Europe Holds Strong Cards. It's High Time to Use Them.
- Sikorski Publishes Post Following Meeting of 'Coalition of the Willing' Leaders
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12/02/2024
07:12
Monday's Political Agenda: Tusk at Port of Gdańsk, Nawrocki on the Road, Nowacka in Gdańsk, Morawiecki in Wrocław, Siemoniak on Police Actions, Pogonowski Before the Investigation Committee
The presidential candidate supported by PiS, Karol Nawrocki, will visit Chełm. At 7:15 AM, he will lay flowers before the Volhynian Pietà monument, at 7:30 AM a press briefing will take place, and at 8:15 AM he will visit the Municipal Family Support Center – Senior+ Day Care.
At 5:30 PM, a meeting with the participation of Karol Nawrocki will be held in Bielsko-Biała.
At 9:30 AM in Gdańsk, the Head of the Ministry of National Education will participate in a meeting of the High Level Group for Education and Training.
At 10:00 AM, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak, and Secretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka will visit the site of the expansion of the Grain Terminal at the Port of Gdańsk.
At 10:00 AM, the Pegasus Investigation Committee is scheduled to question the former head of ABW, Piotr Pogonowski, and subsequently – partially in a closed session – the former deputy head of CBA, Daniel Karpeta.
At 12:00 PM, a conference will be held by the Head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Tomasz Siemoniak, Deputy Minister Czesław Mroczek, and Police Chief Marek Boroń regarding the police action plans for 2025.
At 6:00 PM in Wrocław, an open meeting with Mateusz Morawiecki will take place.
At 7:00 PM in Wieliczka, President Andrzej Duda will participate in the solemn celebrations of Saint Barbara's Day.
07:12
Monday's Political Agenda: Tusk at Port of Gdańsk, Nawrocki on Tour, Nowacka in Gdańsk, Morawiecki in Wrocław, Siemoniak on Police Actions, Pogonowski Before the Investigative Committee
PiS-backed presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki will visit Chełm. At 7:15 AM, he will lay flowers before the Volhynian Pietà monument, at 7:30 AM, a press briefing will be held, and at 8:15 AM, he will visit the Municipal Family Support Centre – Senior+ Day House.
At 5:30 PM in Bielsko-Biała, a meeting with the participation of Karol Nawrocki will take place.
At 9:30 AM in Gdańsk, the Minister of National Education will participate in a meeting of the High Level Group for Education and Training.
At 10:00 AM, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak, and Secretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka will visit the site of the Grain Terminal expansion at the Port of Gdańsk.
At 10:00 AM, the Pegasus Investigative Committee is scheduled to question the former head of ABW, Piotr Pogonowski, and then – partly in a closed session – the former deputy head of CBA, Daniel Karpeta.
At 12:00 PM, a conference will be held by the Minister of Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak, Deputy Minister Czesław Mroczek, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Police Marek Boruń regarding the police action plans for 2025.
At 6:00 PM in Wrocław, an open meeting with Mateusz Morawiecki will take place.
At 7:00 PM in Wieliczka, President Andrzej Duda will participate in the ceremonial celebrations of Saint Barbara's Day.
07:30
Domański Responds to Morawiecki’s Video:
We Inherited a High Deficit from the Previous Government.
– I saw [Mateusz Morawiecki’s] video, full of misrepresentations. We know that we inherited a high deficit from the previous government. Because I will just remind you that the excessive deficit procedure was imposed on Poland for the year 2023 – a year of PiS rule and Mr. Morawiecki’s rule – stated Andrzej Domański on PR1’s “Sygnały dnia”.
– PiS left us with an economy with zero economic growth. Fortunately, the economy has accelerated and this year we expect GDP growth of almost 3%, and next year almost 4% GDP growth – he continued.
07:32
Domański:
Step by Step, We Are Fulfilling Our Election Promises
Contrary to what Mr. Morawiecki says, we are fulfilling our election promises step by step – stated Andrzej Domański in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.
As part of fulfilling our election promises, we are implementing what we committed to during the election campaign. Please note, a 30% raise for teachers – delivered, a 20% raise for the public sector – accomplished, cash-basis PIT – despite what Mr. Morawiecki claims – passed. Holidays from ZUS, over a million entrepreneurs will already benefit from this – he continued.
07:33
‘I Will Present the Prime Minister with a Plan to Implement This Commitment.’ Domański on Raising the Tax-Free Amount
- The tax-free amount is another promise, and just like all our other promises, it will be fulfilled. As I said earlier, I will present the Prime Minister with a plan to implement this commitment – stated Andrzej Domański in “Sygnały dnia” on PR1.
