Live Feed

04/04/2024

07:55

Thursday's Political Agenda: Tusk and The Left in Silesia, Duda's Statement, Kaczyński's Conference, Trzecia Droga in Lesser Poland and Świętokrzyskie Voivodeships, Nitras on Sports Infrastructure Support, Ministry of Education on 'Willa Plus'

At 9:15 AM, the Ministry of National Education (MEN) will host a press conference with Katarzyna Lubnauer and Joanna Mucha. The topic: 'Willa Plus and More. Investment Audits'.

At 10:00 AM in Goleniów, a press conference is scheduled with the Minister of Sport and Tourism, Sławomir Nitras, and the Marshal of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Olgierd Geblewicz. The conference will focus on changes to the regulation concerning the transfer of funds from the Physical Culture Development Fund for the implementation of the sports infrastructure development support program.

At 10:15 AM in Lublin, a press conference will be held with the Minister of Development and Technology, Krzysztof Hetman, concerning the opening of the PAIH Regional Trade Office.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, as announced yesterday, is heading to Silesia. At 11:00 AM in Gliwice, a press conference will take place with the head of government and Civic Platform's candidate for the Mayor of Gliwice, Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka.

At 11:00 AM, the 9th session of the Senate will commence. The agenda includes the consideration of 2 bills and the adoption of a commemorative resolution.

At 11:30 AM in the Presidential Palace, President Andrzej Duda will deliver a statement.

Trzecia Droga (Third Way) is beginning a two-day tour of the eastern Polish voivodeships. On the first day, the coalition leaders will visit the Lesser Poland and Świętokrzyskie Voivodeships. At 11:30 AM in Wadowice, a press briefing will be held with the leader of Poland 2050. Afterwards, Szymon Hołownia will travel to Wieliczka, where at 12:30 PM he will meet with candidates for the Lesser Poland Voivodeship Sejmik and residents of the region. Meanwhile, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will also hold conferences: at 09:20 AM in Limanowa and at 12:30 PM in Racławice.

Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet today – as part of the celebrations of the Military Health Service Day – with employees of the 21st Military Health Resort and Rehabilitation Hospital SP ZOZ in Busko-Zdrój and with veterans. The Minister of National Defence's speech is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

At 1:00 PM in Warsaw, a press conference will be held with the Chairman of PiS, Jarosław Kaczyński.

At 3:30 PM, another meeting is planned for Szymon Hołownia, this time in Daleszyce. Subsequently, at 5:30 PM in Skarżysko-Kamienna, an open meeting will begin with the participation of Szymon Hołownia, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and candidates for the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship Sejmik.

Lewica (The Left) is also heading to the Silesian Voivodeship. At 12:00 PM in Dąbrowa Górnicza, a press conference will be held with Włodzimierz Czarzasty and Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, along with candidates. Afterwards, at 5:00 PM, both will participate in a conference in Sosnowiec.

Earlier, at 9:30 AM, a press conference will be held by Magdalena Biejat, a candidate for Mayor of Warsaw. The topic: a program to support the LGBT+ community in the capital. Meanwhile, at 11:00 AM, a press conference will begin with PiS candidate Tobiasz Bocheński regarding free public transport.

Also at 11:00 AM, Lewica will submit a notification to the National Electoral Commission (PKW) regarding the establishment of an electoral committee for the European Parliament elections, as announced yesterday on TVN24 by Robert Biedroń.

At 6:00 PM in Bełchatów, a meeting will take place with the leader of the PiS parliamentary club, Mariusz Błaszczak.


08:07

Sasin on the Attack on the Humanitarian Convoy in Gaza: I Expect Activity from the Government and Prime Minister Tusk on This Matter, Not Just Sikorski's Bluster, but Real Action
- We cannot simply move on from what happened. Much indicates that it was not a mistake, but that this action could have been intentional. This simply needs to be clarified. I would like it to be clarified in an unquestionable manner. I expect activity from the Polish government, from Prime Minister Donald Tusk on this matter, not just Minister Sikorski's bluster, but real actions that will lead to this matter being clarified. Meanwhile, the [Israeli] ambassador is certainly behaving like a bull in a china shop in this matter, and this must be stated very clearly - said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Dariusz Ociepa on Polsat News' "Graffiti," when asked about the attack on the humanitarian convoy in the Gaza Strip and the stance of the Israeli ambassador to Poland.

