He's Ready to Form a Coalition with the Devil Just to Return to Power.
- Budka on Kaczyński
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07/25/2024
07:51
Thursday's Political Agenda: Sejm on Widow's Pension, Duda in Paris, PL2050 Club Meeting, Envelope Election Committee Report, Another Whistleblower for PiS Accountability Team
The Sejm will resume its proceedings at 9:00 AM with questions on current affairs, and at 11:15 AM – at the request of the PSL – there will be a current information session regarding a deregulation package for entrepreneurs.
From 12:45 PM to 5:00 PM, MPs will focus on, among other things: the report on the execution of the state budget for 2023, along with the Supreme Audit Office's (NIK) analysis of the state budget execution and monetary policy assumptions in 2023, as well as the committee's draft resolution on granting discharge, and the report on the activities of the National Bank of Poland (NBP) last year.
At 4:00 PM, the Sejm's investigative committee on envelope elections will present its draft final report.
Subsequently, at 5:00 PM, the second reading of the civic bill on widow's pension will take place. In a statement published on Tuesday, the government expressed its support for the project, noting that it requires adaptation to the state budget's financial capabilities – therefore, the submission of amendments can be expected.
President Andrzej Duda begins his visit to Paris in connection with his participation in the Opening Ceremony of the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games. At 5:00 PM, he will attend the "Sports for Sustainable Development" Summit; he will be welcomed by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach. Afterwards, at 8:00 PM, he will participate in a formal dinner.
At 10:00 AM, the parliamentary club Poland 2050-Third Way will hold an open session. At 10:15 AM, the party leader, Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia, is scheduled to speak. Additionally, parliamentarians and government members will also attend the session.
A press conference is scheduled for 11:00 AM with the participation of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, and the Deputy Minister, Aleksandra Gajewska, dedicated to a program for municipalities lacking nursery care within the framework of Active Maluch – "First Daily Caregiver in the Municipality".
At 9:00 AM, a press conference will be held in the Sejm with Daniel Milewski, Kacper Płażyński, Iwona Arent, and Jan Kanthak, along with PiS MPs who are delegates to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Further press conferences by PiS MPs are planned for 2:00 PM (with the participation of Krzysztof Szczucki, Przemysław Czarnek, Michał Wójcik, and Mariusz Krystian) and at 2:30 PM, featuring Zbigniew Bogucki, Marcin Horała, and Łukasz Kmita.
At 2:00 PM, the meeting of the team for accountability of PiS governments will commence, with the participation of Civic Platform (KO) parliamentarians: Roman Giertych, Katarzyna Kierzek-Koperska, Piotr Głowski, Karolina Pawliczak, and Aleksandra Wiśniewska. The session is expected to address "matters related to the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) and the Supreme Court (SN)". Yesterday, Roman Giertych announced that "unless something unexpected happens," another whistleblower will appear at the session. "I've heard many things about PiS already, but this story sent shivers down my spine," Giertych stated.
07:58
Domański on the excise tax increase:
The economic accessibility of cigarettes in Poland has radically increased.
- The excise tax increase [on cigarettes] will come into effect next year, in 2025, because the economic accessibility of cigarettes in Poland has radically increased. In 2015, an average salary could buy about 290 packs of cigarettes, and currently it's 490. And we have the second cheapest cigarettes in the entire EU, only Bulgaria has cheaper ones. Our excise tax is also at a low level - stated Andrzej Domański on TVN24’s “Jeden na jeden”.
- We are increasing the excise tax percentage-wise, and this excise tax on cigarettes will increase by 25% next year. The excise tax will also rise on other tobacco-containing products - the Minister of Finance continued.
08:03
Domański:
We Don't Plan to Raise Alcohol Excise Duty. We Will Discuss 'Małpki' with Leszczyna
- No, we do not plan to raise excise duty on alcohol at the moment. The so-called roadmap for excise duty in the area of alcohol is being maintained. Excise duty already constitutes a significant portion of the alcohol price. However, I would like to point out that the very high sales of so-called 'małpki' (small bottles of spirits), which are flooding Polish cities, are still causing concern - stated Andrzej Domański in "Jeden na jeden" on TVN24.
- We will still discuss this [with Minister Leszczyna]. We do not plan to change the roadmap regarding excise duty on alcohol. We will still talk with the Minister of Health about specific actions that could be taken - added the Minister of Finance.
08:10
Domański on Health Contribution Changes:
I Would Like the Solution to Be Developed Within the Next Few Weeks.
