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09/17/2024

01:19

Tuesday's Political Agenda: Tusk at Crisis Staff Meeting from Morning

At 7:00 AM, Prime Minister Donald Tusk will participate in a crisis staff meeting in Wrocław.

At 9:30 AM, a press conference will be held by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the head of WOŚP (Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity), Jerzy Owsiak.

At 11:00 AM in Warsaw, President Andrzej Duda will lay a wreath before the Monument to the Fallen and Murdered in the East on the 85th anniversary of the Soviet aggression against Poland.


07:56

Tusk at the crisis staff meeting:

There are conflicting messages regarding the direct threat to Wrocław.
- I would greatly appreciate as credible and precise information as possible about the situation at the Racibórz reservoir, because there is information about a hydrological failure, and if it is exaggerated, I would like us to hear that clearly - said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a crisis staff meeting in Wrocław. - We are dealing with conflicting messages at the moment from the meteorological institute and hydrologists concerning the direct threat to Wrocław. [...] A very urgent matter is – especially a few hours before the wave arrives here – that we have unified messages as much as possible. It will be difficult for us to rely on radically conflicting forecasts and estimations. Therefore, I will ask for a thorough review of who is competent, who is authorized to publicly inform about the real state of threats - he continued.

07:58

Tusk Announces Visit to Two Flood-Affected Locations
- There is a situation in several places, information has reached me, it has also appeared in the media, but also directly about a rather dramatic situation in Stronie Śląskie. […] Everywhere there are signals from residents that they are not coping, that they are alone, nobody is helping them, please do not underestimate these signals. People are in despair, even if they are not always able to see the involvement of our services, I would prefer us to assume that if we receive information that they are alone and have no help, we should always treat it with deadly seriousness, clarify it instantly and try to deliver that help - said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a crisis staff meeting in Wrocław. As he announced: - I will try to directly check two places today, how it works, and I will give you information at the end of the day, what it looks like from a direct observation, from my point of view. But I would like all of you to be maximally concentrated, especially where those most desperate voices are heard.

08:06

Tusk:

Head of the European Commission Offers Full Civil Protection Mechanism for Use
- I don’t have any sensational news from my talks with our partners from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The situation in the Czech Republic is very dramatic, I don't need to tell you that. Prime Minister Fiala was very concerned about what is happening on our southern border. Prime Minister Fico said that in Slovakia there are very massive, but still local situations, and no major dramas should be expected – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a crisis staff meeting in Wrocław. - The head of the European Commission is making the entire civil protection mechanism available and has asked to pass on all information about needs for equipment, people, and technologies. Of course, nothing by force, but if there is a need, please use these opportunities – he conveyed.

08:19

Government Extends State of Natural Disaster to More Districts. Siemoniak Provides Details
- The Prime Minister has made a decision, after considering the requests of voivodes, the opinions of the State Fire Service, and the Ministry of Interior and Administration, to extend the territorial scope of the state of natural disaster regulation - said Tomasz Siemoniak during a crisis staff meeting in Wrocław. As he communicated, in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, it will additionally cover the districts of: Lubań, Dzierżoniów, Świdnica, and in the Opole Voivodeship: Krapkowice, Opole, Brzeg, and Kędzierzyn-Koźle. - In the coming hours, this regulation will be formally amended - he added.

08:21

Zgorzelski on Loans for Flood Aftermath Relief:

Wondering About the Interest Rate, Maybe They Should Bring Guarantors Too? A Scandal.
- I don't believe it [...] it's beyond my comprehension that in the face of a national tragedy, people who have lost their life's possessions are being offered a loan [...] and I wonder about the interest rate, maybe they should bring guarantors too? A scandal - said Piotr Zgorzelski in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the "Gość Radia ZET" program. - I don't believe something like this has surfaced. I don't believe it. In my opinion, something like this should not have been said - he continued. - Absolutely [Minister Hennig-Kloska should withdraw her proposal], nobody expects the government to offer loans to people who have lost their life's work today, period. Non-repayable aid and this one billion zlotys is just the beginning - he went on to say.