08:18

Sasin on Services' Action at Ziobro's Home: Had Such Actions Been Taken During PiS Rule, the World Would Be Howling About Democracy Being Broken in Poland
- Is the way to investigate to break into the home of a former Minister of Justice in his absence, in the absence of anyone, which is a violation of procedures, forcing doors, breaking windows, vandalizing the property, and conducting this search for several hours when no one is watching those who are conducting it? These are unprecedented situations. Imagine what would have happened if such actions had been taken during the rule of Law and Justice. The world would simply be howling about how democracy is being broken in Poland – said Jacek Sasin on Polsat News.

08:30

Sasin on NIK's Actions Regarding Pandemic Protective Gear Purchases: I wouldn't want officials to prioritize procedures over saving Poles' health and lives in the face of threats
- Absolutely not [I have nothing to reproach myself for regarding the purchase of protective equipment during the pandemic]. Firstly, I am surprised by the way NIK is approaching this matter. Secondly, it shouldn't be surprising, considering how politically involved Marian Banaś and the chamber he heads are – said Jacek Sasin on Polsat News, when asked about the NIK's referral to the prosecutor's office, including in his case. - Today, which deeply concerns me [...] actions that saved the health and lives of Poles are being stigmatized, and this is a very bad precedent because we live in dangerous times. Many things may still happen to us. We have no doubts, Prime Minister Tusk also spoke about this, that war threatens us. And I truly wouldn't want it to be the case that state officials, in the face of war, in the face of threats, will primarily think about not breaking procedures, rather than how to save the lives and health of Poles. And this is what Marian Banaś's and the parliamentary majority's actions are leading to today – he continued.

08:37

Sasin:

There was no 'axe of war' from my side. It was normal ministerial oversight of what was happening at Orlen.
- First of all, there was no 'axe of war,' at least from my side. It was normal oversight by the Minister of State Assets over what was happening at Orlen. I took such actions, and it might not have pleased some CEOs that this oversight could limit their actions. Secondly, I am in constant contact with CEO Obajtek, we talk, and there is no problem here - Jacek Sasin said on Polsat News.

09:06

Trzaskowski:

Indeed, Emotions Are Somewhat Lower, and This Could Affect Turnout

- Everything depends on the voters' determination and turnout, because I think if the turnout is high, if the residents of Warsaw once again want to take democracy into their own hands, as they did on October 15th, then I think this result could be good. However, if the turnout is low, then at this point it is much more difficult to predict – stated Rafał Trzaskowski in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.

- Every politician would like a good result, especially if they have worked for 5.5 years in Warsaw. The most important thing is the voters' assessment, so of course, naturally, I would like to win in the first round. However, paradoxically, five years ago there was total mobilization because it was a single election, everyone in Warsaw wanted to give a red card to PiS, and everyone was focused on that election. Today, so much is happening in national politics that this election is not the most important thing that Poles are talking about. I regret this because I believe it is the most important at the moment, but indeed, there are certainly fewer emotions, and this could affect turnout – he continued.


09:08

Zandberg:

Israel's Ambassador Should Be Asked to Return Home Following the Israeli Government's Actions
Israel's Ambassador should be asked to return to his country following the actions of the Israeli government, which legitimizes war crimes; this is not the first such situation. In this matter, it is clearly visible what happened; we dealt with the killing of people who came to help the starving. This cannot be obscured by any rhetoric or any words. I am surprised the Israeli Ambassador is trying to do so - stated Adrian Zandberg in a conversation with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program 'Gość Radia Zet'.

09:10

Trzaskowski:

Today it's hard for me to imagine Tusk wanting to run for president, but in politics, anything is truly possible

- I have no idea what will happen in a year. You started with that quote from Donald Tusk about a piebald horse, and that's exactly how it is. Today, within a month, two, or three, polls change, including trust in politicians. Predicting today what will happen in a year, it might turn out that all the candidates mentioned today won't run in the elections in a year, or it could be the exact opposite. It's absolutely too early to talk about it. Donald Tusk has the most difficult and responsible task in Poland today, and he is 100% focused on that, so it's hard for me to imagine him wanting to run [for president], but in politics, anything is truly possible, and it only makes sense to discuss this topic next year, towards the end of this year or the beginning of next year - stated Rafał Trzaskowski in "Sygnały dnia" PR1.