Everyone, I urge you to discuss healthcare financing and to find a good solution. I am absolutely convinced that we will find such a solution because there is willingness from the coalition partners - stated Andrzej Domański on TVN24's "Jeden na jeden" program.
I would like us to have one common government project. It seems to me that this is the only right direction. We know that we need to lower the health contribution for entrepreneurs. I believe that a compromise will be found here, and a joint project is, in my opinion, the best solution. I would like this solution to be developed within the next few weeks. There is really no time to delay - he added.
08:38
Sikorski:
I would ask the President to adhere to the Foreign Service Act he himself signed
- I would ask the President, just as he adhered to the government's position in China and fulfilled the Council of Ministers' request, to adhere to the Council of Ministers' position in Washington, and for Poland to be properly represented by both the government and the President, he could adhere to the Foreign Service Act, passed by the previous government and signed by him, which clearly states the procedure for appointing and recalling ambassadors - said Radosław Sikorski in an interview with Tomasz Terlikowski on RMF FM.
08:54
Sikorski on the Klich Affair:
I Cannot Allow PiS Delusions to Dictate MFA's Personnel Policy.
- I cannot agree to PiS delusions dictating the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' personnel policy, the delusion that Klich is responsible for the Smoleńsk crash. Let them show a shred of evidence for that. Klich was a minister then, just as Andrzej Duda was a minister, and they bear the same responsibility for this alleged attack, meaning none - said Radosław Sikorski in the "Morning Interview" on RMF FM.
09:05
Kamiński:
I am a proponent of liberal solutions, the time for compromise on abortion has ended
- This is what Kosiniak is always talking about, which I, on the other hand, do not support; I don't think it's worth returning to compromise. I am a proponent of liberal solutions, I believe that in Poland, the time for compromise on abortion [...] has ended. What's more, I believe today that this compromise, the so-called compromise, has been negated by the church side, by Catholics, conventionally speaking, in Poland. In Poland, there existed [...] a system extremely favorable to Catholics [...] accepted by everyone, led by Aleksander Kwaśniewski and Donald Tusk. [...]. I honestly thought for many years that if anyone were to question this compromise, this very good compromise for the Church, it would be the left in Poland [...] and in Poland, something astonishing happened: the beneficiaries of the so-called compromise, i.e., the Church and the so-called Catholic movement in Poland, despite being beneficiaries of the compromise, questioned it, because they said "we want more" - said Michał Kamiński in an interview with Renata Grochal on the program "Bez uników" on Trójka.
- If someone is greedy, they should be punished as an example for their greed - he continued.
- If someone is greedy, they should be punished as an example for their greed - he continued.
09:07
Sikorski on Magierowski: We Tried to Handle This Smoothly, and We Received Corporate-Like Demands
- Mr. Magierowski has been at his post for six years. A Polish ambassador typically serves 3-4 years. Precisely to facilitate a smooth transition in Washington, the ambassador was initially offered one, then another, and a third consecutive posting. He refused. We proposed another posting. He accepted, and after some time changed his mind - said Radosław Sikorski in the "Morning Interview" on RMF FM.
- While still in Washington, just a couple of weeks ago, I reiterated the initial proposal. We genuinely tried to handle this smoothly. After which, we received demands reminiscent of a corporation, not the foreign service. This is not how it works. Service to Poland cannot be a means of getting rich - he continued.
Sikorski confirmed that Magierowski was offered postings in Argentina and Chile. - Ambassador Magierowski is an Iberian studies specialist, knowledgeable about Latin America, and speaks Spanish, so he received another, third consecutive offer. This is truly a generous gesture from the ministry. Unfortunately, he chose a different path - he stated.
09:08
Kamiński:
No grounds to blame Tusk for failing to deliver 100% of his promises
- He promised things to people, but Donald Tusk has never achieved an independent majority in Poland, so here, you can't actually blame Donald Tusk for being unable to fulfill 100% of his promises - Michał Kamiński said on Trójka.
- Kaczyński did have that, he seized power independently twice and did as he pleased - he continued.
09:11
Kamiński:
If the ladies from The Left continue to drench PSL MPs' offices with buckets of slop, I doubt they'll convince them to change their minds
- If the ladies from The Left continue to drench PSL MPs' offices with buckets of slop, often literally, I doubt they will convince them to change their minds. Even more so because PSL MPs see how well The Left is doing by waving the abortion banner. Because for now, The Left is losing the most - said Michał Kamiński on Trójka.