08:29

"I Don't Suspect the Prime Minister of a Millimeter of Ill Will." Zgorzelski on Tusk and the Words About "Forecasts That Are Not Excessively Alarming"
- I do not suspect Prime Minister Tusk of even a millimeter of ill will; we see how he engages in these matters. Taking sentences out of context, as if building on a statement that was perhaps based on information he possessed, and turning that into news for several days is simply disgusting to me - said Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio ZET, when asked about the Prime Minister's words that "forecasts are not excessively alarming".

08:38

Zgorzelski Asked About Hennig-Kloska:

I Prefer to Refer to the Activities of Good Deputy Minister Motyka.
"When it comes to the Ministry of Climate, I prefer to refer to the activities and work of good Deputy Minister Miłosz Motyka," said Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio ZET, when asked about his critical words towards Minister Hennig-Kloska. "In my opinion, he [Deputy Minister Motyka] stopped [the low-interest loans in connection with the flood] precisely, perhaps [with my words]," he continued.

08:47

Zgorzelski on PSL's earlier opposition to the Territorial Defence Force:

We made a mistake, we withdrew, we apologized.
- We made a mistake on this matter, we withdrew from it, we apologized. We believe that the Territorial Defence Force is a very important component of the Polish Army, and today they are on the front line - said Piotr Zgorzelski in Radio ZET, when asked why the PSL voted against the establishment of the Territorial Defence Force.

08:50

Zgorzelski:

I Will Favorably View Any Lewica Proposal, Provided It Doesn't Take Money from Entrepreneurs' Pockets
- I will favorably view any proposal from Lewica, provided it doesn't take money from the pockets of those who work for all of us, meaning entrepreneurs - said Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio ZET, when asked about Lewica's proposal for sickness benefits (L4) paid at even 100%.

09:10

"Shocking Information": Tusk Demands Explanations from Tauron Over "Unforeseen Discharge" from Reservoir

Joanna Kopczyńska, head of Polish Waters (Wody Polskie), informed during a crisis management meeting in Wrocław that an unforeseen discharge of water occurred into the Mietków reservoir from the Lubachów hydroelectric power plant reservoir, administered by Tauron.

- As Polish Waters, we were not informed about this discharge. This water is heading towards Marszowice. […] Over 100 soldiers have been deployed to lay sandbags on the embankments. […] It is unknown if an evacuation might be necessary. […] If the reservoir holds water for a very long time, seepage can occur. […] Therefore, we urgently need the military to check what is happening there - she stated.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded to this information, calling it "shocking."

- We had information that Tauron, which is a key partner in certain aspects, that the cooperation was going well, for example, in the Opole region. However, this information we received from you about the water discharge, the lack of information, and cooperation, is shocking, to be honest - he emphasized.

- I would very much ask for very precise information: what is the chain of command at this moment in the context of the law, operations on reservoirs, and waters at Tauron's disposal: are they unequivocally obliged to follow our orders. […] I am ready to use all available methods to discipline companies that are theoretically independent but must be absolutely subordinate in this situation - he stated.

Tusk: I expect commitment and vigilance. There is no time for procedural convenience
The head of Polish Waters explained that she had already contacted the CEO of Tauron and received information that communication errors would be eliminated, and the lack of information resulted from Polish Waters not being listed in the relevant instruction as recipients.

- I will take action after the briefing. […] I will not accept this explanation from Tauron that they acted in accordance with regulations, but not energetically enough. Here, people work around the clock, exceeding regulations. I'm exaggerating, but you know what I mean. I would expect similar commitment and vigilance from everyone. There is no time for procedural convenience - Tusk commented.


