Live Feed

08/23/2024

07:57

Friday's Political Agenda: Launch of the 4th Campus Edition with Tusk and Trzaskowski, PiS MPs' Conference Outside Orlen Headquarters

At 11:30 AM, a press conference will be held outside the Orlen headquarters in Warsaw, featuring PiS MPs Anna Gembicka and Michał Moskal.

At 5:00 PM, the inauguration of the 4th edition of Campus Polska Przyszłości (Campus Poland of the Future) will commence in Olsztyn. A meeting with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski is scheduled for 8:00 PM.


08:04

Sawicki on Patriotic Education:

This Law is Necessary, Despite What Politicians Connected to the Ministry of National Education Think.
- This law [on patriotic education] is necessary, despite what some politicians, especially those connected with the Ministry of National Education, think, because there is never too much patriotism, and let's not mock this project, but rather consider it with sense and rationality - said Marek Sawicki on "Tok FM Morning."

08:06

Bodnar on the Arrest Warrant for Michał K:

It's Not an Exaggeration.

- It's not an exaggeration because, firstly, the decision was made by a court following a prosecutor's motion. The motion wasn't considered for just one day; if my memory serves me right, it's been about 2 weeks since it was filed. Simply put, Michał K.'s place of residence and whereabouts within the territory of the Republic of Poland could not be established, hence these motions were made. The court approved them – stated Adam Bodnar in "Jeden na jeden" on TVN24.


08:13

Sawicki on ETS2 and Polish Economic Competitiveness:

Nobody in the Government or State Treasury Companies is Thinking About This.
- Today, nobody in State Treasury companies or in the government realizes that ETS2 is coming in 2027. I ask the heads of State Treasury companies, I ask ministers in the government, how much will we pay in CO2 emission fees, how much of our own renewable energy contribution we need, so to speak, for the national indicative target – they don't know this, they don't know that in 2027 the Polish economy will completely cease to be competitive - Marek Sawicki said on Tok FM. - This is about the economy, these are the costs of the economy that we will soon be bearing, and nobody in the government, or in organizations, State Treasury companies, is thinking about it - he continued.

08:21

Bodnar on the arrest warrant for Michał K:

This is a matter of great importance, and the prosecution will handle it as quickly as possible.

- Yesterday afternoon, a decision was issued to apply provisional detention and consent to issue an arrest warrant. As I understand it, the prosecution will now be working on this. I don't know how long it will take, whether it will be today or Monday. As I understand it, this is a matter of great importance, and the prosecution will handle it as quickly as possible – stated Adam Bodnar on TVN24's "Jeden na jeden".

- This is also, one could say, part of this process, because if someone is wanted, such a person needs to be identified, and that's precisely what Interpol is for – he added, when asked if an Interpol notice would also be issued.


08:23

"I'm Afraid This Could End Like This': Sawicki on 'Stolen"100 Billion PLN During PiS Rule
- For now, I only hear that [he has] problems, but I haven't heard a single indictment against Prime Minister Morawiecki or a single verdict, at least from a first-instance court, so it's all in the media sphere, it sounds good, but the effects aren't visible, and I'm waiting for those effects - Marek Sawicki said on Tok FM. - We had a big press conference, we were told that we, Poles, had 100 billion zlotys stolen. I am afraid that this might end up like Beata Szydło's press conference in 2016, where I, as a former minister, was also accused of stealing 340 billion zlotys from Poles, and it turns out that I was never summoned, not to the prosecutor's office, not to the Central Anticorruption Bureau, nor for any other interrogation about where I stole and where I hid 340 billion - he continued.

