' Program Will Be Implemented. Not by Me, but by an Independent Prosecution and Independent Courts
It seems quite obvious that this program, which I once wittily named, actually has nothing to laugh about, 'Cell+', I wanted to lighten the mood, that it will be implemented. Not by me, but – and here’s another reason for satisfaction – by an independent prosecution and independent courts, which today no longer have reason to fear the authorities, neither the previous authorities, and are doing what is expected of them – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow.

17:32

Tusk:

Today, we are all struggling, but rebuilding the rule of law. There is no rule of law without accountability for evil; people would not forgive us.

- I will not hesitate, my hand will not tremble, when it comes to holding accountable the evil that has been rampant in Poland for many years. Of course, I could not have done it alone, and when we talk about the role of politicians, the Prime Minister, ministers, the government, the parties forming the ruling coalition, that role is purely political. I cannot replace prosecutors, judges, police, special services, but my and our task was to reopen this space, so poisoned by corruption, lies, and theft. To open this space for the sake of the rule of law, and today we are all struggling, in the heat of battle, but rebuilding the rule of law. There is no rule of law without accountability for evil; people would not forgive us. I see this everywhere in Poland – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow.


17:32

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Either the Third Way Wins, or PiS with Confederation Will Rule in Several Voivodeships
- Either the Third Way wins, or PiS with Confederation will rule in several voivodeships, leading Poland astray; they will not care about entrepreneurs, local communities, or Poland's security. There will be chaos and confusion, and they will do everything to fight only the government - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Third Way convention in Płock.

17:35

Tusk on Duda regarding the 'morning-after' pill: I don't know what causes this limited knowledge on such fundamental issues as conception and contraception
- Here, in Krakow, I would like to say this very clearly and loudly, to President Duda, to President Duda's father, who plays a significant role here in local government - the 'morning-after' pill is something that can protect Polish women and Polish families from abortion. In reality, when we talk about the 'morning-after' pill, which the president seems not to have understood, I don't know what causes this limited knowledge on such fundamental issues as life, conception, contraception, etc. I am not delving into that - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow. - But I would like to say once again - perhaps these words will reach all opponents from here in Krakow - that we are talking about a contraceptive, so-called emergency contraception. It has nothing to do with terminating a pregnancy. Mr. President blocked it with his veto - he continued.

17:37

Hołownia:

We're Heading Directly to Poland's Eastern Voivodeships, Where We'll Spend 48 Hours Until the Election Silence
- Władek said that we want to reclaim local governments in Eastern Poland, which is why we are heading directly from here to these voivodeships, where we will spend the next 48 hours until the election silence. We will both be in Małopolskie, Świętokrzyskie, Lubelskie, and Podlaskie, to tell people who are still wondering today, "maybe I should vote for PiS after all," that a vote for PiS in these elections will be a wasted vote, because PiS will have no influence in these local governments on anything - said Szymon Hołownia at the Third Way convention in Płock.

17:38

Tusk:

Thanks to the regulation, access to the "morning-after" pill may not be universal, but incomparably easier
- From May 1st, by virtue of a regulation that has already been written, prepared, and which I received today from the Minister of Health, so-called Plan B will be implemented. [...] This regulation will enable the government to sign agreements and contracts with pharmacies that join the pilot program, and thanks to this, the availability of this emergency contraception will become... I won't say "universal," but access to it will be incomparably easier, less humiliating - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow.

17:41

Tusk on Gibała: Krakow Doesn't Have to Be Doomed to Rule by Someone Who Only Thinks of Investing in Themselves

- I know one thing really well, and that's the candidate named Łukasz Gibała, because he was my protégé in the political party I led, and he led it, well, in a way, also on my behalf here in Krakow. You have no idea how happy I am, I'm not here to gossip, I'm not here to pick on anyone, so I'll say it in just one sentence. You have no idea how happy I am, because I love Krakow, that someone like Olek Miszalski has appeared, who said that Krakow doesn't have to be condemned to be ruled by someone who is very clever at investing in himself, but about whom we can all, with our hands on our hearts, say, thinks only of investing in himself, and believe me, I know what I'm talking about – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow.