10:49

"I Will Talk to People on the Ground." Tusk on Flood Relief and "Disciplining Officials"
- I also observed, as I've been in contact with people, a reaction that is sometimes completely understandable: "10,000? What will I do with 10,000 when my apartment is destroyed?". So, once again, I would like to convey this information very precisely to all flood victims. A double application - 8,000 plus 2,000 [...] - we submit it at the social welfare center at the commune level, municipal level, it doesn't matter [...]. This money is for immediate assistance related to the drama of losing your livelihood, [...] so that you have something to live on for the next dozen or so days - Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference. - For the renovation of an apartment, an outbuilding, a garage, you will have up to 100,000 in non-repayable aid available. Not a loan, not a credit [...]. In the case of rebuilding a residential house, a residential building - up to 200,000 PLN. You will assess this together with the village head, mayor, president [...], and we will then decide how much help is actually needed - he continued. As he announced: - Today, just in case, I will also be in the field and I will test it, I will talk to people about how it works - so that in the evening, at the staff meeting, I can also inform or discipline all officials: from the Minister of Finance to social welfare workers, so that it really works. - This money is available and it will reach you - the head of government assured.

10:51

Tusk on aid for flood-affected countries:

Aid from the EU will exceed one billion euros.

- There are two European aid systems when it comes to flood situations. The first is not related to money that will reach us, but to Europe's capabilities in terms of assistance with equipment, personnel, and technologies, and this is the civil protection mechanism. Yesterday, I spoke with Ursula von der Leyen about the forms of assistance. This entire mechanism, and as I said, the fire chief knows and prepares such applications cyclically if any equipment is needed, although I must say that our services are well-equipped and well-prepared to act – stated Prime Minister Tusk at a press conference.

- However, financial aid comes only after an assessment of the flood's impact, and of course, there's no need to apply or raise your hand for it; it will be well over 1 billion euros, 1.5 billion euros, not for Poland, but a contingency fund within the European Union from which we will be able to draw funds, but that will only be after the actual losses are assessed – he continued.


11:23

Serafin as EU Commissioner. Von der Leyen Announces Pole's Portfolio
- Budget. And everything is clear - wrote Piotr Serafin, the Polish candidate for EU Commissioner, on social media. Ursula von der Leyen announced that Serafin would take on the position of Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud, and Public Administration. - He will report directly to me. He will focus in particular on preparing the next long-term budget and ensuring that we have a modern institution that meets the expectations of Europeans - said the head of the European Commission during the presentation of her new Commission's composition.

12:01

Kierwiński:

One Must Have a Lot of Ill Will to Draw Negative Conclusions About the Prime Minister from These Words

- One must have a lot of ill will, I am not attributing this ill will to you, because you are merely quoting some politicians who are trying to attack these words, but one must have a lot of ill will to draw any negative conclusions about the Prime Minister from these words. I expect from decision-makers, and I myself was a minister not so long ago and I know how important it is, that they do not heat up the atmosphere of danger, but do everything to prepare for that danger. Yes, Donald Tusk was there a few days earlier precisely to prepare for what might come, and the Fire Brigade, the police, and the Territorial Defence Force were already prepared a few days in advance to provide assistance - stated Marcin Kierwiński in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.


12:01

Kierwiński:

When it comes to the fight for Poles' property and health - yes, the government passed the exam

- I don't want to give such assessments now [whether the government passed the exam], for one reason. Because we are at the beginning of this process, however it may sound. I don't want a single sentence to be taken out of context again. We are at the beginning of this process, for now we are fighting to prevent this second flood wave from causing even greater damage and devastation than the first one. When it comes to this ongoing fight for the property and health of Poles - yes, the government passed the exam. All services are operating at the highest readiness. I bow my head to the firefighters, police officers, and soldiers - stated Marcin Kierwiński on Radio Plus.


12:17

Błaszczak Announces Donation to Caritas:

Part of the Raised Funds for the Victims.
As a party, we have decided to allocate funds through Caritas for the benefit of those affected. I discussed this with the leader of PiS, Jarosław Kaczyński. We will allocate a quarter of a million zlotys to help the victims. We were robbed of funding by nominees from the "13th December" coalition in the National Electoral Commission (PKW), but thanks to the generosity of Poles, we raised money. Therefore, we have decided to donate part of the funds raised for the victims - stated Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference.

