Live Feed

07/26/2024

07:36

Friday's Political Agenda: Secret Sejm Session, Senate Amendments Vote, KRRiT and RMN Reports

At 9:00, a secret session of the Sejm will commence, lasting until 10:30. The agenda includes the dismissal of members of the State Commission for Counteracting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors under 15 – Hanna Elżanowska and Barbara Chrobak. At 11:00, the resumption of public deliberations is planned.

At 11:00, the Sejm will hear the report of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) on its activities in 2023, followed by information on the activities of the National Media Council (RMN) in 2023. At 13:15, the second reading of the draft amendments to the Sejm's standing orders will begin.

At 11:00, a press conference will be held in the Sejm by PiS MPs Kacper Płażyński, Janusz Cieszyński, Janusz Kowalski, and Andrzej Śliwka.

At 14:45, the second reading of the draft resolution ordering the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) to conduct an audit of the activities of the National Broadcasting Council and other relevant bodies in the scope of fulfilling their constitutional and statutory obligations will commence.

At 17:00, voting will begin, including: a vote on the Senate's amendment regarding the amendment of the Penal Code – concerning a change in the definition of rape, as well as the upper chamber's amendments to the amendment of the Copyright Law and amendments to certain laws aimed at improving the actions of the Polish Armed Forces, Police, and Border Guard in the event of a state security threat.

Between 18:30 and 20:00, the Sejm will hear information on the activities of the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) in 2023.

Also today, two non-public sessions of the Pegasus investigative committee will be held – at 9:00 and 12:30.


08:00

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

The Widow's Pension is Not Just a Benefit for the Elderly Themselves
- The widow's pension is not just a benefit for the elderly themselves. Of course, it will go directly to pensioners, both male and female, but by making them slightly more independent, slightly more financially self-sufficient, it will also relieve the burden on younger individuals, their children, and their grandchildren – said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk in an interview with Marcin Fijołek on Polsat News' 'Graffiti'.

08:07

Dziemianowicz-Bąk on the Funeral Benefit Increase Project:

No Disturbances.
- I think we will reach an agreement [with the Ministry of Finance regarding the funeral benefit increase], moreover, we already reached an agreement at the Economic Committee of the Council of Ministers stage, even before this project was included in the government's legislative work schedule [...] At the moment, the project is at the stage of being sent to the Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on Polsat News. - Such is the role of the finance minister, to point out that what entails costs, entails costs. I understand the finance minister, as we are indeed in a situation of fiscal and financial strain due to the excessive deficit procedure, but I keep repeating that one does not start savings with those who are most in need - she continued. - At this moment, there are no disturbances; the project will go to the Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers, and then only to the Council of Ministers - she added.

08:10

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

We cannot say that just because Brussels said something, we will implement it without looking at social consequences
- We cannot say that just because Brussels said something, we will implement it without looking at social consequences. As The Left in government, we always repeat that the energy transformation must be, above all, a socially just transformation - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on Polsat News.

08:14

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Hołownia is the Third Way's Most Likely Presidential Candidate
- Everything points to it, everything is heading in this direction. We want to select a common candidate [for president], that's what we agreed on at the last meeting of parliamentary clubs, and we will strive for it. As of today, Szymon Hołownia is the most likely candidate - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Jacek Żakowski on TOK FM's Poranek.

08:15

Dziemianowicz-Bąk on Cichocki:

Under No Circumstances Should He Be Called a Whistleblower,
- No, under no circumstances should [Judge Arkadiusz Cichocki] be called a whistleblower. He could be called a key witness, if the matter had a judicial dimension. He can be called many things, his stance in this case can be judged morally or immorally. One can wonder if he chooses to testify or reveal certain matters due to his own interest or for the common good. However, it is certainly inappropriate to call him a whistleblower out of respect for whistleblowers, who risk their jobs, who sometimes risk their health and their safety, in order to point out certain irregularities - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on Polsat News.