07:36
Domański on Nawrocki’s Announcement:
Just a Typical Unthought-Out Electoral Proposal
- Simply a typical unthought-out electoral proposal [by Karol Nawrocki regarding overtime without PIT]. Even the wealthiest Poles could benefit from it; it is not a systemic solution. In such a situation, it would be easy to cheat the system somewhat at the expense of other taxpayers – stated Andrzej Domański on PR1’s “Sygnały dnia”.
- I would like to see the calculations from Mr. candidate Nawrocki regarding how many Poles would benefit from this, and what the budgetary costs would be – he continued.
07:39
Siemoniak on Pogonowski's Apprehension:
Everyone is Equal Before the Law.
- The former head of the Internal Security Agency (ABW) during the PiS era, Piotr Pogonowski, was detained by the police based on a court order and will be brought to a session of the parliamentary inquiry committee. Everyone is equal before the law. Everyone - wrote Tomasz Siemoniak.
Były szef ABW za czasów PiS, Piotr Pogonowski, został na podstawie nakazu sądowego zatrzymany przez policję i będzie doprowadzony na posiedzenie sejmowej komisji śledczej. Każdy jest równy wobec prawa. Każdy.
— Tomasz Siemoniak (@TomaszSiemoniak) December 2, 2024
07:53
Nawrocki Appeals to the Government:
Poland Needs a Museum of the Volhynian Massacre Victims.
Poland needs a Museum of the Volhynian Massacre Victims, it needs this museum and this place to build awareness of the truth about the actions of Ukrainian nationalists, but also to not let us forget about the over 120,000 victims. Those who came before us, Poles. The Volhynian genocide was a cruel, neighborly crime that requires care and the cultivation of memory - stated Karol Nawrocki at a press briefing in Chełm.
The establishment of this museum is also essential for us to build our future relations with the Ukrainian state and to build these relations on truth. Chełm needs this museum, Poland needs it, but Polish-Ukrainian relations also need this museum - the candidate continued.
The current executive authorities, the Prime Minister, the government, are not ready to meet with the President, with local government officials, but also with social activists, which shows that this matter, despite its importance, is not being treated in the way it deserves - Nawrocki emphasized.
Therefore, I appeal from this place to the Prime Minister, the government, the Ministry of Culture, that you do not squander this social energy and the fight for historical truth and give the city of Chełm the opportunity to complete an investment that is so important for Poland, for Poles, for the city of Chełm, and for our relations with the Ukrainian state - he added.
08:02
Dworczyk on Pogonowski's Refusal to Appear Before the Investigative Committee:
It's Not Tactics, It's a Consequence of the Constitutional Tribunal's Ruling.
- I do not think this is a tactic. I believe it is a consequence of the fact that many people, including Professor Pogonowski [former head of ABW], and let's recall, we are talking about a law professor, take rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal seriously, and the Constitutional Tribunal has clearly ruled that the committee is operating illegally because it was established improperly - Michał Dworczyk stated on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego," when asked if he believed the tactic of avoiding appearances before the Pegasus investigative committee made sense.
- I think the editor would do best by talking to some lawyers on this subject [...] I think any law professor, or an experienced person, I don't know, Professor Piotrowski or someone else who is an expert when it comes to constitutional law, would be a better interlocutor than me. Politicians, I believe, should not express themselves so unequivocally on matters so serious and complex - he continued, when pressed whether he could explain the origin of the Constitutional Tribunal's ruling, as it lacks justification.
- The Constitutional Tribunal issued [...] a ruling, the committee was improperly established, and the consequence of this ruling is the stance taken by Professor Pogonowski - he went on to say.
08:06
Nawrocki on the ban on promoting Banderist symbols:
If the parliamentary initiative doesn't gain support, we will prepare a citizen's bill.
A parliamentary bill to ban the promotion of Ukrainian nationalist symbols, Banderist symbols. I know there is such an initiative in the Polish Sejm. I would, of course, unequivocally support this parliamentary initiative, hoping that, unlike with this investment in Chełm, the parliamentary bill will become the subject of a serious discussion in the Polish parliament. There is no place for Banderist symbols in contemporary Poland; it was a nationalism, an ideology that led to the deaths of 120,000 Poles - stated Karol Nawrocki at a press briefing in Chełm.