12:17

Błaszczak on Tusk and Owsiak's Conference:

A Fatal Direction.

- Unfortunately, today we saw a press conference by Donald Tusk and Jerzy Owsiak, which means we are dealing with an attempt to replace state institutions with non-governmental organizations. This is a fatal direction - stated Mariusz Błaszczak at a press conference.


12:17

Duda:

I will visit flood-affected areas once the immediate danger has passed
- I will go to these areas as soon as this period of danger concludes. It is obvious that the presence of the president always engages services; it is necessary to ensure the president's safety, it's a matter of security protocols, all the duties associated with that - stated President Andrzej Duda during remarks at Matki Sybiraczki Square in Warsaw. - It is clear that if I were present at this moment while the fight against the flood is ongoing, it would divert rescuers, it would divert people who could be dealing with residents' safety, saving property, etc. Hence the presence of Minister Jacek Siewiera, as it doesn't require the same level of security considerations that must be ensured for the President of the Republic of Poland - he continued. - I will visit these flood-affected areas immediately after the period of direct danger and the immediate fight against the flood itself concludes, when the fight with the consequences of the flood actually begins, meaning the reconstruction process - he further stated.

12:51

Tusk on Financial Aid:

Whoever Lies About This Harms Flood Victims, Not the Government.
Once again, about aid: every flood victim is entitled to immediate emergency assistance of PLN 10,000, up to PLN 100,000 for repairs, and up to PLN 200,000 for rebuilding a house. This aid is NON-REPAYABLE. Other forms of assistance will also be possible. Whoever lies about this harms flood victims, not the government - wrote Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

13:22

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

500 Gendarmes Dispatched to Protect Property of Evacuees
- There is full cooperation in all areas, in all tasks being carried out, with a special emphasis on protecting those villages, homes, and property that have been abandoned as a result of the evacuation - Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a press conference in Wrocław.

- The protection of these places is a priority for us. We are deploying additional forces and resources - from the Military Gendarmerie, it will be 500 gendarmes, who already today in the Lower Silesian and Opole voivodeships, in cooperation with the police, will be conducting preventive and operational activities - he continued.

- Our gendarmes and police officers will do everything they can to secure these places, especially during the night, with patrols using night vision devices and all the equipment that the army is also making available - he assured.

- Towards those who will act in a vile, shameful manner, [...] towards looters, thieves [...] we will apply all possible means and forces. We will apprehend and severely punish all those who dare to commit such an act - he emphasized.

13:47

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

A Comprehensive Plan for Rebuilding Affected Areas is Being Prepared
- Today, Prime Minister Tusk announced a very important matter – an action plan for the reconstruction of all areas that have suffered. […] This is a task for all ministers, for the entire government, for local government communities, and for the field administration. A comprehensive action plan for reconstruction is being prepared – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference in Wrocław. - Firstly: ensuring functionality, electricity supply, and communication. […] Secondly: securing places where operations can resume. Containers are ready, both residential ones and those related to the possibility of conducting business activities – he continued.

13:53

Kosiniak-Kamysz:

There will be a program to restore economic activity in flood-affected areas
- The restoration of economic activity in a given area will be the subject of actions by, for example, the Minister of Development and Technology - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference in Wrocław. - Minister Paszyk, together with BGK, with the Minister of Finance [will prepare] a comprehensive program for the revitalization, one could say, the return to economic activity in the given area - he announced.

14:06

Kosiniak-Kamysz on Flood Victim Aid:

Each Minister Received an Order to Allocate Funds.
- A billion is available at this moment, and this is the beginning of a rescue operation, here and now, which is already being utilized. However, each minister has received an order from the Prime Minister to allocate funds. We will likely discuss next year's budget, as well as the changes that will need to be made, allocating funds, and releasing all possible reserves. It will be much more than the aforementioned billion - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference in Wrocław.