08:21

Dziemianowicz-Bąk:

Giertych's Recent Actions Pose a Problem
- Mr. Giertych's recent actions indeed pose a problem, less so for the coalition, and more unfortunately, for citizens. His decision to not vote for the most compromise-laden of compromise bills concerning the termination of pregnancy, namely the bill concerning decriminalization, despite being present in the parliamentary chamber, is a slap in the face to voters, and primarily to female voters, who granted us, the October 15th coalition, power - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk in Polsat News. - The team [for settling accounts with PiS] itself is functioning, but I truly would not want this team to be or become, above all, an arena or stage for Mr. Roman Giertych's performances. He has work to do, let him do it, but there is no need for any additional fireworks, spotlights, or escalating the atmosphere to the detriment of those genuine whistleblowers who report violations of the law - she continued.

08:25

Dziemianowicz-Bąk on the PSL's Proposal:

No Return to the 1993 Abortion Ban.
"There is no return to the 1993 abortion ban, because that is how this proposal [the so-called abortion compromise] should be called. Women have very clearly stated what they expect... [we] need to build this majority, and every responsible, every effective politician should not capitulate and say 'tough luck, if it can't be done, it can't be done,' but rather discipline their colleagues, their colleagues in the club, convince those who can be convinced, talk to voters" - said Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk on Polsat News, when asked about the PSL's proposal to return to the principles in place before the Constitutional Tribunal's ruling on abortion.

08:25

Kosiniak-Kamysz on the Volhynia Issue:

We Also Had to Sort Out Many Issues Before Joining the EU.
- The Volhynia issue is important for many Poles. I spoke about two things: that humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine today is unconditional. Because if children are dying, if bombs are falling on kindergartens, nurseries, and hospitals, then our civilization stands for helping, and we will help. If Poland's security is at stake there, then military aid is necessary. And I do not make this conditional, although the matter of history is very important to me - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in the TOK FM Morning Show. - What do I make conditional? Not security and survival, but the possibility of development and accession to the European Union. Why? Because we also had to sort out and clarify many issues before joining the EU. This is a normal procedure. I believe that without resolving the issue of exhumations, commemoration, and dignified burial, the wound that is still festering will not heal. It's not about revenge, but about remembrance - he continued.

08:53

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

The Abortion Committee Could Have Put All Drafts to a Vote at Once. The Effect Would Have Been Better
- The only real liberalization in this Sejm, in my opinion also accepted by the President, is a return to the principles of the [abortion] compromise. And if there are clearly identifiable circles that want to change the law, let's give the citizens a vote. Why wasn't this scenario put to a vote first? – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in TOK FM Morning. - This is decided by an extraordinary committee. The Marshal of the Sejm has already done what was within his purview. Now, the extraordinary committee, chaired by Member of Parliament Ms. Łoboda, decided to conclude its work on the most far-reaching and legislatively worst-prepared draft, as indicated by lawyer Giertych. Not on one that had a chance of gaining acceptance and actually changing something during President Andrzej Duda's term – he continued. - The committee could have concluded and put all drafts to a vote at once. In my opinion, the effect would have been better – he assessed.

09:12

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

I Will Accept Any Referendum Outcome on Abortion, Regardless of What It Is
- I will accept any referendum outcome, regardless of what it is. [If it is 'for' the liberalization of abortion law] then we will introduce such a law, provided it is a binding referendum. This is not just about matters of our conscience, but also about loyalty to voters and the majority that decides - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on TOK FM Morning.

09:14

PiS on Jachira and Zielińska:

Ideological Sociopaths.

- When I read that Ms. Jachira, after learning that proceedings had been initiated, commented "wow, finally," my hands just dropped. These ladies are simply ideological sociopaths who, in the name of their ideological interests, want the prosecution to pursue a person who simply followed the regulations and performed his duties. It was they who tried to circumvent the law, and with their actions, they attacked Polish soldiers and officers. What Mr. Bodnar's prosecution is doing now simply cries out to heaven. This is the PO state in practice - stated Anna Gembicka at a press briefing in the Senate.