If, however, the parliamentary initiative does not gain support in the Polish parliament, then from this moment I also announce that as the President of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), but also as a civic candidate for the President of the Republic of Poland, together with citizens, we will prepare a citizen's bill for such a law - he continued.
08:08
Morawiecki's Faction Disappointed with Nawrocki's Choice? Dworczyk: Morawiecki Never Sought the Presidency
- It is not a euphoric state, but it is a positive assessment of this situation - said Michał Dworczyk on TVN24, when asked about his "state of mind" after Karol Nawrocki was indicated as the candidate supported by PiS.
- Prime Minister Morawiecki never sought to become a presidential candidate - he continued, when asked whether Mateusz Morawiecki's faction harbored disappointment that he was not chosen.
08:19
Bodnar:
Courts show that the parliamentary inquiry committee established by the Sejm is to function, and summoned individuals are to appear
- Courts show that since the Sejm has established an inquiry committee [regarding Pegasus], it is to function. Individuals summoned before it are to appear - said Adam Bodnar in an interview with Dominika Wielowieyska on TOK FM Morning.
- And if these individuals exploit questionable procedures and guarantees that result from the ruling of Julia Przyłębska's Tribunal, courts will not respect that and will act in accordance with the provisions of the law on inquiry committees, meaning they will ensure these individuals do appear before the committees - he continued.
- And if these individuals exploit questionable procedures and guarantees that result from the ruling of Julia Przyłębska's Tribunal, courts will not respect that and will act in accordance with the provisions of the law on inquiry committees, meaning they will ensure these individuals do appear before the committees - he continued.
08:23
Did the Nawrocki Dossier Circulate within PiS and is it Being Leaked to the Media by Factions? Dworczyk: I Absolutely Don't Believe It
- The accusations that contact with the fan community would have some image consequences during the election campaign, of course I heard this accusation and of course I believe it will be used by Karol Nawrocki's opponents - Michał Dworczyk said on TVN24.
- What is important and I think most important, requiring emphasis, is that Karol Nawrocki consistently denies all the information that has appeared online, sent from this or that account [...]. Some of the arguments appearing on the internet remind me of the "writing", I put "writing" in quotation marks, of Mr. Tomasz Piątek, who can justify absolutely everything that is necessary for him - he continued.
- I absolutely don't believe it - he added, when asked if the Nawrocki dossier had appeared in PiS, circulated, and was now being passed to the media by some factions.
08:28
Dworczyk on the Former Head of RARS:
He Should Have the Right, Responding Freely, to Defend His Good Name
- I absolutely believe in his personal integrity [...]. I believe that every situation related to public administration that raises doubts should be clarified, but there should be no witch hunts and attacks, the kind that primarily aim to destroy a person, rather than clarify the situation - Michał Dworczyk stated on TVN24, when asked about the case of Michał K., the former head of RARS.
- Therefore, I believe he should have the right, responding freely, to defend his good name - he continued.
08:35
Dworczyk on Ukraine's Declaration Regarding Exhumations:
A Step in the Right Direction, but No Breakthrough Can Be Spoken Of.
- I believe this is another step in the right direction, but we can only speak of a breakthrough when the exhumations are actually unblocked. I am glad that the policy of Donald Tusk's government is consistent in this regard and is a continuation of the policy of Mateusz Morawiecki's government, and previously Beata Szydło's, and I hope that our relations with Ukrainian partners and the pressure on this matter will yield some results - said Michał Dworczyk on TVN24 when asked if Ukraine's declaration on exhumations is a breakthrough.
- But we cannot speak of any breakthrough today, because I will remind you that in '23, President Zelensky in Warsaw, after a meeting with President Duda, said that every person who was murdered, regardless of when and where, should have the right to be found and buried with dignity - he continued.
08:49
Bodnar:
First, the KRS Election According to Constitutional Rules, Then Judicial Evaluation
- We are working consistently, in line with the Venice Commission's opinion, namely, we must proceed to evaluate judges - said Adam Bodnar on TOK FM's Morning Program.
As he stated: - This evaluation must be carried out by a body that has a judicial character, as indicated by the Venice Commission. It must be based on a partially individual assessment of the situation of individual persons, along with the guarantee of an appeal. And it must take into account the situation in which individuals found themselves, but also the life choices these individuals made after 2018.
"It must be the KRS, which is established in accordance with constitutional rules"
- The Commission does not specify what kind of body it should be, but largely it should be a body independent of the legislative and executive branches. Therefore [...] it appears that the KRS could fulfill such a function - he indicated.