09:14
PSL Dared to Stand Against Polish Bishops. Kamiński on Abortion Proposals
- PSL had the courage to stand against Polish bishops, who said: never a referendum on abortion topics. Polish bishops want to deny Poles the right to express themselves on abortion in a referendum. Polish bishops believe, and PSL does not believe, that in moral matters it is permissible to vote in the Sejm [...] because Polish bishops believe that 100 senators and 460 MPs are much easier to control than 40 million Poles, and therefore bishops in Poland do not want a referendum, while PSL wants a referendum - said Michał Kamiński on Trójka.
09:17
Sikorski:
Israel Has Agreed to Accept a New Polish Ambassador
- Indeed, we have received Israel's agreement to accept a highly qualified former Polish state official [as ambassador]. [...] Regarding our representation in Brussels, the president reached an agreement with the Prime Minister himself, and yet he still doesn't sign - Radosław Sikorski stated in the "Morning Conversation" on RMF FM.
- It cannot be the case that the president dictates the HR policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years, for a time when he will no longer be president. The president signs appointments of ministers, professors, but that doesn't mean he decides who will be a minister, a professor, or an ambassador - he assessed.
- I don't want to say - he replied, when asked who the candidate for ambassador to Israel is.
09:21
Over Giertych:
In PO, Tusk's Will Trumps All Other Agreements." Kamiński on the "Protective Umbrella
- Apparently there is [a protective umbrella over Giertych], apparently the Civic Platform party is a party where Donald Tusk's will is above any other agreements. One can say something else, and Donald Tusk will say that Giertych is allowed. Sługocki, the deputy minister [...] was humiliated, thrown out, and everyone knows that Giertych is laughing about it, because he has anti-abortion views and everyone knows he will never vote for any pro-abortion bill - said Michał Kamiński in Trójka.
09:25
Kamiński:
The President took offense at the police instead of thanking them for removing criminals from his home
- If the president lets [...] criminals into [...] the palace at his disposal, he must reckon with the police entering and removing those criminals. He should rather be grateful. Every Pole, when bandits enter their apartment and the police come and remove the bandits from that Pole's apartment, that Pole is happy and thanks the police. The president, instead of thanking the police for removing two criminals from his home, took offense at them – said Michał Kamiński on Trójka.
09:31
Kamiński:
The President Harbors a Delusional Hope of Playing a Role in Building a Post-PiS Era. Two Centers Are Already Competing in a Game That's Underway
- In my opinion, the President today harbors a very delusional hope that his people and he will play some role in building a post-PiS era. But they won't. There are already two centers between which the game will unfold, and this game is already happening today [...] it truly consists today of the gradual, de facto, non-deliberate elimination of Jarosław Kaczyński from politics, because we have the Morawiecki center [...] and we have the more conservative center crystallizing very strongly around Czarnek - said Michał Kamiński on Trójka.
09:40
Morawiecki Wants to Present Kaczyński with a Done Deal. Kamiński on PiS's Presidential Candidate
- If you ask me who is technically best prepared for the presidential election today, I will answer with regret: Mateusz Morawiecki. [...] Best prepared today, unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, because it will tear PiS apart, for the presidential election, he has a ready machine and his people know that he is to be president, and that is the most important thing in this business, and he has money, he has structure, he has an idea for a presidential campaign - said Michał Kamiński on Trójka.
- Trzaskowski doesn't know if he will be a presidential candidate [...] on our side, it's unknown who will be the presidential candidate [...] by necessity, personally, no one on our side is yet prepared for these elections, and on the PiS side, Morawiecki is preparing for it. What will he do with this preparation? [...] My thesis is that Morawiecki wants to present Kaczyński with a done deal, corner him. Meaning, his campaign will be so inflated and everyone will see how professional it is, that Kaczyński will say "there's no way out, we have to" - he continued.
09:40
Sikorski Asked About Banning PiS; Responds When It Would Be "On the Agenda"
- I believe we were elected, among other reasons, to stop the plundering of public money, the squandering. What Grzegorz Schetyna once called locusts, for which he was criticized, and today it turns out the scale of these misappropriations was much greater than we even thought then - said Radosław Sikorski in the "Morning Interview" on RMF FM.
- I don't think there's a chance for this [banning PiS] here, because if memory serves me correctly, the Constitutional Tribunal plays a role here, which is usurped by people like Piotrowicz and Pawłowicz, meaning PiS soldiers. I believe we must do what is right, but also what is effective - he continued.
- If it were to turn out that through the plundering of public money, PiS actually tried to change the state system, or tried to manipulate institutions in such a way as to effectively deprive Poles of democracy, then this matter [banning PiS] would be put on the agenda, I think - he emphasized.