17:42

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

If you don't have convictions as close to the Third Way and you believe there are good candidates in The Left or Civic Coalition, then choose them
- We are asking for your votes for the Third Way, but if you believe that there are good candidates in The Left or Civic Coalition as well, and you don't have convictions as close to the Third Way that would lead you to vote for us, then choose them. This is an expression of cooperation and friendship that we offer, not only during the election period, but also after the elections in many local governments - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Third Way convention in Płock.

17:45

Tusk:

If We Don't Win These Elections, the Trend Could Reverse

- [Local elections] will be exactly as important as those on October 15th. If we don't win these elections, the trend could reverse. Politics is truly a very fickle horse, and at any moment, through negligence, laziness, lack of faith, the unfortunately often present reflection in our minds and hearts – "it will somehow be okay," "it will just roll along," "I have nothing to do with politics at all" – listen, it is precisely this kind of thinking that has often led our nation to the brink of an abyss - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow.


17:47

Tusk:

There will be time right after the elections to inform you about the decisions my government will make to ensure Poland is truly safe
There will be time right after the elections to inform you about the decisions my government will make to ensure Poland is truly safe. For me, this is absolutely the most important thing, and no one will divert me from this path of building a safe Poland, regardless of the turmoil around us, and we will do it - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow. Just as we managed to achieve a few impossible things because we were together, united, and determined, we will also achieve this: Poland will be safe, regardless of what comes into someone's head in Moscow, what catastrophic or criminal stupidity Putin or someone in the Kremlin might come up with. We will build a truly safe Poland, and we will do it not in years, but in months - he continued.

17:51

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

We Will Build Shelters, They Want to Turn Local Government into a Haven for Fat Cats. They're Going There to Move Their Litter Boxes from State-Owned Companies
- Why do I recall that debate? Not just because of the eloquence, the message, and the success we achieved with that performance, but because of one phrase. It was about fat cats, about their litter boxes, so that fat cats would pack up their litter boxes from state-owned companies. [...] Today they see that it's ending, that they are losing these positions, sometimes with multi-million zloty incomes. And just as we say: we will build shelters and places of refuge for the population, we are writing about this in the new Civil Defence Act and we will introduce it, they want to turn local government into a haven for fat cats, and we cannot allow that. They are going to local government in order to move those litter boxes from state-owned companies and enrich themselves now at the expense of the local community's assets - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Third Way convention in Płock.

18:32

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

We expect an apology and a bow of the head from Israel, we demand an explanation and reparations
- A strong state speaks as one voice today, the Prime Minister, the Marshal of the Sejm, the Minister of Defence, all the most important politicians in the state, in one voice we say to our partners from the State of Israel, from Israel: we expect an apology and we demand an explanation and reparations. We expect a bow of the head, not boastful statements. This is our demand and expectation, and we have every right to it, because a Pole died - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Third Way convention in Płock.

18:39

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

European Commission Backs Down from Foolish Green Deal Regulations
- Many of the messages of this [farmers'] protest have valid grounds. We understand them, we ourselves know well what it means to protest, what it means to fight. [...] But appreciation and seeing that the one to whom you direct these expectations has at least partially fulfilled them, and is doing everything in the remaining ones to bring about a positive outcome, must also be noticed by you - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Third Way convention in Płock. - Set-aside, fertilizer use, winter cover, controls on small farms. All these matters are settled. At the European level, the European Commission has withdrawn from the foolish Green Deal regulations concerning agriculture, and this is our success and the success of the protestors. This is a victory over Janusz Wojciechowski from PiS - he continued.