As he stressed: - It must be the KRS, which is established in accordance with constitutional rules, meaning it will be elected by the judges themselves. Thus, we must first complete the procedure for enacting the law and electing the KRS, and then carry out this very evaluation of judges divided into specific groups.
08:58
Bodnar:
No More "Active Remorse"
- Will there be no "active remorse" or any such declarations linked to promotions resulting from flawed procedures? That won't happen anymore? - Dominika Wielowieyska asked on TOK FM's Morning Show.
- No. In fact, there was a significant discussion on this matter within the legal community and beyond - replied Adam Bodnar.
- However, let's remember – nothing absolves us from clarifying past matters and holding individuals accountable, it's just that this can be done through other means and not necessarily by linking it to the topic of evaluating a judge's status - he added.
09:16
Kierwiński on the former head of ABW:
It's a disgrace for PiS that he's evading his duties.
- No, it is precisely the duty of the police to bring in a person who is evading their obligations. Each of us, if summoned to a parliamentary committee of inquiry, has an obligation to appear. It is a disgrace, a disgrace for PiS, that someone who was the head of ABW is evading his duties. This is simply Pis's degeneration, nothing more – said Marcin Kierwiński on Radio Zet.
09:18
Kierwiński:
2.6 Billion Zloty Committed from Government Funds for Flood Victims
- I have a clear conscience that I am doing everything possible to restore normality to the flooded areas as quickly as possible, and whether it is enough is a very difficult and complex process. There will likely be situations where people will consider the aid insufficient. However, I will state just one figure: 2.6 billion zloty has been committed from government funds to date for the aid of these people, and this is only the beginning of the process, as the reconstruction will take many months – stated Marcin Kierwiński on Radio Zet.
09:18
Kierwiński on Nawrocki:
We Approach Him With Respect, But Trzaskowski Will Win These Elections.
- In every election campaign, I approach opponents with great respect and distance. I believe everything will be decided by individual votes, that the result will be very close to 50%, and that these 2%, 3% will decide who wins these elections, so we approach his candidacy with respect. However, I am convinced that Rafał Trzaskowski will win these elections – said Marcin Kierwiński on Radio Zet.
09:20
Kierwiński:
I believe in Marshal Hołownia, but his initial reaction was too emotional
- I read the Marshal's statement. I believe in the Marshal 100%, although I think his initial reaction was perhaps too emotional. These are unauthorized insinuations, as I said, I read the Marshal's statement, he spoke on this matter, I believe in the Marshal. However, that reaction, perhaps too emotional for a politician – stated Marcin Kierwiński on Radio Zet.
09:26
Kierwiński Responds to Biejat:
It's Worth Talking About What You Actually Understand.
- I expect Ms. Biejat to first check the situation. It's worth talking about what you actually understand. I haven't heard that Ms. Biejat has been to the flood-affected areas and spoken with people and local governments there. Apparently, she doesn't know what she's talking about – stated Marcin Kierwiński on Radio Zet, when asked about Magdalena Biejat's statement telling him to get to work.
- Every week it's a minimum of two, often three, often four days. For example, I just returned on Saturday. I was in Lower Silesia and Opole Voivodeship, we were in Kamień Ząbkowicki, Kłodzko, Stronie, and Lądek. Given the scale of this tragedy, I realized when I returned from Brussels that there would be many dissatisfied people, because there are no funds that could rebuild the lives of these people whose lives have collapsed during this flood – he continued.
09:29
Błaszczak on Pogonowski:
Lawlessness.
- Lawlessness. Lawlessness. Another example of ignoring the decisions of the Constitutional Tribunal. I will remind you, Article 190 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland clearly states that the rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are binding, are enforceable, and are indisputable. Well, those who rule Poland today are ignoring the Constitutional Tribunal because they don't like it, because it doesn't operate according to their wishes, because it is not composed of their representatives – stated Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Łukasz A. Jankowski on Radio Wnet.
- So such lawlessness never lasts forever, especially in the 21st century, in a situation where there are social media, where everything can be shown. I am sure that the nation will make the right decision and will remove from power those who rule Poland today. Sooner or later – he continued.
09:30
Błaszczak:
No Regime Lasts Forever. Communism Also Fell
- Yes, indeed. There is such a ruling by the Constitutional Tribunal, ignored by the coalition of December 13th. No regime lasts forever. Communism also fell. They will fall. It's bad for Poland, well, the fact is that they don't know how to govern. By organizing these spectacles, they are covering up their incompetence, which is linked to the increased cost of living for households - stated Mariusz Błaszczak on Radio Wnet.