09:46
Leszczyna on Proceeding with Further Abortion Liberalization Bills:
I Agree with the Prime Minister
- I agree with the Prime Minister, who clearly stated: until we are sure that there is a majority in this Sejm for the liberalization of abortion law, there is no point in introducing further bills, because why should we once again give women hope that things will be normal, as in all other civilized countries in the world, and then have to explain ourselves again – stated Izabela Leszczyna on the program "Gość Poranka" on TVP Info.
- As for depenalization, I hope that a few colleagues will come to their senses and perhaps this bill is also important to pass – she added.
09:47
Leszczyna Criticizes Petru's Health Contribution Idea:
Irresponsible and Unrealistic
- The proposal by Mr. Ryszard Petru [regarding the health contribution], because that's what I'm talking about, and I'm not aware of any other proposal from TD, so this proposal is irresponsible. In fact, I could say: if Mr. Ryszard Petru wants the health contribution to look like it does in his proposal, then he must become the Minister of Health – stated Izabela Leszczyna on TVP Info.
- Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz is also a doctor, let's not forget. I would be very happy to talk with the Prime Minister and tell him about the patients' needs, and I am convinced that the Prime Minister will also understand my reasoning, as the Minister of Health, and we will find a compromise – she continued.
09:48
Leszczyna Sets New Deadline for Ban on Cigarette, "Single-Use" Vape, and Alcohol Sales at Gas Stations
- The project [for a ban on the sale of single-use electronic cigarettes] has undergone public consultations and is now back on track in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. Of course, I said and wanted it to be [implemented sooner], but it didn't happen, primarily because it turned out that even this project, which seems obvious to me, needs to be notified to the European Commission, so there's probably no chance before January 1, 2025 – Izabela Leszczyna said on TVP Info.
- Similarly, this project [for a ban on alcohol at gas stations] is ready and is already on the track in the government's work programming team. I know that I will appear in the Sejm with these projects, if not in the first session after the summer break, then in the next one. The ban on sales [would only apply] during night hours, from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM – she added.
10:03
"Work Will Resume Full Steam After the Holidays'. Kierwiński on the Liquidation of the Church Fund
- We have prepared analyses of precise solutions regarding how such matters are handled in other countries. These reports have been delivered to the head of the [inter-ministerial] team working on the liquidation of the Church Fund, Mr. Kosiniak-Kamysz, and – from what I know – work is underway – said Marcin Kierwiński in an interview with Marcin Fijołek on Polsat News' "Graffiti".
- This is a difficult problem, there is no doubt about that. Because everyone looks at this problem through the prism of the Catholic Church. But please recall that a few years ago, when the first attempts to change the Church Fund were made, it was the small churches that raised the most objections, wanting to somehow survive and have funding – he continued.
- But I think that work will resume full steam right after the holidays – he emphasized.
Asked if the prolonged work of the team was due to Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's conservatism, Kierwiński replied: - No. I remember, it was one of the first government meetings. Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz himself wanted to head this team, he wanted to deal with this matter, so he probably realized that it would be a difficult thing to agree on within the coalition. But here I am an optimist, because I know how those conversations went.
10:08
Kierwiński on the Coalition: The Protocol of Disagreements is Long, but on Fundamental Matters, We Speak with One Voice
- We are getting along. All fundamental issues, meaning security matters, Poland's position on the international stage, European funds, internal security - all are being implemented without friction - said Marcin Kierwiński in "Graffiti" on Polsat News.
- This is a difficult coalition, because it is a coalition that has both a left wing and a right wing. We are not one party. The protocol of disagreements is long, but on fundamental matters, we speak with one voice - he assured.
10:18
Kierwiński on Giertych:
Effectively Tracks PiS, But Has No Special Rights in the KO Club.
- Roman Giertych is a person who has been tracking PiS for many, many years, and it's clear he's doing it quite effectively. The very hatred towards Giertych shown by PiS politicians indicates that they are very afraid of him – said Marcin Kierwiński in “Graffiti” on Polsat News.
- No, he does not have special rights [in the KO club], which is why he was punished. He was suspended, which is actually the second most serious penalty in the rules of any parliamentary club. This is a strong penalty because it is associated with the loss of his position as deputy head of the club. […] Donald Tusk immediately commented on this matter, even before the government's critics had time to go wild on Twitter, Donald Tusk had already reacted. Because this vote was extremely important for us, as KO – he continued.
10:26
Kierwiński:
The commission of inquiry into 'envelope elections' brought no new knowledge, but showed how PiS politicians lie
- In this matter [of the envelope elections], I truly believe that much has already been analyzed and essentially, we already have full knowledge. That this [investigative] commission did not bring much new knowledge – said Marcin Kierwiński on Polsat News's "Graffiti".