09:16

"Beautiful Slogans Are Worthless'. Morawiecki on Onet Publication

- Free courts! Constitution! Democracy! Was that the case? Beautiful slogans are worthless when, in the name of personal interests, a person is destroyed simply for performing their duties, guarding the security of Polish borders. Poles see this and will remember it - Mateusz Morawiecki wrote on Twitter.


09:20

Błaszczak:

An Attempted Attack on PiS to Destroy the Opposition

- Everything we are dealing with now, we assess as an attempted attack on PiS, in order to destroy the opposition, because in fair elections, those who govern Poland today would simply lose, because they govern poorly, they are incapable of solving problems, that's why they are attacking the opposition - stated Mariusz Błaszczak at a press briefing in the Senate.


11:14

Mucha on Widow's Pension: We Have Many Doubts. This Law Will Encourage Less Than Honest Practices
- Today the committee begins its work and it will develop the final shape [of the widow's pension law]. […] We will make a final decision when this law has left the committee - said Joanna Mucha in an interview with Beata Lubecka on "Gość Radia ZET". - We truly have a great many doubts. The most basic one that comes to mind is this: The Left is fighting for registered partnerships, whereas here we have a situation that covers marriages. People who lived together, were together for decades – this law will not cover them anymore. […] Furthermore, this law, or this type of functioning, will also encourage various less than honest practices - she continued.

11:34

Świrski on the New Government's Actions Regarding TVP:

Criminal and Unprecedented Events.
- I would like to discuss the situation of public media. It has drastically changed when at the end of 2023, the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, despite the safeguard issued by the Constitutional Tribunal, breaking the Constitution and two laws, first changed the authorities of public media, and then placed these media in liquidation. Today, we know that the circumstances of this event are being investigated by the prosecutor's office, as there are grounds to state that the notarial deeds confirming the ownership decision did not actually take place - said Maciej Świrski during a Sejm session. - Some people forcefully entered TVP and switched off the signal of the main news channel. Journalists were fired. I remind you that TVP belongs to protected critical infrastructure [...]. These were criminal and unprecedented events; the consequence of the Minister of Culture's actions is bringing a legal crisis upon public media, which is a threat to their existence, because the liquidation process, contrary to the decision of the Constitutional Tribunal, is based on the Commercial Companies Code (KSH) and must end with the termination of the liquidated entity's activity. Otherwise, we are dealing with sham activity, i.e., mockery of the law and its circumvention to gain specific benefits by people participating in this procedure. From the statements of executive authorities, it appears this is exactly the case - he continued.

11:36

With Support from Poland 2050 MPs, We Reject Government Amendments to the Widow's Pension Bill. PiS MP Tweets from Committee

- At the Committee on Social Policy and Family, with the support of Poland 2050 MPs, we are rejecting all government amendments submitted to the so-called widow's pension bill by the Council of Ministers - Jan Mosiński wrote on Twitter.

Ultimately, the fate of the amendments will be decided by MPs during a vote on the plenary hall.


11:47

Świrski:

We are dealing with a fraud by Prime Minister Tusk's government. The National Broadcasting Council will not participate.
- At the end of 2023, these public media were placed in liquidation, but they are a national asset, built by the efforts of many generations [...]. They were placed in liquidation by a minister who made the decision to liquidate them after two weeks in office, and he served in his position for only three months, and at the first, admittedly lucrative, opportunity, he resigned from his post, likely also out of fear of the consequences of his actions - said Maciej Świrski during a Sejm session. - He liquidated institutions operating under the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and the Act on Radio and Television using the Commercial Companies Code, which they are not subject to in this matter, as ruled by the Constitutional Tribunal. There is no possibility in the law for them to be liquidated. But let's move on, even if we consider this matter on the level of the Commercial Companies Code, if a company is left in liquidation [...] its employees are dismissed and it ceases to operate. The liquidator is to wind up the company's affairs, not to conduct new business. Therefore, if Polish Radio and TVP are in liquidation, how can taxpayer money be transferred to them for their mission activities? This is a contradiction - he continued. - To put it plainly, we are dealing with a fraud committed by Prime Minister Tusk's government through the hands of Minister Sienkiewicz, and this fraud is intended to involve the national council. Well, neither the national council nor its chairman will participate in a fraud that undermines the credibility of a constitutional institution of the Republic of Poland - he further stated.