09:11

Zandberg:

I view Third Way's statements with skepticism. I'd be a bit less arrogant in their place

- I view the Third Way's statements with skepticism. I would be a bit less arrogant in the place of Third Way politicians, because recent weeks have shown that voters for the Third Way, which equivocated on the issue of women, have begun to turn away from it. I think arrogance is never particularly well-received – stated Adrian Zandberg on the program “Gość Radia Zet”.


09:16

Zandberg on the composition of the international investigative team: States whose citizens died as a result of actions by the Israeli armed forces
States whose citizens died as a result of actions by the Israeli armed forces. We should turn to these states to jointly demand an international investigation from Israel. We are talking about a country and its truly extremist government, which is committing large-scale crimes resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. There can be no trust – stated Adrian Zandberg on the program “Gość Radia Zet”.

09:44

Myrcha:

The actual sending of the list of Pegasus-spied-on individuals hasn't started yet; I believe it's a matter of a few days

- The actual sending hasn't begun yet; I believe it's literally a matter of the next few days. [The lists of individuals spied on by Pegasus] are being prepared in terms of their substantive content. There's no point discussing the technical side at the moment, of course, but regarding the substantive content, I think these findings are nearing completion - Arkadiusz Myrcha told TVN24.


09:45

Myrcha on the List of Pegasus-Infiltrated Individuals: It's a Group of Around 30 People. The Material is Being Analyzed Regularly, This is Not the End of the Matter

- This is a group of about 30 people, and this material is also being analyzed regularly, and this is not a matter of closing this topic; we are talking about this group, the first group that has been identified. If the analyzed evidence indicates that this tool was used without justification [further individuals will be informed], because that is the most important criterion for identifying this group – said Arkadiusz Myrcha on TVN24.

- Firstly, they will be granted the status of victims in ongoing criminal proceedings, so they will be able to actively participate in the process as a normal party to the proceedings. When this happens, this information will also become public, but the assumption is that the recipients of this message are the owners of these messages – he continued.


09:46

Myrcha:

Every contract and every grant from the Justice Fund is analyzed separately

- The Justice Fund is perhaps one of the most thoroughly analyzed national funds right now. It is the subject of interest not only for the investigative team of the prosecutor's office, but will also be the subject of interest again for the Supreme Audit Office, the General Prosecutor's Office, internal ministry teams, so in fact, every contract, every grant is analyzed separately – stated Arkadiusz Myrcha on TVN24.


09:48

PiS's New Campaign Spot:

A Better Life for Poles.

PiS has released a campaign spot featuring footage from various parts of Poland and statements from, among others, Jarosław Kaczyński and Beata Szydło. At the end, the slogan "A Better Life for Poles. We are for it" is presented.


11:01

Mucha on the "Villa Plus" Program: PLN 3.5 Million Returned, 2 Returns Worth Almost PLN 3.2 Million in Progress

- Regarding "Villa Plus", PLN 3.5 million has already been returned. Two returns, totaling almost PLN 3.2 million, are in progress. As for the "Investments in Education" program, it allocated PLN 100 million for investments. A total of 132 grant agreements were signed, of which, please note, 51 received a negative expert opinion, yet they were still approved for implementation. Exactly 2/3 of these agreements, meaning PLN 67 million, were transferred to religious associations. Returns in this program so far amount to PLN 3.5 million, but we are continuously settling further investments, and there will be more returns – stated Joanna Mucha at a press conference in Warsaw.

- Among the beneficiaries, five of them were established between 2020-2022, such as the Megafon foundation, founded on December 30, 2021; the Dumni z Elbląga foundation on April 13, 2022; or the Ks. Popiełuszko Solidarity foundation, based in Rzeszów, founded on September 20, 2022, which was just three days before the application was submitted. I mention this to show you once again, because of course we all know this data, that we can truly have a deep conviction that these competitions were rigged, and the entire program was set up precisely to transfer money to those individuals who were meant to receive it – the deputy minister continued.


11:02

Lubnauer on the 'Villa Plus' Program: For 15 Years, the Ministry of National Education Can Control These Agreements and Request Repayment of Funds

- Following our joint interventions with Ms. Krystyna Szumilas, after a visit to the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) where we expressed our concerns regarding the expenditure of public funds, and after filing a report with the prosecutor's office which led to an investigation, one more thing has changed as a result of our interventions. All these investments now have an extended durability period; previously it was from 5 years upwards, but now they all have a 15-year term. This means that for 15 years, we, as the Ministry of National Education, can monitor whether educational tasks are indeed being carried out there, and we have the right, if the agreement is breached, to request the repayment of funds – stated Katarzyna Lubnauer at a press conference in Warsaw.