- No [the money was not wasted]. It was necessary for one reason: to see how PiS politicians, questioned by this commission, reacted in this matter. [...] Many of them, in my opinion, should have been charged for lying to the commission – he stated.
- I know that they all suffered from such mass amnesia: no one remembers anything, one blames another. But there are specific documents, signatures that they made. If they are saying today before the investigative commission that they don't remember, then I believe the prosecutor's office should also deal with this matter – he assessed.
12:41
PiS Demands Release of Footage from Border Incident Involving Soldiers Firing Weapons
- We demand that the public be allowed to see this video [of soldiers using weapons at the border]. Previously, we saw leaks to media outlets associated with the December 13 coalition, leaks where the message was manipulated, where a narrative was created regarding this event. Therefore, the public should form their own opinion on this incident from the end of March this year. And the second demand is that we are calling for the dissolution of the team within Adam Bodnar's prosecutor's office, a team tasked with pressing charges against Polish soldiers and Border Guard officers for using their weapons – said Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference.
- What the December 13 coalition is doing jeopardizes the security of the Republic of Poland because their actions are paralyzing soldiers. These attacks have been constant since the autumn of 2021. For the Polish border to be effectively defended, the authorities must support soldiers and border guards. The authorities, led by Donald Tusk, are not doing this, in our assessment – he continued.
13:03
Hołownia:
There is no crisis in the coalition. However, the coalition has a serious crisis in telling its own story
- My answer is always the same. There is no crisis in the coalition. However, the coalition has a serious crisis in telling its own story, it has a serious crisis in communicating itself. That today, we, as the team of October 15th, should responsibly respond to the responsibility shown by our voters - stated Szymon Hołownia during the parliamentary club meeting of Poland 2050.
- Poland 2050 is a stable pillar of the October 15th coalition and will remain a stable pillar of the October 15th coalition - he added.
13:04
Hołownia Suggests Possibility of Agreement on Health Contribution
- Today we need more stories about cooperation, showing that the differences between us, as in the case of the health contribution, how much media blood has been shed around this topic, and it turns out that most likely we are able to reach an agreement and bring a solution - stated Szymon Hołownia during a meeting of the parliamentary club of Poland 2050.
13:08
Hołownia:
Poland 2050 is Energy for the Future
- Poland 2050 is energy for the future. It is about energy for the future, it is about energy, and it is about the future – stated Szymon Hołownia during the parliamentary club meeting of Poland 2050.
13:08
Hołownia:
Photovoltaics Will Be Profitable Again in Poland
- Photovoltaics will be profitable again in Poland, and we will ensure this; we will be advocates for it wherever it needs to be discussed - stated Szymon Hołownia during a meeting of the parliamentary club of Poland 2050.
13:11
Hołownia:
PiS Must Be Held Accountable Without a Doubt. But How Long Will We Hold Them Accountable? The Entire Term?
- Of course, without a doubt [PiS must be held accountable]. But for God's sake, how long are we still going to hold them accountable? Are we going to spend the entire term on this? They must be held accountable unconditionally, firmly, decisively, and quickly, and we must immediately move on to what those who elected us are waiting for - stated Szymon Hołownia during a meeting of the parliamentary club of Poland 2050.
13:15
Hołownia:
We Will Have Tough Conversations with Our Coalition Partners About Everything
- We will have tough conversations with our coalition partners about everything. Both about the widow's pension and about the health contribution, and about various other proposals that appear on the table, because we are Poland 2050. Our goal is to secure the future energy supply for our country - stated Szymon Hołownia during a meeting of the Poland 2050 parliamentary club.
14:13
Giertych Introduces a New Whistleblower at the PiS Accountability Team Meeting:
His Information Takes on a Completely New Meaning.
- Today, our guest is Judge Arkadiusz Cichocki, a judge of the District Court in Gliwice [...]. Today, we will tell you and discuss a topic that seems to be one of the most serious issues concerning the security and functioning of the state, as well as the safety of all citizens who have ever used Polish courts. We are talking here about threads related to the spy scandal involving Judge Szmydt's departure from Poland to Belarus. We are talking about actions taken by the highest officials of the Polish state, which aimed to centralize knowledge about citizens, about judges, about prosecutors into one pair of hands, into the hands of, as we now know, a Belarusian or Russian spy – said Roman Giertych at the meeting of the PiS Accountability Team.