08:40

He Should Call His Colleague and Bring Him to Poland." Budka Appeals to Morawiecki Regarding Former Head of RARS
- First and foremost, one can appeal to Mateusz Morawiecki to invite his colleague to Poland. Mr. Mateusz, don't be afraid, call your colleague [Michał K., former head of RARS], let him stand before a Polish court, everyone is equal before the law, remember that this is your political responsibility, so Mateusz should indeed call his colleague and bring him to Poland – said Borys Budka in a conversation with Marcin Fijołek in "Graffiti" Polsat News. - I would like to remind you that he was Morawiecki's right-hand man, he was a person who co-decided [...] on various technical matters, a trusted man. If he is innocent, as he claims, why is he afraid to stand before a Polish court – he continued. - The scale of irregularities is staggering [...] an agency that was supposed to serve in strategic situations was used for siphoning money [...] we remember respirators, we remember masks – he went on to say.

08:42

Morawiecki on Tusk:

He is more effective in fighting for German interests than the Chancellor.

- I have the impression that in the fight for German interests, the Polish Prime Minister [Donald Tusk] is more effective than Chancellor Scholz. That’s all I can say. And in collecting German awards, perhaps the only thing missing is the Iron Cross of Merit – stated Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.


08:45

Morawiecki:

Authoritarianism is Increasingly Visible in Poland

- Authoritarianism is now increasingly visible in Poland. There is a violation of the Constitution; in fact, the Constitution is no longer in force, and all democratic rules are being circumvented. We see this literally at every step. It is demeaning for the Polish Prime Minister, whoever he may be, for German elites to assess him on whether he is bringing order to Poland - stated Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.


08:46

Budka on Meetings of Governing Coalition Leaders:

They Happen Cyclically.
- Prime Minister Donald Tusk clearly indicated a new opening in September [...] such meetings happen cyclically, they always arouse public curiosity, and of course, I understand that. A few technical matters, the issue of the next Sejm session, matters related to the state budget, and of course, which of the postulates presented during the election campaign are feasible - Borys Budka said on Polsat News. - Certainly, a few important decisions will be made already at the beginning of September - he continued. - The Prime Minister will certainly communicate all the decisions made yesterday - he added.

08:53

Morawiecki:

Water prices in Białystok rise by 50%. Such increases probably haven't been seen since the Gomułka era.
We just heard in Koszalin that nursery fees have reached PLN 1500. Water prices are rising in Białystok by 50%. Such drastic 50% increases, overnight, probably haven't been seen since the Gomułka era. Łódź - 30%, Opole - around 30%. In many Polish cities, 10 to 20%. Just for water, in a single day – stated Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.

08:57

Morawiecki:

German portal Onet attacked Polish ammunition program

- It must be noted here that Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz has a completely different voice. I am referring to the Polish ammunition program. Here, the German portal Onet attacked the Polish ammunition program. Why? Because Germany is now increasing its ammunition production and they want to sell it to us. It's that simple, unfortunately - stated Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.


08:59

Budka:

When the ground burns beneath their feet, Dworczyk and Morawiecki will invent excuses. The honest have nothing to fear.
- The prosecutor has sufficient evidence, and it will not be Mr. Dworczyk or Mr. Morawiecki who dictate the procedure or pace of the prosecutor's actions. If these individuals had nothing to hide, they wouldn't flee abroad, and if they are there, we have phones, it's not the 19th century when communication was impossible – Borys Budka stated in Polsat News. - I have the impression that when the ground begins to burn beneath their feet, when Mr. Michał Dworczyk or Mateusz Morawiecki realize they are politically responsible for what happened in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, they will invent such excuses. The honest have nothing to fear; if this person [Michał K., former head of RARS] has nothing to reproach themselves with, they should appear at the prosecutor's office, or even call and say: I'm returning from this vacation in three days. As you can see, this coincidence is not accidental, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are doing everything to simply avoid standing before a court – he continued.

09:04

Budka on the Giertych Case:

The Prosecutor's Office Should Take Appropriate Action, Either Continue or Drop It.
- The Prosecutor's Office should take appropriate action, either continue if there is something to this case, or drop it if this case was political. I do not have such knowledge, however, we are all equal before the law and everyone should be treated the same - said Borys Budka in Polsat News, referring to the case of Roman Giertych.