- This is the result of the poor governance of the December 13th coalition. We will react, as Mr. Pogonowski is also a representative of the National Bank of Poland. Thus, the independence of the National Bank of Poland has been violated - he continued.
- However, we are aware that our reactions are currently directed at public opinion, but we will of course appeal to public opinion so that public opinion remembers. Especially in May next year, who is governing Poland today. One must remember. One must remember because Poland's future is threatened by those who are governing Poland today - added the head of the PiS parliamentary club.
10:18
PiS MPs Expelled from Pegasus Committee Session
- This is not an investigative committee - stated Marcin Przydacz, referencing a Constitutional Tribunal ruling and demanding the right to speak "on the matter being addressed by the group of MPs gathered in this room".
Later in the session, Chairwoman Magdalena Sroka noted that Mariusz Gosek and Marcin Przydacz were disrupting the committee's proceedings and asked them to leave the room. After being warned twice, a vote was called on the expulsion of the PiS MPs from the ongoing session. Seven individuals voted, all supporting the motion.
10:28
Former Head of ABW Before the Pegasus Committee:
The Thesis of Illegal Operational Control is Harmful.
- I was summoned to a committee meeting at the beginning of September. I had a sincere desire, and even [...] a need, to appear and present not so much my version of events, or rather the situation surrounding the committee’s work, but rather what is significant for the functioning of special services and police services - said Piotr Pogonowski during the session of the parliamentary investigation committee on Pegasus.
- The committee’s work, the way it is conducted, the prejudgment by the chairwoman and committee members a priori, even before the committee began its work, that the actions you have termed: the use of Pegasus software and more broadly: the conducting of operational control by special services, were illegal - he said.
- I wanted – and I still want, and this is perhaps the main reason why I am speaking before you – to give this thesis a firm rebuttal, because it is a thesis harmful to the Republic of Poland, harmful to the special services and police services, which are losing their working tools - he emphasized.
10:35
Pogonowski:
Constitutional Tribunal Ruling Prevents Commission's Legal Operation
- I justified my absence three times, citing the fact that on September 10th of this year, the Constitutional Tribunal issued a ruling [...] based on which Article 2 of the Sejm resolution establishing the commission was deemed unconstitutional. The Constitutional Tribunal clearly emphasized that the ruling is effective from the moment it was announced in the courtroom by the tribunal panel - said Piotr Pogonowski during a session of the Sejm inquiry committee on Pegasus.
- As a person who knows the law, who scrupulously adheres to the law in both my professional and private activities, I justified my absence by citing the fact that a ruling had been issued by the Constitutional Tribunal – a ruling that prevents the commission from proceeding lawfully and legally - he emphasized.
10:40
Pogonowski on Pegasus Committee Proceedings:
This Directly Harms Poland's Security Interests.
- Since September 10, the Pegasus committee [...] has been operating with at least a presumption of unconstitutionality, meaning illegally. On the other hand, the state's work is proceeding, and the media and society are being fed various pieces of information that harm the Republic, harm special services, the police, the army - all those who care about our security - said Piotr Pogonowski during a meeting of the parliamentary investigative committee on Pegasus.
- Therefore, this public, societal, important interest argues for appearing in the Sejm - even in this unconventional manner, with the assistance of police officers, whom I thank for their professionalism - and giving testimony - he continued.
"Unfortunately, this is happening during the proceedings, previously of the committee, now these meetings."
- Exposing, showing, talking about forms and methods of operational work, which by their nature are secret or strictly secret, thus constituting state secrets, not only violates the penal code but directly harms the security interests of the Republic of Poland. Unfortunately, this is happening during the state's proceedings, previously of the committee, now this meeting, these gatherings - he stated.
10:49
Tusk Announces Construction of Another Grain Terminal:
By 2026, We Will Be Ready.
- It wasn't that simple. I'll say it openly, we tried in both Gdynia and Szczecin to regain full control for legal and ownership reasons, but it wasn't entirely possible. And that's why the decision is to return to the idea of another grain terminal in Gdańsk - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Port of Gdańsk.
- I won't indulge in any more spite or reminiscing about the, let's say, clowning around of some of our predecessors, who promised, as always, pie in the sky, or in this case, grain in the sky. Fortunately, here we already have concrete decisions. By 2026, we will be ready with this investment, and we will feel much safer in this regard as well - he continued.