11:17

Tusk:

I Don't Accept How the Israeli Ambassador Communicates. If He Chooses to Speak Publicly, He Should Offer a Simple Human 'I'm Sorry'

- I absolutely do not accept the way of informing or communicating on this matter by the ambassador [of Israel in Poland]. If he chooses to speak publicly in our media, he should use this opportunity to offer a simple human 'I'm sorry'. It really costs nothing. We will expect, it has already been said, I don't want to heat up the atmosphere in any way, that's not the point, these political decisions and intentions have been very precisely expressed, among others by Minister Sikorski. We will expect a full and immediate explanation of all the circumstances of the tragedy, compensation for the loved ones of the victims of this attack, but it would also be very important to me, and this is in the interest of the State of Israel, that representatives of the State of Israel here, especially in Poland in such a situation, respect the emotions of Poles, which are most justified, and that they communicate clearly and directly on this matter - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference in Gliwice.


11:18

Tusk:

We Will Definitely Double the Area Available to Local Governments This Year
'Our predecessors planned to release 40 hectares this year out of the 220 currently under negotiation. We will certainly double the area we are making available to local governments this year, and by the end of next year, the 220 hectares under negotiation should already be in the hands of local governments,' stated Donald Tusk in Gliwice.

11:24

Tusk on the Aleks Case: I Received the First Report, an Investigation Has Begun at the School

- I received the first report from the Ministry of Justice regarding the entire case this morning. We also spoke this morning with the Children's Ombudsman on this matter. As early as yesterday evening, the Minister of Education made decisions, and an investigation has commenced regarding the school where the incident occurred. More precisely, not the incident itself, but likely the improper actions and conduct of the school's management in this regard - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference in Gliwice.

- At this moment, I can say that the initial reports I have received unequivocally indicate that what Aleks stated publicly yesterday, his disappointment and sense of injustice, including regarding the state's actions at that time, are entirely justified, and we will absolutely investigate this matter to the very end - he continued.


11:24

Tusk:

Ministry of Industry - We wanted it not to be just a symbolic gesture, but for Silesia to once again become the engine of Polish industry
The Ministry of Industry is located in Silesia, in Katowice, and there will be tangible results from this. We really wanted it not to be just a symbolic gesture, but for Silesia to once again become the engine, the heart of Polish industry. As I look at these re-emerging ideas, the concepts of European industrialization, it is connected to the threat of war, to the awareness that Europe must become increasingly self-sufficient – stated Donald Tusk in Gliwice.

11:33

Tusk:

Personal Honesty, Competence, and Passionate Love for the Place – Criteria That Should Apply to All Candidates

- Personal honesty, competence, and a passionate love for the place one wishes to govern – these are the criteria that should be mandatory for all candidates. That is why, for me, Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka will be a guarantee that we all remember the best moments in the history of Gliwice's local government, including the presidency of Zygmunt Frankiewicz. I am convinced that this will not only be a superb continuation of what he used to do well, but also a creative development – stated Donald Tusk in Gliwice.


11:36

Tusk:

Everyone Who Seized Public Property Will Have to Return Every Last Penny. We Will Not Let Anyone Off the Hook on This Matter


The case of Minister Ziobro's Justice Fund and his associates in the ministry is only just beginning, but it will show, like in a magnifying glass, all these degenerations, the misuse of public funds amounting to hundreds of millions of zlotys, these funds go into hundreds of millions of zlotys for projects including, among others, the proverbial 'Willa plus'. I also want to state very clearly – everyone who seized public property will have to return every last penny. We will not let anyone off the hook on this matter, because this is public money and it will have to be returned, and all decisions that violated public interest and the law will be revoked, so that no one else, who seeks power and holds power in their hands, will think that power is for distributing money, real estate, and other privileges to their own people and themselves – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference in Gliwice.