09:12

Budka:

It Would Be Absurd if the National Electoral Commission Only Looked at Financial Reports
- No other committee treated the state budget and funds from that budget as its own electoral fund. Let's recall what PiS did during past election campaigns: 800+ picnics, some air shows, handing out unbacked checks, the Justice Fund being used by Sovereign Poland politicians to distribute gadgets in their electoral districts, foundations established by State Treasury companies that spent tens of millions on propaganda for Jarosław Kaczyński's failed referendum – said Borys Budka on Polsat News. - The entire state apparatus was involved in PiS's election campaign, and therefore PiS's election campaign, its financing, must be thoroughly scrutinized. The latest revelations that have emerged, concerning how companies, small state-owned companies, were involved – there are invoices for this – in the production of gadgets for PiS politicians. [...] If the National Electoral Commission were to only look at what is in the financial report, it would be absurd, because they would write "everything is okay" there – he continued. - All of Poland saw what happened during PiS's election campaign. If I were a member of the National Electoral Commission, I would have no doubt that PiS's report should be rejected – he went on to say.

09:21

Morawiecki:

Tusk's Right Hand Unreservedly Signed RARS Financial Report

- If there were any grounds to prosecute and arrest the head of RARS, would Tusk's right hand, Jan Grabiec, have unreservedly signed the financial report of the Government Agency for Strategic Reserves - stated Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.


09:23

Morawiecki:

Today, the prosecution acts at Tusk's whim
- Today, the prosecution acts at Tusk's whim. Bodnar's people are doing everything to cover up the real problems. What are these real problems? Increased water prices, a sharp rise in nursery fees, electricity, a sharp rise in heating energy prices, gas. All of this that hits Poles - stated Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.

09:26

Morawiecki Announces Formation of Special Legal Team

- We will establish a special legal team within our party, which will simply direct reports to the prosecutor's office regarding all these frauds, matters that they are now trying to sweep under the rug - stated Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.


10:43

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on the Coalition Leaders' Meeting:

It's the Beginning of Serious Conversations.

- This is a meeting that marks the beginning of such serious conversations, and indeed on various levels, as there will also be Council of Ministers meetings dedicated to the budget. I would say this is a moment for strategic planning for the coming year, because when you work on the budget, you work on what strategic changes we want to implement next year, and Polska2050 has a clear plan for this. We want to strongly focus on housing programs, for many reasons, both concerning Poland's development and focusing on smaller towns. Here, the issue of demographics comes into play, and for young people, it turns out to be absolutely crucial, meaning accessible housing equals greater fertility, but not a 0% mortgage – stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on Radio Zet.


10:43

When Will New KPO Funds Arrive? Pełczyńska-Nałęcz Reveals the Date

- We want funds from the 2nd and 3rd tranches for Christmas, for this to happen we need to submit applications 2 and 3. All other countries are proceeding sequentially; we are moving at double speed due to our two-year delay. We aim to submit the 2nd and 3rd applications in the first days, the first half of September. Then, there's a very high chance of receiving over 30 billion PLN by the end of the year. Once we receive these, we will do everything possible to submit the subsequent 4th and 5th applications as quickly as possible; I don't have a specific date for that yet – said Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on Radio Zet.


10:43

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz:

No Intention to Raise the Retirement Age
Absolutely, there is no possibility of raising the retirement age now under this government; there is no political will, no intention. However, we absolutely must discuss the demographic problem and its solutions, because soon it will be too late. Demography, unlike many unpredictable things in politics and social development, is very, very predictable – stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on Radio Zet.

What solutions do we propose? Because it's not that there are no solutions. These are not simple matters, it's not a single file, but there are solutions. Firstly, longer work must pay off, meaning the 13th pension will be returned to individuals who work after reaching retirement age. If they have worked for 5 years, they get those five 13th pensions back, meaning no loss. Secondly, the disability insurance contribution. A fundamental principle must be introduced: longer work always means a higher pension – she emphasized.