- Judge Cichocki appeared in the media several times during the PiS government's rule, describing the so-called 'hater scandal.' Now, in the context of Tomasz Szmydt's defection, his information takes on a completely new meaning and a completely new character. I will add that the judge is a whistleblower; he provided his information to law enforcement agencies in a timely and appropriate manner. We must inform you that there is a motion to lift his immunity as part of the proceedings concerning the so-called 'hater scandal,' although, of course, a large portion of the information regarding this scandal comes precisely from him – he continued.
14:38
Cichocki:
Szmydt Was Supposed to Become the Most Important Person in the National Council of the Judiciary
- The most important point of the National Council of the Judiciary, which deals with the substantive service of its work, is the office of the National Council. I know that Tomasz Szmydt was supposed to become the director of this office, meaning the most important person in the National Council of the Judiciary responsible for its servicing - said judge Arkadiusz Cichocki at a meeting of the PiS Accountability Team.
14:46
KRS Chairman Acted on Piebiak's Recommendation; Cichocki on Position Szmydt Was Supposed to Receive
- The reaction from the then-chairman of the National Council of the Judiciary, Judge Leszek Mazur, was that yes, he knew who this person was, that he had already decided to appoint him to a directorial position, that for him it was an enigmatic individual, but Minister Łukasz Piebiak had indicated him, so he was actually acting on the recommendation of Łukasz Piebiak, as Deputy Minister of Justice - stated Judge Arkadiusz Cichocki at a meeting of the PiS Accountability Team.
- Mr. Łukasz Piebiak, there is evidence for this, indicated Judge Tomasz Szmydt as the head of the legal office of the National Council of the Judiciary. What kind of materials did this office have access to, Mr. Judge? - asked Roman Giertych.
- It had access to the materials it needed. If the office was asked to provide an opinion on a certain matter, it received the relevant materials. There is no closed catalogue of materials that the office could have. Since the office is responsible for supporting the council's activities and prepares everything the council needs, it could be any information - replied Judge Arkadiusz Cichocki.
14:52
Cichocki:
Szmydt Asked Me If I'd Ever Consider Living Near Moscow
- I see our public emergence into the media as a definitive turning point, but before that, within the circle of judges generally associated with the 'good change' [referring to a period of conservative rule in Poland], one could hear statements to the effect of 'this government will eventually pass, and then we can expect to be held accountable' more than once or twice. [...] At the time, I perceived this as a perhaps unserious remark, but then Judge Szmydt approached me, seemingly as someone he trusted, and asked if I would ever consider living near Moscow, if I saw such a possibility, if I wouldn't be interested, if I wouldn't want to change my current location, my place for future life. Back then, I treated it as a joke, perhaps a form of ironic commentary on what awaited us, but in the context of subsequent events, it became a disturbing issue for me. His departure abroad, however, was an absolute shock to me - said Judge Arkadiusz Cichocki at a meeting of the PiS accountability team.
15:33
Cichocki on How Support Was Garnered for KRS Nominations:
If They Want to Keep Their Delegations, They'd Better Sign.
- The deadline for submitting candidates was approaching. To nominate a candidate, one needed to gather support. 25 judges could grant their support. I didn't have such support, and I had no chance of getting it. The 'fax president' isn't liked, he wasn't liked in his court and couldn't count on any support. I told him [Piebiak] that time was running out, that I had no chance of gathering support, and besides, I was in Warsaw at the moment, and I adjudicate in a Gliwice court, which is 300 kilometers away. I wouldn't have time to get back there, find 25 volunteers who would risk, I don't know why, by signing, to which I received the answer that it wasn't a problem - Judge Arkadiusz Cichocki said at a meeting of the PiS Accountability Team.
- Why wasn't it a problem? I received the answer that we are in the Ministry of Justice building. Judges on delegation work here. We'll walk down the corridors, if they want to be on delegation, let them sign. This meant that judges who had never known me, I had never been an employee of the Ministry of Justice, I had never been delegated there, I basically didn't know anyone there personally either. It turned out that a group of 25 people would be found in the corridors of the Ministry of Justice or in rooms, if they want to keep their delegation, it's better for them to sign - he continued.
- I'm talking about my case, that this is how the acquisition of support votes for me was supposed to look like. I don't know what it looked like in other cases, perhaps there were people who gathered support because they enjoyed the backing of their community - he went on to say.
- For a long time, these lists were not revealed to anyone, and the names appearing on these lists were never supposed to become public knowledge. Because it would turn out which names appeared on these lists. Firstly, that one name could appear multiple times on different lists. According to my memory, a record holder signed 7 or 8 support lists. It could have happened that a judge supported himself, this is a known case of Judge Maciej Nawacki. It could have happened that someone withdrew their support, and the withdrawal of support would be treated differently - he added.