12:23

Lichocka to Civic Platform: You Illegally Seized Public Media, and You Will Be Held Accountable

- You have no understanding of freedom of speech, of media pluralism. Media pluralism means the citizens' right to diverse information, to commentary with various opinions, to different television channels. The remote control is a right to choose, a right to freedom. You want to abolish this, you have abolished it by illegally seizing public media right now, and you will be held accountable for it. That is why we shout 'you will go to jail,' because those responsible – the government, the minister of culture, the prime minister, as well as the parliamentary majority – must be held accountable, as this violates the constitutional principles of freedom of speech, the right of Poles to information – stated Joanna Lichocka in the Sejm.


12:59

New Bill for Decriminalization Submitted to the Sejm

A group of MPs from Civic Platform (KO), Third Way, and The Left has submitted a draft amendment to the Penal Code to the Sejm. According to the justification, the amendment concerns the partial decriminalization of terminating a pregnancy with the woman's consent in violation of the Act on Family Planning, Protection of the Human Fetus, and Conditions for the Permissibility of Terminating Pregnancy, as well as the decriminalization of assistance in self-induced abortion. Anna-Maria Żukowska has been designated as the representative of the applicants.


14:53

"Prosecuting Uniformed Officers" and "Indulgence of Leftist Ideology": Kaleta on Alleged Prosecutorial Priorities
- This morning, we heard and read in Onet about a police officer who applied the law, acted in accordance with the law, defended the Polish border, now has to stand trial because his actions displeased Ms. Jachira and now displeases Bodnar's prosecution. Polish soldiers were attacked from the east and from behind; unfortunately, they were attacked by the MPs of the then-coalition. This information coincided with the news that Bodnar's people are withdrawing the indictment against Nergal for offending religious feelings. We see, unfortunately, that Adam Bodnar's priority today is prosecuting uniformed officers, while at the same time indulging leftist ideology – stated Sebastian Kaleta at a press conference.

16:41

Żukowska on another attempt to decriminalize abortion assistance:

We are taking action to persuade our PSL colleagues that if they cannot vote in favor, they should abstain.
- For the second time, we are submitting a bill concerning the decriminalization of abortion assistance in the form in which it was passed with a positive opinion from the extraordinary committee for the consideration of all bills regarding the termination of pregnancy, chaired by MP Dorota Łoboda - said Anna Maria Żukowska at a press conference. - This version was so close to being passed; it was only 4 votes short. If all parliamentary clubs had 100% attendance, all clubs of the ruling coalition, this bill would have been passed, so very little is missing, and we are taking further actions, further talks, I hope that this time they will be more effective, to persuade our colleagues from the Polish People's Party (PSL) as well, that perhaps, if they are unable to vote in favor, they should abstain, because then this bill also has a chance to be passed into law - she continued. - This time, we are doing this together, with two parliamentary clubs. Alongside me, the reporting MP is Ms. Chairwoman Łoboda [...] Members of the Poland 2050 parliamentary club and an MP from the Polish People's Party, Ms. Kłopotek, have also signed this bill - she added.

17:46

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Hybrid War is at its Peak Since its Beginning Against Poland

- We have just concluded the parliamentary stage of work on a law that increases the security of the Polish state, soldiers, and officers steadfastly guarding the border, the EU border, and the eastern flank of NATO. I think it is worth thanking all soldiers and officers once again for their sacrifice. This law gives them a greater chance to use weapons within the rules stipulated by the regulations – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in the Sejm.