10:44

"We Support the So-Called 'Small Seal'. Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on Poland 2050's Stance on the Civil Partnerships Act"
– Poland 2050 is in favour of civil partnerships. The majority of our parliamentarians are also in favour of the so-called 'small seal'. What is the 'small seal'? This is not about adoption from completely outside, but about the possibility that if one of the partners has a child, there is an opportunity to care for them, to go to the hospital, to look after that child, where there is a family bond, an emotional bond, and depriving them of such a possibility is somewhat inhumane – said Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on Radio Zet.

10:44

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz Responds to Morawiecki's Post:

It's Hard to Comment on This.

- It's hard to comment on such things, and I'm talking here about the Prime Minister Morawiecki's Twitter [activity]. It's a bit like politics. A lot of irregularities, and the prosecutor's office, of course, and the courts will decide, not me, but actions that clearly indicate that these were actions of abusing public money in every possible way – stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on Radio Zet.


11:17

Trzaskowski Inaugurates the 4th Edition of Campus Polska Przyszłości:

An Entirely Independent Undertaking.
- Welcome to the 4th edition of Campus Polska Przyszłości, this is an absolutely unique place and an absolutely unique initiative. There is no such socio-political festival in our part of Europe, and most importantly, ladies and gentlemen, consistency matters in life and in politics. This is already the 4th edition, we announced that we would organize Campus Polska Przyszłości every year, regardless of political circumstances – stated Rafał Trzaskowski at a press conference. - Ladies and gentlemen, most importantly, young people are gradually taking over the organization of the Campus, this guarantees that the Campus will last for years to come, for decades to come, this guarantees that there will always be fresh ideas here, and most importantly, it gives a full guarantee that Campus Polska Przyszłości is an entirely independent undertaking – he added.

11:23

Hołownia on health insurance contributions:

Discussions are very good.

- Regarding the health insurance contribution – the discussions being held within the government are very good. Our representatives, our group with Minister Domański, but also the internal debates that are taking place, they are very good, promising, and I hope that what Minister Domański also said will soon become reality – stated Szymon Hołownia in a conversation with journalists.


12:03

PiS MPs Conduct Parliamentary Control at Orlen:

We Come With a Series of Specific Questions.
- An operation to 'destroy Orlen' has begun, and we see this clearly from the report for the first half of the year published in recent days, which shows very worrying trends in our national champion. This is a decrease in revenues by 43 billion zlotys, and net profit by 12.7 billion zlotys - said Michał Moskal at a press conference.

- We have decided to undertake parliamentary control at the Orlen Group today to find out what has happened in half a year of management by the new board that has led to the company, which was a national champion, which generated incredible revenues and also income for the state budget, which secured Poles, being brought to such a state in such a short time - he continued.

- We come with a series of specific questions that are very concerning today and indicate that Orlen is simply managed by a group of failures. [...] We want to ask why Orlen Group's net profit has fallen by 12 billion 729 million year-on-year for the first half of the year. What is the reason for the net loss in the 2nd quarter of this year at the level of 34 million zlotys [...]. What will the investments and acquisitions planned and carried out by the Orlen Group in previous years look like [...]. We also want to ask about retail sales [...] where is the fuel for 5.19 and where do these high profits from retail sales in the Orlen group come from? - he went on to say.

16:02

Morawiecki on Michał K:

They Want to Make His Arrest Their Next Pathetic Political Show.

- As the President of RARS, Michał Kuczmierowski was responsible for, among other things, organizing the military hub at Rzeszów Airport, maintaining constant contact with special services from around the world, including those from the USA, Great Britain, Israel, and Spain - Mateusz Morawiecki wrote on social media.

- As Prime Minister, I received nothing but praise for his activities. International services and organizations had no doubts whatsoever about his competence and honesty, knowing perfectly well with whom they were cooperating on such sensitive matters - emphasized the PiS politician.

As Morawiecki wrote: - I cannot say more on this matter, as these are issues covered by appropriate secrecy. M. Kuczmierowski has been targeted by the Bodnar camp, who are deliberately destroying individuals who served Poland well during the rule of the United Right. They want to make his arrest their next pathetic political show, covering up the real problems that the disastrous policies of the December 13th coalition generate time and time again.