15:39
State of Public Finances at the End of 2023. Morawiecki Publishes Charts
- What was the state of public finances at the end of 2023? There was a clear DECREASE IN DEBT; Poland's public debt was lower than the EU average, and also... we were not subject to the excessive deficit procedure - and look what's happening today! - wrote Mateusz Morawiecki on Twitter. The former Prime Minister also published a recording with charts concerning economic data.
Jaki był stan finansów publicznych na koniec 2023 roku?
— Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) July 25, 2024
??
✅ Nastąpił wyraźny SPADEK ZADŁUŻENIA;
✅ Dług publiczny Polski był niższy niż średnia UE, a także...
✅ ...nie objęto nas procedurą nadmiernego deficytu - a co dziś się dzieje!@pisorgpl pic.twitter.com/ZBKdnZqUxY
16:13
Giertych on the Judiciary Under PiS Rule:
We Were a Step Away from a Russian System.
- We learned today, at least I learned a few days ago from a judge, that we were dealing with a potential data leak from the National Council of the Judiciary, that Mr. Szmydt could have had access to the data of all citizens in common courts, meaning every case of every citizen. Ladies and gentlemen, these are 10 million people who might have been transmitting their data to the common court system during that time. We don't know what happened to this information – stated Roman Giertych at a press conference.
- Presenting this in its entirety by a person who was at the heart of this system, who – as you heard at the end – apologizes for being at its heart and for participating in it, I would call this a broad political corruption that concerned judges. In my opinion, it was very valuable for all of us to be aware of how close we were to a situation where our judiciary would have a Russian character, indeed Russian. And this Szymdt, who appears here, who encourages us to think about a lifetime vacation in Moscow, is a symbol of the direction this was heading, that we were going towards Russia – he added.
16:24
Giertych Appeals for Accelerated Accountability Process:
Without Institutional Change, There Will Be No Real Accountability for PiS.
"There was an entire corrupt system that created not an independent National Council of the Judiciary, but was simply an organ, a brazen organ of the Ministry of Justice, and we must finally stop this, because these nominations are still happening. The President, by breaking the constitution, is nominating new judges, especially new judges to the Supreme Court, and our reaction must be firm. We cannot forget that the citizens obliged us on October 15th to achieve real accountability, and there will be no real accountability if we do not address these institutions that are still today creating new so-called judges, who issue pseudo-verdicts and who are shaping this judiciary against any principle of judicial independence," said Roman Giertych at a press conference.
18:51
Report from the Inquiry Committee on Envelope Elections: Criminal Notifications Filed Against Kaczyński, Morawiecki, and Others
The inquiry committee investigating the envelope elections presented its report in the Sejm. Among the committee's conclusions were notifications to the prosecutor's office regarding the potential commission of crimes by, among others, Jarosław Kaczyński, Mateusz Morawiecki, Michał Dworczyk, Elżbieta Witek, Jacek Sasin, Artur Soboń, and Mariusz Kamiński.
19:44
Leszczyna on the Potential Lifting of Morawiecki and Kaczyński's Immunity:
Justice Will Reach Those Who Thought They Were Above the Law and Justice.
- I believe it is very good that justice will reach those who thought they were above the law and justice. I don't think anyone was under the illusion that if 70 million zlotys are spent in a completely illegal manner, one can avoid responsibility - said Izabela Leszczyna in a conversation with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News, when asked about the announced requests to lift the immunity of Mateusz Morawiecki and Jarosław Kaczyński.
19:47
Leszczyna:
There Will Be as Much Money for Healthcare as Stipulated in the Expenditure Act, 7% of GDP by 2027
- There will be as much money as stipulated in the expenditure act, which shows the path to reaching 7% of GDP by 2027 - said Izabela Leszczyna on Polsat News, when asked about more funding for healthcare.
19:52
Leszczyna on the new competition:
I encourage hospitals to use KPO funds.
- On September 1st, I am announcing a competition for 1.2 billion zlotys for hospitals, including those with problems, so they can convert unprofitable beds, for example, those lacking sufficient occupancy for an entire ward, into long-term care beds. They should apply to the National Health Fund (NFZ) for a contract for these beds, as we need long-term care beds and geriatric care, especially in the eastern part of the country. I encourage all healthcare providers and hospitals to utilize the funds from the KPO - said Izabela Leszczyna on Polsat News.