10:54
Tusk:
The Entire European Commission Will Meet in Gdańsk in January
- I also spoke with the Mayor today about Gdańsk's preparations for its somewhat capital-like role during the presidency. It is here that the commissioners, the entire European Commission, will meet in January. I am glad there will be something to be proud of - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk in the Port of Gdańsk.
10:57
Tusk on Orlen: Expect Further Information
- The current management of Orlen will systematically inform about the results of controls, as well as ongoing investigations. As you know, there is a lot, a lot of cleaning up to do after Orlen, after President Obajtek, and after the former Orlen authorities. Gdańsk is one of the victims of the previous government. What happened here, I don't need to repeat it, some of the events are irreversible, so we also have to repair the consequences of some decisions regarding Lotos or investments in Olefins in Płock - stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Port of Gdańsk.
- Expect further information - he added at the end.
10:58
Pogonowski:
I First Learned About So-Called Pegasus from the Media
- Regarding the systems that the state calls "Pegasus" – the first time I learned about something called Pegasus was from the media. Therefore, it is difficult for me to comment [inaudible - editorial note] – said Piotr Pogonowski during a session of the parliamentary investigation committee on Pegasus.
- I believe that someone named such a system and that it functions. I believe that special services, police services are equipped with the best available equipment in order to, in accordance with their duty […] ensure the highest possible level of security for citizens and the state – he continued.
12:27
Pogonowski on Operative Materials Not Seeing the Light of Day:
I Fully Agree with Anyone Who Says So.
My opinion is quite simple: I fully agree with anyone who claims that materials from operative actions should never see the light of day, either in the media or elsewhere, in an unauthorized manner. This is obvious. I, at least, have always ensured this, and we haven't had such a situation, at least here in the Internal Security Agency – said former ABW head, Piotr Pogonowski, at the Pegasus committee.
12:28
Pogonowski:
The Order for My Compulsory Attendance at the Commission Was Served Today After My Detention
- The order to impose a disciplinary penalty on me, as well as my detention and compulsory attendance, issued by the President of the District Court in Warsaw, was served to me today after my detention. Of course, this is a violation of procedure, but that's a minor issue, we won't debate it. I will naturally appeal, but from today, the 7-day period for filing appropriate legal remedies, which I will certainly use, begins to run – stated former head of the Internal Security Agency (ABW), Piotr Pogonowski, at the Pegasus commission.
12:29
Tusk on Road Blockades and Threat to the State:
I've Called the Relevant Services Today.
Road blockades, regardless of political intentions, pose a threat to the state and all road users. I have called the relevant services today to react decisively and counteract such actions - Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on social media.
Blokowanie dróg, niezależnie od politycznych intencji, stwarza zagrożenie dla państwa i wszystkich użytkowników dróg. Wezwałem dziś odpowiednie służby do zdecydowanego reagowania i przeciwdziałania takim akcjom.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) December 2, 2024
13:16
Ziobro:
Prime Minister Tusk is a criminal and will face serious consequences
- On January 12th of this year, Messrs. Donald Tusk and Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar, along with other individuals acting jointly, as part of an agreement, as part of an organized criminal group, decided to illegally remove the incumbent National Prosecutor from office through a criminal act - said Zbigniew Ziobro at a press conference.
- These actions by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Minister of Justice Bodnar are obviously unlawful, constitute an abuse of authority, and were undertaken due to the personal political interest of the Prime Minister, his political faction, but also due to the material interests of individuals who were appointed illegally as a consequence of the unlawful removal of Dariusz Barski from the duties of National Prosecutor - he continued.
- These are criminal offenses, which is why I say without hesitation [...] that Prime Minister Donald Tusk is a criminal and the time will come when he will face serious consequences for it. He could not have organized this act individually; he must have acted within a group, a criminal group - he went on to say.
13:32
"Dramatic Consequences": Ziobro on the Alleged Results of Declaring Barski's Appointment as National Prosecutor Ineffective
- Now, a few words [...] about the dramatic consequences that will gradually become more apparent and will strike at the functioning of the Polish state as a whole. Namely, if Prosecutor Dariusz Barski was reinstated to active duty ineffectively by my decision, and consequently, if he took office, the position of National Prosecutor, ineffectively [...] then all the decisions he made, procedural ones, are covered by a crucial legal defect which must lead to enormous consequences, both procedural and financial - said Zbigniew Ziobro at a press conference.
- Prosecutor Dariusz Barski himself, but also my other deputies authorized by him, made decisions regarding so-called operational activities [...] mainly concerning wiretaps. There were about 12,000 decisions issued during that time. These are 12 [thousand] decisions that are burdened with a fundamental legal defect - he continued.