15:51

Kosiniak-Kamysz Announces Further Meetings on Flood Recovery:

The Voice of Local Government Officials Will Be Crucial for Us.
- In preparing the recovery plan, the voice of local government officials will be the key voice for us. We asked for priorities, the most important ones that need to be done right now, here and now, those that are needed for tomorrow, and those that are needed for local government officials within the perspective of several months of action – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference. - These will be regular meetings concerning the recovery plan; we or our deputies will participate in them, and we will, of course, involve other ministries as well – he continued.

16:06

Tusk in Kłodzko. He Spoke with Residents

- Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Kłodzko, where he spoke with residents who are grappling with the dramatic consequences of the floods - informed the Prime Minister's Chancellery.


17:32

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz Announces Redirection of PLN 1.5 Billion from EU Funds for Flood Reconstruction
- PLN 1.5 billion - this is the amount we will redirect from EU funds for flood reconstruction. These are funds for the renovation of single-family homes, repair of energy infrastructure, and water and sewage networks in municipalities affected by the flood - informed Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on social media. - An additional PLN 3.5 billion may be allocated for the construction of embankments, reservoirs, and dams, meaning investments that will ensure long-term flood safety throughout Poland - added the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy.

18:16

Tusk:

People are particularly waiting for the army

- People are particularly waiting for the army. Let's also remember, we say with satisfaction how much money we are spending on defense, we talk about building the largest army in Europe, all of this is true, but since we say so, then we also have to show that soldiers are there when there is such a need - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Wrocław.


18:20

Tusk:

I've called on the Finance Minister to sort out what he can

- We will be looking for mechanisms so that borrowers who have lost their homes due to the floods receive very clear and strong assistance from us in this matter. We are also seeking methods so that they don't have to pay ZUS contributions, this particularly concerns small business owners. I have called on the Finance Minister to sort out what he can at this moment. He will be with us here tomorrow morning at our briefing - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Wrocław.


18:27

Tusk on PLN 2 Billion:

Infrastructure Losses Are Gigantic.

- I have appealed to the Minister of Finance to stop deluding ourselves that the funds we have managed to secure so far will be enough. This billion should suffice for immediate aid, like 10,000 [PLN], and would probably be enough in many cases for the 100,000 or 200,000 [PLN] for construction and renovation, but the infrastructure losses, for which the state will be responsible, not to mention local governments and the dwellings themselves, are gigantic – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Wrocław.

- The Minister of Finance informed me, before I came in here, that we currently have PLN 2 billion available – he continued.


18:29

Tusk on Pressuring the European Commission:

I Will Expect From Europe.

- I will continue to mobilize other countries that have also fallen victim to floods, so that we can strongly pressure the European Commission, so that they understand that the losses are very serious. Since there are also unambiguous conclusions about the necessity of increasing, and radically increasing, funding for flood protection infrastructure, for preventive measures, mainly reservoirs, because embankments are not always the right way to prevent such events, then here too I will expect from Europe, not only from our own funds, that they will seriously address the need to build flood protection infrastructure - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Wrocław.


18:31

Tusk:

When I hear conflicting reports on flood death tolls, it drives me mad

- There cannot be multiple sources of information that do not align. When I hear several reports, communications regarding the number of flood fatalities, it drives me mad. You know how sensitive this is, so I ask that the police be the sole source on this matter - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Wrocław.


18:31

Zdrojewski:

I Won't Use My '97 Experiences to Criticize, Accuse, or Reward Anyone
- I generally refuse to engage in various, even non-aggressive, critical reviews concerning what is currently happening. If I can help in any way with good advice, a warning, a suggestion, etc., I am at your disposal. But I won't make any use of my experiences from '97 [year] today to touch anyone, criticize them, accuse them of anything, or reward them. This is not the moment – said Bogdan Zdrojewski in the "Afternoon Conversation" on RMF FM.

18:34

Tusk on the Most Important 2-3 Days:

You Must Truly Be Like One Fist.

- These are the most important days ahead of us, you know, 2-3 days. Further on it will also be a very difficult task, but the most significant events are in the next 2-3 days. You must truly be like one fist and absolutely dedicated, determined 24 hours a day - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Wrocław.