12:02

Duda:

I Have Decided to Send a Letter to All NATO Leaders Proposing a 3% GDP Defense Spending Threshold
- Today, April 4th, marks the anniversary of an exceptionally important, historical, symbolic, yet very significant event that took place 75 years ago, namely the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, which led to the creation of the North Atlantic Alliance, the establishment of NATO – currently the absolutely largest defense alliance in the world of democratic states, Western states, which Poland has also been a part of for 25 years this year - said President Andrzej Duda in a statement. - I have decided to send a letter to all leaders of NATO states, as well as to the Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, in which this proposal is explicitly formulated in writing, along with the justification for why this increase in defense spending today and the establishment of this 3% GDP threshold among the member states of the North Atlantic Alliance is justified - he continued. - Russia, with its aggressive policy, its rebuilding of Russian imperialism, and its aggression against Ukraine, has clearly and unequivocally shown that, unfortunately, in its policy, it is returning to the times of the Cold War, to the times when the Soviet Union pursued an aggressive, imperialistic policy towards other states, that Russia is returning to those ambitions and should be met with the response it received back then. At that time, NATO states spent 3% [of GDP] on their defense; today, we should return to that level. This letter of mine initiates a discussion on this topic, while simultaneously containing a clear indication that we should debate this matter during the upcoming NATO summit in Washington - he further stated.

12:09

Duda on the attack on the humanitarian convoy in the Gaza Strip: An investigation is needed to clarify this matter
- Unfortunately, as a result of recent Israeli shelling, our citizen, a young man, a 35-year-old from Podkarpacie, a volunteer who was simply carrying out a humanitarian mission, has died [...]. The matter is clear: there is a need for a detailed explanation of why this particular situation occurred. Israel has admitted it, the Israeli authorities have behaved responsibly here, admitting that it is unfortunately the IDF, i.e., the Israeli Defense Forces, that are responsible for this shelling. However, the matter must be explained in detail; an investigation is needed to clarify this issue, and I hope, like other state leaders, primarily of those countries whose citizens died in this attack, that this matter will be explained in detail - said President Andrzej Duda in a statement.

12:13

Duda:

I have no doubt that Israel should pay compensation to the family of our killed citizen
- I have no doubt that Israel should pay compensation to the family of our killed citizen; it should be appropriate compensation, and I hope that such compensation will be paid honestly and reliably, because it is simply deserved. Regardless of the causes of this event, whether it was an accident or any other situation, if shelling was carried out, and it was carried out, and if a person died as a result of this shelling, our citizen died, his loved ones are entitled to compensation for this, and I hope that the Israeli authorities will act in a responsible, honest, and reliable manner in this regard – said President Andrzej Duda in a statement.

12:23

Duda:

Israel's Ambassador is the Biggest Problem for Israel in Relations with Poland
- There have been a series of different statements recently, unfortunately also from Israeli representatives, I am thinking here of statements by the Israeli Ambassador to our country. I will put it as delicately as possible and say this: unfortunate statements, in short, outrageous – said President Andrzej Duda in a statement. - My assessment is that today the Ambassador is the biggest problem for the state of Israel in its relations with Poland, because the Israeli authorities in Israel behave and speak on the issue of this tragedy in a very measured way and with, in my opinion, due delicacy in this whole situation. Unfortunately, their ambassador in Poland cannot maintain such delicacy and tact, which is unacceptable – he continued. - Because Israel did not have a representative in Poland for a long time, and after serious talks and negotiations, we agreed that this representative would finally be in Poland, in order to facilitate Israel's relations with Poland. Today I can say: the Ambassador is hindering these relations, significantly hindering them – he went on to say.

12:54

Czarzasty on 3% of GDP for Defence in NATO: As the Left, We Believe it's a Reasonable Demand
- Regarding President Andrzej Duda's proposal to increase the contribution to military funding in all NATO countries to 3% [of GDP], I will say this: we are in times of war and threat, and we as the Left believe that this is a reasonable demand – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty at a press conference in Dąbrowa Górnicza. - I hope that the President and the President's services have held appropriate consultations with other NATO countries. […] If such consultations have taken place, if there is a chance for NATO countries to increase their military budgets, then in the current situation, it seems to be a reasonable demand – he continued.

13:05

Czarzasty to Israeli Ambassador: Say 'I'm Sorry' and Behave Decently
- I believe it is truly time to put an end to all these matters that are only stirring emotions in Poland, and I have an appeal to the Israeli ambassador: please, stand up, humanly say 'I'm sorry,' say that the Israeli government will provide compensation to the family of the person killed by your army [...], just behave decently and humanly – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty at a press conference in Dąbrowa Górnicza. - I wanted to tell you, Mr. Ambassador, very calmly, but also firmly: such behavior that you are currently exhibiting will foster anti-Jewish sentiments in Poland. This makes no sense [...]. The Left, in particular, is sensitive to not fostering such sentiments; the Left has always been tolerant – he continued.