19:57
Leszczyna on Petru and his calculations regarding the health contribution:
I hope he misspoke.
- I absolutely think that Mr. Ryszard Petru is a person suited for almost any position [...] there is one condition: if he puts a bill on the health contribution on the table, the cost of which for the system, i.e., the deficit of money in the healthcare system, is PLN 69 billion, he cannot say that it is PLN 16 billion. I hope he misspoke - said Izabela Leszczyna in Polsat News.
20:04
"I'll gladly listen to proposals on how to reduce economic accessibility." Leszczyna announces talks with Domański about so-called "małpki"
- We cannot ban the sale of "małpki". "Małpki" are truly a source, I can boldly say, they are a source of evil, they are completely unnecessary for life. I am meeting with Minister Domański tomorrow and I will gladly listen to proposals, of course I will also bring my own, on how to make the economic accessibility of such alcohol simply lower and unprofitable - said Izabela Leszczyna in Polsat News.
- Yes [I want prices to be raised] - she continued.
20:12
Sikorski:
I counted on Magierowski's professionalism. Recalling after 6 years of service is not repression
- I counted on Marek Magierowski's professionalism. He received serious proposals. This is his second consecutive posting, he has been an ambassador for six years. Being recalled to the country under these circumstances is really not repression. And he could have continued to serve. He chose a different path - it's a shame - said Radosław Sikorski in an interview with Anita Werner on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach".
20:16
Sikorski on the Democratic Party’s Invitation:
I Wouldn’t Use It, It Would Be a Step Too Far.
– I wouldn't do that – Radosław Sikorski said on TVN24’s “Fakty po Faktach,” when asked about Marcin Mastalerek and Wojciech Kolarski’s participation in the Republican Party convention.
– For example, I have an invitation to the convention of the second-largest party, but I won’t use it because I believe it would be a step too far – he stated.
20:26
Sikorski:
Klich Did Not Order Pilots to Land in Fog
- This is accusing Senator Klich as if he had any part in what PiS considers the Smolensk 'attack', or even an accident. Senator Klich did not order the pilots to land in fog - Radosław Sikorski stated on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach" (Facts After Facts).
- President Andrzej Duda was also a minister at the time in the office responsible for organizing that visit – the Chancellery of the President. Their responsibility – Klich's and President Duda's – for this alleged 'attack' is the same, meaning none - he continued.
20:31
Sikorski to Duda on Ambassadors: I Request the Legal Basis for This Constitutional Strike
- The motion was unanimously adopted by the Sejm's Foreign Affairs Committee, asking the President to finally begin performing his constitutional role and sign ambassadorial dismissals and appointments. The President is not providing a legal basis for refusing to perform these functions - said Radosław Sikorski in "Fakty po Faktach" on TVN24.
- During the previous government, the Act on Foreign Service was passed, which precisely outlines the procedure, and I follow this procedure. Yet, the President is not fulfilling his constitutional role. […] He is not appointing ambassadors who have already gone through the entire process - he continued.
- I request the legal basis for this constitutional strike - he concluded.
20:44
Sikorski Lists:
Trump Was Right on Certain Matters,
- Donald Trump was right on certain matters. He was right when he told his European allies, in his style, that they should spend more on armaments. And they started spending more - said Radosław Sikorski in "Fakty po Faktach" on TVN24.
- It was under Trump that Ukraine received its first Javelin missiles. It was under Trump, it must be admitted, that sanctions were imposed on Nord Stream. So we will not bet all our Polish chips on one side of the field - he continued.
20:57
Sikorski Assures: Coalition Will Reach End of Term with Great Successes
- There are always creaks in any coalition, but I assure you, we will reach the end of our term with great successes - stated Radosław Sikorski on TVN24's "Fakty po Faktach" (Facts after Facts).
22:11
Egotistical Giertych is Becoming a Problem for the Democratic Majority. Śmiszek on the Meeting with Cichocki
- Calling Cichocki a whistleblower is an insult to all brave individuals who report irregularities and scams. One cannot be a whistleblower after discovering villainy! Cichocki is not a whistleblower, and the egotistical Giertych is becoming a problem for the democratic majority - Krzysztof Śmiszek wrote on Twitter.
Nazywanie Cichockiego sygnalistą to policzek dla wszystkich odważnych osób, które zgłaszają nieprawidłowości i przekręty.
— Krzysztof Śmiszek (@K_Smiszek) July 25, 2024
Nie można być sygnalistą po wykryciu łajdactwa!
Cichocki nie jest sygnalistą, a egotyczny Giertych staje się problemem demokratycznej większości.
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