18:36

Zdrojewski on the Flood Situation: It Should Be Possible for the Prime Minister and President to Stand Together
- It should be [possible for the Prime Minister and President to stand together in Kłodzko or on the flood embankments] - said Bogdan Zdrojewski on RMF FM. - The presence of authorities, the presence of certain figures with authority who have their voters, is important, however. One should not exaggerate with this, this is not the time, in short, to score points, but voters expect, as they see, that there is interest in their fate and that actions are being taken in their direction, it also causes their faith to make them function better, to mobilize better - he continued.

18:47

Zdrojewski on the EU Resolution Regarding Floods:

It Will Be Helpful for Us in the Short Term.
- Tomorrow we are starting the debate in the European Parliament, but this is a great moment to state, in short, what the needs are for tomorrow, the day after tomorrow. I worked on this resolution, I know its content, and I believe it will be helpful for us in the short term - said Bogdan Zdrojewski on RMF FM. - There will be a subtle criticism of the Solidarity Fund, because at a certain stage it was cut back, it is not functional. These financial resources need to be supplemented, as well as ensuring greater liquidity for its use. Certain financing lines need to be rebuilt within this civil defense program. Channels for utilizing the management center, which relies on the Copernicus satellite system, must function better and more efficiently - he continued. - In addition, there are also positive remarks towards the uniformed services, which work hard and require some support. The internal communication system also needs improvement [...] there are a few more such detailed guidelines that will be for the future. The common denominator is, I will say immediately, that it's not just about floods, although floods will be the main topic, but it also concerns, for example, other disasters, such as fires - he went on to say. - In several points, there is an expectation, but also a demand, that all of this proceeds more efficiently and faster - he added.

18:48

Tusk:

People say they don't feel the presence, for example, of the police

- In Kłodzko itself, I must say, people feel they are also isolated. It's not just a problem that they find themselves in a dramatic situation, they have no housing. I walked around their apartments a bit, some are flooded up to the second floor, they are effectively destroyed, there's no way to live there. They haven't received information, not even about potential substitute premises - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Wrocław.

- For instance, in the most affected, flooded areas, people say they don't feel the presence, for example, of the police. They also asked about the presence of soldiers - he continued.


19:58

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz Announces €1.5 Billion in Flood Relief Support
We are able to redirect PLN 1.5 billion from structural funds. This is not from the KPO (National Reconstruction Plan), there is no formal possibility for that from the KPO, but it is possible from here. To redirect from other sources precisely for support, for reconstruction, in three areas, and this is primarily infrastructure. We know that energy infrastructure is very important, the reconstruction of this infrastructure. Secondly, all water, water and sewage, wastewater infrastructure, the reconstruction of this infrastructure, and finally, the reconstruction and renovation of single-family homes. These are the three areas where we will be able to redirect PLN 1.5 billion from European Funds to areas that, unfortunately, have been destroyed and are being destroyed by the flood – stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz in the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News. "Money will go to various entities, including people." Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on flood victim aid This money will go to various investors. Someone else rebuilds energy networks, it is known that these are state treasury companies that do it, municipalities of course rebuild sewage and wastewater, water, and rainwater infrastructure, while there will also be funds for the reconstruction of single-family homes, and this will go to individual people – she continued.

19:58

Pełczyńska-Nałęcz:

Let's Focus on Reconstruction, Not Blame

- Let's focus on reconstruction, on help, not on finding mutual blame. However, there is such a lesson, and it is obvious that large infrastructure unfortunately often comes at a cost to the local community, and we need to have mechanisms to respect that local community, to convince them, and even to compensate them materially, to compensate them with dignity – said Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz in Polsat News.


20:49

On Tusk's Personal Invitation: Date Set for EU Commission Chief's Visit to Poland
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is arriving in Poland in 2 days at the personal invitation of Donald Tusk, in order to ensure that aid for flood victims is effective and as efficient as possible - announced Krzysztof Brejza on social media. - The European Union is a Community, not an imagined one, but a very real one - added the Civic Platform MEP.