19:02

Tusk to a Farmer: You Liked It When They Opened the Borders and Let in the Grain. When I Started Fixing It From Day One as Prime Minister, You Took to the Streets and Started Blockades
- When in June, by chance, with the current Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Kołodziejczak - then a man who was against me - [...] we started shouting about Ukrainian grain, I didn't see you blocking the streets - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow, responding to a meeting participant who introduced himself as a farmers' representative. - When the next day Kaczyński, Morawiecki said that I was talking like a Russian agent because I wanted to weaken Ukraine and was talking nonsense about Ukrainian grain - I didn't see you at a blockade. When two months later the PiS government said that Ukrainian grain was okay, there was no reason to worry - I didn't see you at a blockade - he continued. - Right now, I am dedicating my whole life to helping you. My whole life, sometimes 20 [hours] a day, to help you. I practically have no more important matter on my mind. But I want us to be honest with each other [...]. In September, when the PiS government said 'we don't see any Ukrainian grain,' I, together with Kołodziejczak, already said: 'we'll show you.' I drove to the border, made videos of how many wagons full of grain were passing through. I didn't see any of you - he went on to say. - I thought to myself: since you all see what they have led to, at least vote, not for me, but at least not for PiS. [...] So I saw what the election results looked like in Słomniki, in October, when probably everyone - including you - saw what happened and who is responsible for this mess. [...] 50% voted for PiS. [...] I'm not saying this to annoy you. I'm just saying that you liked it - he said. - When they opened the border, let in tens of millions of tons of grain, and other products - you liked it. When, from the first day I became Prime Minister, I started to fix this situation, you took to the streets and started blocking the border, roundabouts, and cities - he stated.

19:25

Tusk:

I Will Not Block the Border with Ukraine When Ukraine's Fate is Being Decided in These Months
- I will not block the border with Ukraine in a situation where Ukraine's fate is being decided in these months. I will not do it, and I will not allow anyone to do it. But when it comes to the competition from Ukrainian grain, I am doing something - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krakow.

19:37

Trzaskowski:

If PiS Loses, Disintegration Will Begin Because They Will Have Nowhere to Distribute Positions and Money

- Everything depends on mobilization, and there are two schools of thought. One is that everyone has felt it is worthwhile to take democracy into their own hands on October 15th and they will go to complete the second stage in these elections, which is very important, to end the era of populism in Poland. That is why, if PiS loses, disintegration will begin because they will have nowhere to distribute positions and money. On the other hand, there is, of course, the second school of thought, which says that some Poles will consider the matter already settled, so we are constantly urging them - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Katarzyna Kolenda-Zaleska on TVN24's "Fakty po faktach" (Facts After Facts).


19:41

Trzaskowski:

PiS is strong in Warsaw, at worst around 20%, at best even 30%

- Of course, it's a question of who Warsaw residents will support. I know that PiS is simply strong in Warsaw. At worst, PiS has around 20%, and at best, even 30%, because Patryk Jaki received almost that much. Therefore, PiS is absolutely the most important competitor here, not because I choose it or like it, but because that is the reality. PiS is simply very strong in Warsaw - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in "Fakty po faktach" on TVN24.


19:42

Trzaskowski:

If We Truly Want to Be Immunized Against Populists, We Must Win Local, European, and Then Presidential Elections

- A clear signal must be sent to [PiS] that it's not the case that our voters, the women and men of Warsaw, are now lulled by what is happening, that everything has been settled on October 15th. If we truly want to be immunized against populists, we must win local, European, and then presidential elections, because only then will democracy truly take root in Poland - stated Rafał Trzaskowski on TVN24's "Fakty po faktach".


20:17

Biedroń:

Next Week, the European Parliament Will Vote on a Resolution Calling for Faster Processing of Abortion Bills in Poland
- Next week, the European Parliament will vote on a resolution that will call on the Polish authorities and the parliamentary and governmental majority to speed up the processing of legislative projects that lie in the Sejm, concerning women's decisions about their lives and health, which in fact means abortion up to the 12th week - said Robert Biedroń in "Fakty po Faktach" on TVN24. - This resolution is important because it is the first resolution concerning Poland after the elections. I don't think it brings us glory that such a resolution has been created, but it is necessary to mobilize politicians like Mr. Hołownia and Polska 2050 to understand that both the European Parliament and the EU treat abortion as a fundamental human right and will - regardless of the government [...] - watch us closely and expect Poland to take action in this matter that will introduce this standard to Poland - he continued.