13:25

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

President Decided He Prefers Unwanted Teen Pregnancies Over Accessible Contraception
- The government of the October 15th Coalition prepared a bill that would abolish the prescription requirement for emergency contraception. This bill was vetoed by the President. The President decided he prefers unwanted pregnancies of 15-year-olds over contraception available for teenagers. Because a lack of contraception, limited access to contraception, leads to more unwanted pregnancies. President Andrzej Duda supported such a solution, harming women, girls, and their families - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk at a press conference in Dąbrowa Górnicza.

13:34

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

If a Pharmacist's Conscience Prevents Them from Dispensing a Prescription a Client Needs, They Shouldn't Be a Pharmacist
- In our opinion, as the Left, the place for the conscience clause is in the trash. We have submitted an appropriate bill that abolishes the conscience clause. If someone's conscience prevents them from practicing medicine, then they don't have to be a doctor or a pharmacist. [...] If a pharmacist's conscience prevents them from dispensing a prescription that a client asks for, demands, and needs, then they shouldn't be a pharmacist - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk at a press conference in Dąbrowa Górnicza.

13:53

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

Every Scandal Like 'Villa Plus' Will Be Accounted For
- I would like to declare that every such scandal, every scandal like 'Villa Plus', will be accounted for. Audits are being conducted in every ministry, thorough, in-depth analyses of how our predecessors spent state funds, how they spent public money - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk at a press conference in Dąbrowa Górnicza.

13:58

Kaczyński:

The Euro is Against Polish Interests, a Powerful Blow to Our Economic Chances

- The Euro is against Polish interests; it means losing a very important part of our sovereignty on the one hand, but on the other hand, it is primarily a powerful blow to our economic chances, to the chances of a good economic life – stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a press conference in Warsaw.


14:04

Kaczyński:

We are a constructive opposition, submitting a bill to extend energy price freezes

- We are trying to be a constructive opposition, we are a constructive opposition adhering to the principle that the goal is the good life of Poles, and as part of this constructive activity, we have already submitted 9, and today we want to talk about the 10th bill, which relates precisely to matters that are directly connected with these announcements and the standard of living of Poles. Today, it's about a bill that extends protection for citizens until the end of the year, a bill intended to prevent energy prices from rising – said Jarosław Kaczyński at a press conference in Warsaw.


14:08

Kaczyński:

PO Demonstrates It Has Simply Not Matured to Democracy

- PO is demonstrating, and this is truly something very damaging to our public life, that it has simply not matured to democracy. It is simply incapable of accepting certain rules associated with democracy. Culturally, it is deeply unconvinced of this, as I believe at least a certain part of the party's base, of its electoral base. Simply put, they do not understand these rules, it transcends their way of thinking - stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a press conference.


14:10

Kaczyński on Israel's Ambassador: Showing Determination Towards Israel is Very Necessary

- Regarding the statements of this gentleman [Israel's ambassador], they are indeed a huge problem. I believe that showing a certain determination towards Israel is very, very necessary, because the stance we have adopted since 1989 has completely failed, it has utterly failed, it has helped nothing in Polish-Israeli relations. The only success, and a greatly undervalued one at that, was the joint letter, a declaration by our Prime Minister and Prime Minister Netanyahu, which equates anti-Semitism and anti-Polonism, but it turns out that this does not work. And the issue of Palestine, the issue of the Gaza Strip, the issue of all that is happening there, I am deeply convinced that Israel is making a huge mistake here – stated Jarosław Kaczyński at a press conference in Warsaw.


14:52

Leszczyna:

Unfortunately, President Duda Proved to Be an Opponent of Preventing Unwanted Pregnancies

- Unfortunately, President Andrzej Duda has proven to be an opponent of preventing unwanted pregnancies. It is difficult to believe his motivation for the decision to veto the amendment to the Pharmaceutical Law. This motivation, which speaks of concern for young girls, for young people, does not stand up to logical scrutiny. Because if the President genuinely cared about young people in such a way as to protect them from safe contraception, he should have prepared a law prohibiting sexual intercourse until the age of 18. The President has not prepared such a law, nor have I heard of any intention to do so – stated Izabela Leszczyna at a press conference.