- Prosecutor Dariusz Barski [...] made about three thousand decisions to extend investigations. [...] These are also subject to challenge, and unfortunately, there are grounds to believe that suspects, their lawyers, their defenders, will effectively demand compensation from the State Treasury for time spent in legal facilities, in pre-trial detention, if we accept that what Mr. Bodnar and Mr. Donald Tusk said is true, namely that Prosecutor Dariusz Barski [...] was ineffectively appointed to the position of National Prosecutor - he went on to say.
13:41
Pogonowski:
ABW Never Unlawfully Used Pegasus
- There has been an abuse in the discussion of Pegasus, meaning the forms and methods of operational work, including during the work of your committee at this meeting. Informational, regarding the protection of classified information, meaning the security interests of the Republic of Poland. If the court, when issuing consent, abused it, that is already a question for the court. The services have never abused operational control tools, I am of course speaking about the Internal Security Agency (ABW) – stated the former head of ABW, Piotr Pogonowski, at the Pegasus committee.
13:47
Ziobro Files Complaint Against Tusk and Bodnar:
They Committed Serious Crimes as Part of an Organized Group.
- Today, I represent the Law and Justice Parliamentary Club here. I have before me a notification of suspicion of committing a crime, in which I stand by the position recently expressed in its resolution by the Supreme Court, and later also by the Constitutional Tribunal, that Dariusz Barski is the National Prosecutor and that Prosecutor General Dariusz Barski was a fully legal National Prosecutor - said Zbigniew Ziobro at a press conference.
- Either Prime Minister Tusk and Adam Bodnar, as I state, committed serious crimes as part of an organized criminal group, and I am filing such a complaint, or the decisions currently being made by their appointees are illegal and often criminal in nature, or such illegal and criminal decisions were made during the period when I was the Prosecutor General - he continued.
- Do you think I enjoy such sympathy, such goodwill [...] from Mr. Donald Tusk and his Minister of Justice, Mr. Bodnar, that they have not initiated an investigation against me if they claim that I appointed the National Prosecutor illegally, without grounds, and ineffectively, which results in thousands of negative consequences for the Polish legal order. Where does their mercy come from? - he went on to say.
13:54
Ziobro on his Return to Public Life:
Gradually.
- Gradually, dear ladies and gentlemen, I am still undergoing intensive rehabilitation, I feel better [...] but unfortunately, I am not yet able to say that I have fully recovered - said Zbigniew Ziobro, when asked if this press conference signifies his return to public life, to being a Member of Parliament, to participating in Sejm votes.
14:01
Ziobro Announces Appearance Before Committee Investigating Him
- Yes, I will appear - stated Zbigniew Ziobro at a press conference, when asked if he would present himself before the Committee on Rules of Procedure, Deputies' Affairs, and Immunity. This committee is scheduled to consider on December 3rd the request to detain and bring the former Minister of Justice before the parliamentary inquiry committee on Pegasus.
16:21
Obajtek Files Criminal Complaint Against Current Orlen Management:
You Will Answer for This
- Today, I am filing a criminal complaint regarding the suspicion of potential criminal offenses committed by the current management [of Orlen]. This complaint was submitted to the National Prosecutor's Office a few minutes ago. Gentlemen, the era of destroying reputations and destroying a Polish company is over. We will be filing motions with the prosecutor's office, and even if this politically motivated prosecutor's office, usurped by someone who is not the National Prosecutor but Mr. Barski, decides otherwise, there will come a time with a different prosecutor's office, and you will answer for what you are doing illegally. This will not be the first or the last criminal complaint filed with the prosecutor's office – stated Daniel Obajtek at a press conference.
17:23
Kosiniak-Kamysz:
From December, Four Norwegian F-35s Will Protect Our Airspace
Od grudnia kolejne wzmocnienie bezpieczeństwa naszych granic. Cztery norweskie F35, a także ich systemy obrony powietrznej i przeciwlotniczej będą chronić naszą przestrzeń i wschodnią flankę NATO. Bardzo dziękujemy naszym sojusznikom z Norwegii! ???? pic.twitter.com/8yp6Jx2aEe
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) December 2, 2024
18:26
Nawrocki:
Christian Values are the Foundation of Poland
We are a nation with over 1000 years of tradition, a nation shaped by its adherence to Christian values, which are the foundation of Poland, and we must state this clearly. Christian values are the foundation of Poland – stated Karol Nawrocki in Bielsko-Biała.