- The hybrid war is at its peak since its beginning against the Republic of Poland. Acts of sabotage, diversion, everything that is happening at the border and in cyberspace compels us to adopt these solutions and not others – added the Deputy Prime Minister.


17:48

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Thank You for the Near Unanimity

- I sincerely thank the high chamber for the near unanimity on this matter, as it was a vote for Polish security, for the security of Polish soldiers and officers. I thank you for finding common ground, named Poland's security in this regard - stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in the Sejm.


17:49

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

Our Allies Will Support Us in the East Shield Project

- I wish to inform the Honourable Chamber that our allies will support us in the project of building the East Shield. Recently, I received such a declaration from the Secretary of Defence of Great Britain to send an initial expedition, one that will check and prepare, stating that engineering troops will soon analyse the possibility of support, and then provide that support - stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in the Sejm.


18:02

Domański Announces Changes to Health Contribution from 2025

- We know how important the demand to lower the health contribution for entrepreneurs is for the entire coalition. Therefore, I would like to state clearly today that we will ensure financing for changes regarding the limitation of the health contribution for entrepreneurs, with effects from 2025, at the level of 4 billion PLN. Among other things, from January 1st, we will eliminate the health contribution from the sale of fixed assets. Step by step, we will implement all points of the coalition agreement – stated Andrzej Domański in the Sejm.


18:08

Parliament Dismisses Chrobak and Elżanowska from Anti-Pedophilia Commission

By a majority of 3/5, the Sejm has dismissed Hanna Elżanowska and Barbara Chrobak from the State Commission for Counteracting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors Under 15 Years of Age. The motions for dismissal were supported by almost the entire Sejm - over 400 MPs.


19:07

Hołownia:

There's Bipartisan Consensus to Systemically Reform the Pedophilia Commission
- The first thing that happened today, and which must be strongly emphasized, is the dismissal of two members of the State Commission for Pedophilia. [...] We in this chamber have all led to the situation in this commission, which is a bad situation – this commission is not working the way it should, and this is to the detriment of the weakest among us – it will now begin to be rectified, Szymon Hołownia said at a press conference. - There is agreement […], after discussions today with representatives of, I believe, all sides of the political scene, I can say that there is bipartisan agreement that the situation in the commission for pedophilia needs to be rectified not only in terms of personnel but, above all, systemically. I am convinced that such bipartisan work on this will now begin, he continued.

19:15

"An Epochal Change": Hołownia Announces Possibility for Citizens to Comment on Draft Laws
- Another thing that was passed by the Sejm today is an amendment to the Sejm's Rules of Procedure. [...] This is an epochal change. From autumn, I hope, it will be the case that every citizen, using a Trusted Profile, will be able to comment on any draft law being processed in the Sejm. No longer just an organization queried by the Chancellery of the Sejm, not just someone representing an institution, but every one of us - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference. - These comments will then be aggregated, processed, and presented during the legislative process to those who will ultimately vote. I am not yet talking about an additional mandatory regulatory impact assessment for parliamentary draft laws. We already have money in the budget for an additional position for each parliamentary club for a so-called RIA specialist, meaning someone who will prepare the regulatory impact assessment. All this is to ensure that laws emanating from this Sejm are better - he continued. - Thanks to the adopted amendments, it will no longer be possible to freeze laws at the committee level. They will have to be processed at the pace that all citizens in Poland desire. [...] You will see that this will be a different way of creating law - he continued.

19:23

Sejm Approves NIK Audit of KRRiT. Hołownia: There's a Risk the Council is Placing Itself Above the Law
- Today, the Sejm adopted a motion submitted by Poland 2050 for an audit [by the Supreme Audit Office - NIK] of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT). I am pleased that it found support from our coalition partners. Everything we heard today in the parliamentary chamber from Maciej Świrski, and what we've learned from observing his other statements […], leads us to one simple conclusion that has now become a Sejm resolution: the KRRiT and its actions require thorough examination - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference. - The actions it is currently taking demonstrate a risk that it is placing itself above the law currently in force in Poland. […] It is accountable to Polish society, accountable to those who also elected the Sejm, and the Sejm has the right to demand an audit of this institution's operations, because we allocate funds to it from public money - he added.