15:02

Leszczyna:

We Propose a Pilot Program Including Consultation and Prescription of Pharmaceutical Drugs

- We propose a regulation that facilitates access to emergency contraception, specifically the pill with an active substance, but it is also an educational program. We are talking about a pilot program that will last until 2026 and will cover the whole of Poland. This means that all pharmacies can join this program by signing an appropriate agreement with the National Health Fund. Pharmacists are individuals who have completed 5 years of medical studies. A Master of Pharmacy is a person who knows perfectly well how specific medications work and how they affect our bodies, including children and adolescents. I would definitely like to utilize the competencies of pharmacists more broadly than they have been utilized to date - stated Izabela Leszczyna at a press conference.


15:48

Trzaskowski:

We will constantly emphasize the importance of these elections, also to show that we do not agree to the centralization of power

- Tomorrow is the last day of the campaign, so we will constantly emphasize how important these elections are, also to show that we do not agree to the centralization of power, that strengthening local governments is absolutely necessary, because the previous government tried to destroy local governments, took away our money and prerogatives. This is confirmed by the Supreme Audit Office report, by the way - stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press briefing in Warsaw.


16:06

Sejmik Poll for TVN: Civic Coalition Just Ahead of PiS

An Opinia24 poll conducted on behalf of TVN's Fakty and TVN24 concerns support in elections for regional assemblies (sejmiks wojewódzkich).

Civic Coalition (KO) - 29%

Law and Justice (PiS) - 28%

Third Way - 11%

Other committee/local committee - 9%

Confederation - 8%

The Left - 7%

Non-partisan - 4%

Don't know/hard to say - 4%


17:02

Sikorski:

Putin Must Understand That NATO Is Prepared for a Protracted Conflict If Necessary
- It is important that Putin understands that we are planning for a few years if necessary. And that he is unable to win this in a few months or even a year or two. That as the North Atlantic Alliance, we are 20 times richer than him and that if necessary, we are capable of a protracted conflict – said Radosław Sikorski at a press briefing in Brussels, when asked about NATO's idea of creating a special fund to support Ukraine.

17:10

Sikorski:

We've Decided to Establish a NATO Mission, But That Doesn't Mean We're Entering the War
- We have made a decision to establish a NATO mission. This does not mean we are entering the war, but it does mean that we will now be able to utilize the Alliance's coordinating, training, and planning capabilities to support Ukraine in a more coordinated manner - said Radosław Sikorski at a press briefing in Brussels.

17:49

Czarzasty on KPO: I'll Remind Those Who Abstain from Voting That Poland Received These Funds Thanks to The Left
- When we talk about the European Union, I have to say this: do you remember how for two years we have all been waiting for funds from the European Union to come to Poland? How important and enormous these funds are for us? Well, I will remind you, I will remind those who abstained from voting at the time, that Poland received these funds thanks to The Left. [...] The Left voted, PiS voted, for which we were terribly reprimanded, but we, as The Left, have always been pro-state, we thought several years ahead – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in Sosnowiec.

18:00

Czarzasty:

Kukucki Secured 5 Billion PLN for Municipal Housing Construction
- I'll start with the younger generation, because listen, here's the thing. To have a sense of security, to be able to start a family, you need to have a place to live. [...] Is it normal that in Poland there is currently a shortage of 1.5 million apartments? The question is how to build these apartments. We spoke about this, without criticizing our absolutely allies in the government, that the interest rate rebate is only for those who have creditworthiness - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in Sosnowiec. - Let's do it the way Krzysztof Kukucki, the deputy mayor of Włocławek, and currently the minister responsible for this, did in Włocławek. Let's build apartments that will always be the property of local governments and will be available for affordable rent. [...] We are saying this clearly and precisely, we will deliver on this issue. Currently, the demand from local governments for the construction of this type of housing is at the level of 5 billion [PLN]. This year, Kukucki [...] has secured these funds for financing - he continued.

18:03

Czarzasty:

Those Hiding Behind the Conscience Clause in Hospitals Are People Without One
- We truly believe that hiding behind the conscience clause in hospitals means people without a conscience are hiding, we say this clearly, without a conscience. If you want to hide behind the conscience clause, don't become a doctor, because a doctor's purpose is to save people. Let the conscience clause be debated or voted on in a cathedral instead - Włodzimierz Czarzasty stated in Sosnowiec.