20:27

Kierwiński on the Attack on Volunteers in the Gaza Strip: In the Case of Such Terrible Accidents, There Should Be Consequences, and Israel Itself Should Draw Them
- First explanations, and then potential consequences [from those who fired on the convoy]. I am convinced that in the case of such terrible accidents, yes, there should be consequences, and Israel itself should draw them, because the matter is outrageous, and moreover, I think it will have a gigantic impact on the perception of what has been happening in the Middle East in recent months – said Marcin Kierwiński in an interview with Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz on TVP Info's "Pytanie dnia" (Question of the Day). - These were certainly unacceptable words in the civilized world, and this is political cynicism, and for that, I also think Netanyahu should apologize – he continued. - This is the killing of many people. If it turns out, I don't want to prejudge this, but it seems to me that there are simply no such cases, then yes, it qualifies for this type of statement [about a war crime] – he went on to say.

20:30

Kierwiński:

Local Election Results Will Not Affect Coalition Agreement
- I believe this coalition is working very well, very efficiently, we have a coalition agreement that includes the main programmatic points we want to implement, really, the election result in the local elections will not have an impact and should not have an impact on the coalition agreement - said Marcin Kierwiński on TVP Info.

20:32

Biedroń Announces Leftist Committee Registration for European Parliament Elections
- Tomorrow, at 11:00 AM, the Left will submit an application to register our coalition committee [for the European Parliament elections]. We are going united as the Left – said Robert Biedroń on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach" (Facts after Facts). - I will likely be the top candidate in Warsaw […]. We are starting the campaign as early as next week. This is natural, as there are only two months left – he added.

20:36

Biedroń on European Parliament Elections: PSL Might Go with Civic Platform, PL2050 Separately. As Far As I Know, Talks Are Ongoing
- PSL might go with Civic Platform, and Poland 2050 will go separately, because it is in a different political group. But here, as far as I know, talks are ongoing - said Robert Biedroń in TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach".

20:38

Kierwiński on KO's Solo Run in EP Elections, Without PSL: "Personally, I Favor This Solution"
- April 7th is the electoral horizon we are focusing on. We will see the election results, and then we will inform about the formula in which the coalition will run [in the European Parliament elections]. I am convinced that there will be very, very little time, and I am also a strong proponent of running within the Civic Coalition in these elections – said Marcin Kierwiński on TVP Info, referring to unofficial talks that were reportedly held with PSL and concerned a joint run in the European Parliament elections. - Yes, personally, I am in favor of such a solution, but as I said, the final decisions will be made immediately after the local election results – he continued, when asked if it was about KO running independently, not as part of a joint list with PSL.

20:42

Kierwiński on Ziobro's Interrogation in Current Condition: It's a Decision for Doctors and the Investigative Committee. We Wish Him a Speedy Recovery, but Illness Does Not Absolve One of Irregularities
- It is a decision for doctors and the investigative committee [whether to interrogate Zbigniew Ziobro in his current health condition] [...] I think that, above all, they will certainly review opinions on his health status. If there are doubts in this matter, colleagues on the investigative committee will certainly seek expert opinions. [...] The fact that, as human beings, we wish Mr. Ziobro a speedy recovery is natural, but it is also not the case that illness absolves one of various irregularities - said Marcin Kierwiński on TVP Info.

20:48

Statement by Marshal Hołownia Regarding the Attack on a Humanitarian Convoy in the Gaza Strip:

I Appeal for an Impartial Investigation.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Polish volunteer, Damian Soból, who tragically died in an attack on a humanitarian convoy in the Gaza Strip. I appeal for an impartial investigation that will lead to a full clarification of the matter. It must be unequivocally emphasized that the lives of civilians on both sides – Palestinian and Israeli – must be protected in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. A terrible thing has happened that should never have taken place - reads the statement by the Marshal of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, published on social media.