19:29

Hołownia on widow's pension:

There were very heated discussions right up to the end.

- The adoption of the widow's pension. Yes, there were very heated discussions on this matter right up to the very end. I don't see anything wrong with that. On the contrary, I believe that the last three Sejm sessions have shown us that politics has returned to the Sejm. That the Sejm is not, as it has been for the last 20-odd years, a machine into which successive governments throw their bills - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.


19:36

Hołownia on Health Contribution Announcements:

We Will Hold Domański to His Word.
- Minister Domański clearly stated that next year the health contribution for entrepreneurs will be lowered. That there will be funds comparable or equal to what the widow's pension will cost us today. Thirdly: that most likely, starting January 1st, the absurd regulation about paying the health contribution on fixed assets will cease to exist - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference. - The health contribution for entrepreneurs will be lowered next year, without detriment to the healthcare system, because we are the group that has precisely appealed for increased healthcare spending. […] We will, of course, hold the minister to his word - he announced.

19:39

Hołownia:

Today We Once Again Showed That the October 15 Coalition Works and Delivers on Promises
- Today, once again, we all showed together that the October 15 coalition is working, the October 15 coalition negotiates toughly internally, but in the end, it delivers on what it committed to and what is important for our voters - said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

19:54

Ociepa:

When There's No Bread, They Give Us Games

- With bated breath, Donald Tusk, Roman Giertych, and all those who are orchestrating spectacles for Poland and Poles are undoubtedly waiting for this. They forget that, as the Romans already said, both games and bread are needed. So, when there's no bread, they give us games - stated Marcin Ociepa on Polsat News' "Gość Wydarzeń".


20:00

Ociepa on the Presidential Candidate:

It Must Be a Symbol of a New Beginning.
“Certainly, it must be a symbol of a new beginning. For the Polish right, but also for our homeland. It must be someone who has competencies in defense. Because today, the greatest challenge we face is to defend our homeland from potential aggression,” stated Marcin Ociepa in “Gość Wydarzeń” on Polsat News.

20:04

A Single Coalition Candidate for President? Hołownia: It's a Bad Idea
- You are asking me if there will be one candidate [for president from the coalition] – I don't know, because a decision on this matter has not been made. If you are asking me what I think today – I believe it's a bad idea. However, anything can happen and will happen. We are all a few months away from such a formal decision on this matter. [...] Don't expect any decisions soon – said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

20:16

Bosacki on the Durability of the Governing Coalition:

There Is No Alternative.

- Yes, it is a difficult coalition, four-membered, but it seems to me that through work, by reaching agreements on positions, as in the case of the widow's pension, where 2050 was initially quite skeptical, we will deliver things like the health contribution for entrepreneurs, or raising the tax-free amount. I am truly convinced that despite these rhetorical differences, responsibility will prevail, because this coalition has no alternative and we will deal with further matters, likely in a compromise version, but we will – stated Marcin Bosacki in the program "Fakty po faktach" on TVN24.


20:17

Mucha on the Chances of the Abortion Bill Passing Parliament:

The Only Way Out is a Referendum.
If we don't convince our colleagues from the PSL to at least abstain from voting, or not participate in this vote [on the decriminalization of abortion], the results will be repeated, but for now, if this project doesn't change, I don't see any chances here – stated Joanna Mucha in the program "Fakty po faktach" on TVN24. The only way out, and we've been saying this from the very beginning, truly, ever since this Sejm was constituted, every Sejm is more conservative than society, the only chance for liberalization is a referendum, there is no other way. I don't believe we will achieve any positive results for women in this Sejm. I would really like that, but I have very limited trust, it's not a question of whether these MPs know the project or not. In my opinion, if the word abortion, or abortion-related issues, is written on this project, there will be no chance for them to vote for it – she continued.