18:07

Czarzasty on the Parliamentary Majority: We Will Never Let This Coalition Collapse
- I want to say that this is currently a good government, which is a very difficult government. There are four groups that have to talk for a very long time to reach an agreement. There are things for us that are beyond discussion [...] but at many moments we argue about matters related to our program. But I want to give you a guarantee, three days before the elections: we will never allow this coalition to fall apart, for this coalition to disintegrate, because we believe in this coalition, because we believe that there is so much to clean up after PiS - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in Sosnowiec.

18:12

Czarzasty to Ziobro: Did you inform Blida before entering her home?
- They never anticipated that someone would come to their homes, some prosecutor's office, some services, and check their houses. After all, their homes are temples, this was never supposed to happen. Ziobro says, 'Well, they could have informed me,' so I ask you: did you inform Blida when you entered her home? Did you inform her about it? - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in Sosnowiec.

18:43

Hołownia:

We Can Achieve 15-16% in Voivodeship Assembly Elections

- I just saw what is probably one of the last polls published before the elections that will take place on Sunday. In it, we have 11%. I looked out of curiosity at our average poll result a day or two before the October 15th elections. It was 10.5%. We are genuinely capable of achieving 15-16% in the voivodeship assembly elections on a national scale, if we all utilize these 24 hours - stated Szymon Hołownia in Skarżysko-Kamienna.


18:51

Hołownia:

Tomorrow Pełczyńska-Nałęcz to Announce Largest Program for Local Governments, for Cities' Green Transformation

- I can say this here today. Tomorrow, Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz will announce the largest program for local governments, for cities' green transformation. PLN 40 billion in interest-free loans, a portion of which may be forgiven – stated Szymon Hołownia in Skarżysko-Kamienna.


19:03

Nowacka:

All Curatoriums to Investigate Reactions to Cases of Molestation and Sexual Violence Against Students Over the Past 8 Years
There will be no hiding and no tolerance for inaction when children are harmed. All curatoriums will investigate how cases of molestation and sexual violence against students were handled over the past 8 years - informed Minister Barbara Nowacka on Twitter.

21:06

Budka:

Competitive Selection Process Underway, All Key State Treasury Companies Will Be Covered, as Promised

- The competitive selection process is underway, and as we promised, all key state treasury companies will be subject to such procedures. The management board of Orlen consists of several individuals delegated by the supervisory board and is functioning normally. Meanwhile, the supervisory board is concluding the selection process, as 200 people have applied – stated Borys Budka in an interview with Monika Olejnik on the program "Kropka nad i" on TVN24.


21:08

Budka:

Surveillance of Sienkiewicz Ordered Amidst 2023 Election Campaign, Orlen Paid Nearly PLN 0.5 Million
I have documents with me that speak to the fact that, in my opinion, absolutely illegally, surveillance of Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz was commissioned in the midst of the 2023 election campaign, by an American entity, and Orlen signed an agreement. Orlen paid nearly PLN 0.5 million for this, to prepare such a short report concerning, pay attention, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz. […]. The report was ready on September 15, 2023, exactly one month before the elections, meaning in the midst of the election campaign, an American entity, using PKN Orlen's money, PLN 0.5 million allocated for this purpose, was conducting surveillance, preparing some report. Moreover, it's not a particularly interesting report, but the very fact that Obajtek decided on such actions means that the prosecutor's office must deal with these matters – stated Borys Budka on TVN24. - Andrzej Halicki, Marcin Kierwiński, Robert Kropiwnicki, Jan Grabiec, Marek Sowa – these were individuals who, on Orlen's orders, were surveilled by a private detective. And now the question arises. Did Mr. Obajtek not also surveil politicians from his own side, for example, Mr. Morawiecki, Mr. Sasin, Mr. Kaczyński? Why? Because this man was untouchable, I'm talking about Obajtek – he continued.

21:09

Budka:

Obajtek Had No Access to Intelligence Information, Yet Sasin Briefed Him On It

- Despite the fact that Obajtek did not have access to intelligence information, he did not pass through the vetting process of Polish services, and yet PiS politicians shared some documents with him, because it is visible in these documents. Jacek Sasin briefed Daniel Obajtek on intelligence information concerning Daniel Obajtek himself and his closest collaborators. If today we are talking about who should be held criminally responsible, then I say with full responsibility also Obajtek's political overseers. The documents of Polish services indicate 4 people who, according to the list, were supposed to have access to information concerning Orlen's board members; these were Prime Minister Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister Sasin, Deputy Prime Minister Kaczyński, and former MP Mariusz Kamiński – said Borys Budka on TVN24.