17:25

Bodnar Sends Another Letter to the National Election Commission

Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar has sent another letter to the National Election Commission concerning the expenditure of funds from the Fund for the Assistance of Persons Deprived of Liberty and Post-penitentiary Assistance during the 2023 election campaign, the ministry announced in a statement.

The letter contained data suggesting that grants for Volunteer Fire Brigades were used to build electoral capital. It was emphasized that the program was not universal in nature and was not based on an analysis of actual needs, which may indicate the use of public funds for political purposes.


17:29

Another Edition of Campus Begins. Trzaskowski: We Are Meeting in a Completely New Reality

- It is important that Campus Polska Przyszłości is taking place for the fourth time. This is because consistency in life is incredibly important, and in politics it is incredibly important. And I remember when we first met here in Olsztyn. There were very many who doubted whether we would do it again, whether we would manage to meet, to unleash this energy, and we succeeded - stated Rafał Trzaskowski during Campus Polska Przyszłości.

- We are meeting in a completely new reality. But I would like to say that without you, perhaps this new reality would look different, without your entire generation. This is because it is thanks to the incredible mobilization of young people that the democratic side won the parliamentary elections in October - he continued.


19:50

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz Denies Reports of Health Contribution Deal:

No Agreement Reached.
"I have first-hand information that there was a conversation about the contribution, that there is a willingness to reach an agreement, but no specific agreement was made," said Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz in an interview with Grzegorz Kępka on the Polsat News program "Gość Wydarzeń," referring to media reports that a deal had been struck on the health contribution during a coalition meeting, and that a return to the rules preceding the "Polish Deal" had been agreed upon. "It was a meeting of leaders, so I wasn't there and it's hard for me to say exactly what was said, but I have first-hand information that there is no agreement around this solution," she continued.

19:53

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz:

I Can't Imagine a Coalition Where Everyone Thinks and Says the Same Thing
- There are many areas where there is agreement within the coalition and things are moving forward. Naturally, as four coalition parties with different views, we discuss things; this is a normal occurrence in a coalition. I simply cannot imagine a coalition where everyone thinks and says the same thing, but let's not turn these differences into civil wars, because they don't exist - Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz stated in Polsat News.

20:04

Trzaskowski:

We Are Once Again Imposing Europe, and in a Sense, the Entire World, Our Most Important Priorities

- Today, we are once again imposing on Europe, and I will say more, in a sense, we are imposing on the entire world our most important priorities. For instance, making defense an absolute priority for the EU, ensuring that EU funds are allocated for border protection. Today, we are co-deciding, and sometimes even, in the vacuum of leadership in the EU, deciding what the priorities are – stated Rafał Trzaskowski during Campus Polska Przyszłości.


20:10

Trzaskowski:

Morawiecki Was Uncapable of Negotiating Anything, He Was a Loser

- As I traveled around Poland, as I travel around Europe, I see how the climate has changed, I see how Poland's perception has changed, it's something absolutely unbelievable. This is because Prime Minister Morawiecki was incapable of negotiating anything and looking after Poland's interests, Prime Minister Morawiecki was a loser in foreign policy. Right now, we have Donald Tusk, we have a real leader – stated Rafał Trzaskowski during Campus Polska Przyszłości.


20:25

Kaczyński:

I would be very happy if Błaszczak became PiS leader

- I confirm my declaration from March, but I am open to other decisions. I wanted to resign in 2020. Unexpectedly, the epidemic came, we did not convene a congress then, and a year later I was asked to stay because there was a serious problem in the party at that time. If the leader changed, it's unknown what would happen. I believe that in this new committee that will be formed, there should be one very experienced person - said Jarosław Kaczyński in an interview with Radio Maryja.

When asked if it was Mariusz Błaszczak, the PiS leader replied: - Mr. Chairman has been with us since his political childhood, from the youth wing, throughout our party's over 30-year history. He held various positions in local government, was in the government as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. He has party experience – he was the head of the parliamentary club. It is true, I propose such a solution. I would be very happy if it were Mariusz Błaszczak, because I value and like him. However, this is not a kind of directive from the party senior to choose him as a successor. I believe it would be the most sensible decision the party congress can make, but it is already within the congress's purview.


20:27

Tusk:

I will try to do my job as quickly and as well as possible, a bit like a cleaner

- I will try to do my job, I promise you, as quickly as possible, as well as possible, a bit in the role of a cleaner. I look with hope at Rafał Trzaskowski, and with even greater hope, for understandable reasons, I look at you, because the future, and this is not a slogan, is in your hands - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk during Campus Polska Przyszłości.


20:46

Tusk on Changing Abortion Law:

There's Simply No Majority.

- We don't have a majority in parliament on this matter. At the moment, especially the female MPs from Civic Platform are saying: let's try to put this to a vote again. The problem is, I always try to be practical, in the sense that when we agree on something, I want it to be carried through to the end. The reality is that, okay, Giertych didn't vote, Sługocki was on a trip in the USA, we were short by 2 votes from our side - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the Campus Polska Przyszłości (Campus of Poland's Future).

- But in reality, many more votes were missing. If those 2 votes had been decisive, I probably would have found a way to force them, maybe it would have worked. 12 PiS MPs were absent during that vote, PSL was divided in proportions very unfavorable to women's rights - he continued.

- In the Sejm, there is no majority for the kind of right to legal abortion we spoke about here and which we agreed on with you, among others. There simply is no majority - he emphasized.


20:46

Tusk on Defending the Polish-Belarusian Border:

I Will Pay Almost Any Price for Security.

- We are not dealing with typical migration, where people, due to war, poverty, or persecution, try to find a new place for themselves on Earth. I implore you, open your eyes as widely as possible to this problem. We are dealing with an increasingly cynical, increasingly determined action organized by both the Putin and Lukashenko administrations - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk during Campus Polska Przyszłości (Campus Poland of the Future).

- I could talk for hours about how this procedure works, I could tell you dangerous things, about people being prepared for transfer to our border who have absolutely nothing to do with migration anymore, but rather with terrorism […]. My responsibility as the Prime Minister of the Polish government is to ensure the security and impenetrability of this border. I won't say at any cost, but I will pay almost any price for it – he emphasized.


20:48

Tusk on Abortion Law Changes:

Perhaps We'll Try to Convince PSL to a Milder Version.
Unfortunately, we will have to wait for changes to the law. I have no illusions about that. Perhaps we will try to convince PSL to some milder version - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk during Campus Poland of the Future.

20:55

Trzaskowski on Pressure Regarding Abortion Law After Presidential Change:

Then There Will Be No Excuses.

- While I agree with the Prime Minister that it will be very difficult to obtain such a parliamentary majority in today's Sejm, I am convinced that if we change the president, the pressure will be so great and there will be a chance that what is most important will change, namely the entire political situation. Then there will be no excuses. Then it might be easier to convince our colleagues from other parties to agree to some solution - stated Rafał Trzaskowski during Campus Polska Przyszłości.


21:05

Tusk Announces Organizational Changes:

I Know Information Policy Can Always Be Better.

- I know that information policy can always be better. We are preparing certain changes, organizational ones, and this access to information can be fuller, but trust me, I am trying very carefully and delicately to proceed with our partners so that this complicated figure does not fall apart – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk during Campus Poland of the Future.


21:23

Tusk:

This Coalition is Doing Okay, Believe Me

- This coalition is doing okay, really. It's not bad. Believe me, I don't want to console anyone, but do you know how many things divide Nowa Lewica and PSL? Do you know how many of my exceptional talents and great heart I have to give every day, but it works. They listen to each other, they try to understand each other - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk during Campus Polska Przyszłości.


21:26

Tusk Announces Meeting with Coalition Partners and Ministers

On Monday, we are meeting with Mr. Hołownia, Mr. Kosiniak-Kamysz, Mr. Czarzasty, and all the ministers to discuss the budget, and how we will spend money together – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk during Campus Polska of the Future.