18:37
Nawrocki:
There is Room for Everyone in the National Community. For Patriots from the Left Who Love Poland
- Towards this goal, rebuilding the national community based on fundamental values, such as the white and red flag, which unites us all. Values like our beautiful Polish anthem, but also like our heroes. There is room for everyone in this national community. For patriots from the left who love Poland and have served and want to serve Poland. There is room for patriots from the Home Army and the National Armed Forces - stated Karol Nawrocki in Bielsko-Biała.
18:43
Nawrocki on His Adopted Son:
I've Been Raising Him Since He Was Two.
- I am a Catholic, I am a member of the Catholic Church, I am a Christian, so I am pro-life. From conception to natural death. This is natural. However, my family history also obliges me to this - stated Karol Nawrocki in Bielsko-Biała.
- I am the father of a wonderful son, Daniel, who is 21 years old, whom I love very much, without whom I cannot imagine life, who also loves me. I have been raising him since he was two years old. He is not my biological son, but I sometimes forget about it because I don't know life without Daniel, and he doesn't know another father. Daniel is alive thanks to deep mental resilience, sacrifice, and the readiness of his then-young mother to give birth to him and live - he continued.
18:43
Nawrocki:
I am Against Ideological Warfare on the Streets of Polish Cities
- I am against ideological warfare. And on the streets of Polish cities. And these are matters so delicate, they concern issues so fundamental, that the worst thing that could happen in Poland would be a repeat of the extreme swings from a few years ago - stated Karol Nawrocki in Bielsko-Biała.
19:58
Hołownia on Trust in Services and Prosecution Following Declarations by Siemoniak, Bodnar, and Korneluk:
I Consider the Matter Closed.
- In many matters, yes, and it has never been tested to such an extent that I could answer this question affirmatively [...]. In all these things we agreed upon, it was as we agreed - stated Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News, when asked if he had one hundred percent trust in Donald Tusk.
- Yes - he replied, when asked if he had one hundred percent trust in Ministers Siemoniak and Bodnar.
- Of course, if they claim [...] that the services were not involved in this [the Collegium Humanum case], then I believe that firstly, they have checked it, and secondly, they know what they are talking about - he continued, when asked about trust in Polish special services.
- Regarding the services, yes [suspicions have been dispelled], because the people who supervise these services have spoken. Regarding the prosecution, there is a very clear and firm statement from Minister Bodnar and Prosecutor Korneluk, so I consider the matter closed here. However, these things [...] precisely now, when the case has been known for two years [...] must be surfacing from somewhere - he continued.
20:10
Hołownia:
No Collegium Humanum Diploma Existed. Perhaps Czarnecki Issued Diplomas to Those He Wanted Leverage Over
- I understand that the dispute wasn't about whether I was formally a student at Collegium Humanum, because indeed I might have been on the student list, but the text contained worse insinuations [...] that I had an arrangement with the management of Collegium Humanum to receive a fake diploma, which never existed, which I never used, but which could have been issued, and that's a much more serious matter - Szymon Hołownia said on Polsat News.
- On the same principle, I can claim to have a Hogwarts diploma issued by Professor Dumbledore, or that I am the Pope because I have the papers from the conclave. It's complete humbug, and I understand that this is what the Newsweek article was based on. There are very serious misrepresentations in it - he continued.
- Right now, we are sitting with lawyers and considering what to do, primarily to verify if illegal personal data trading occurred at this university, not just mine [...] what Mr. Czarnecki did with it, and what this university did with it, that is my main point of interest today. We will probably have conclusions on this matter within a few to a dozen or so days - he went on to say.
- There was no Collegium Humanum diploma, there is no trace of it in any state system registering such documents. I never claimed to have such a diploma, which is precisely why it needs to be checked; perhaps Mr. Czarnecki was issuing himself diplomas to various people, over whom he wanted leverage - he added.
20:16
Hołownia:
I Understand Chairman Duda Got Scared. Our Cooperation Will Continue to Go Well
- Of course, Solidarność and Chairman Duda knew this was supposed to be a meeting with me [...] the party that called them, arranging it, was the political party Polska 2050 Szymona Hołowni [...] we, as a party, booked and paid the invoice for the rental of this hall - Szymon Hołownia said on Polsat News.
- This is a hall that has already hosted Jarosław Kaczyński, the Law and Justice congress, the ONR congress, so the stories about us wanting to preserve this place as an apolitical sanctuary don't hold water - he continued.
- I understand that Chairman Duda got scared, but his fear doesn't mean I'll stop respecting him [...] our cooperation, which I announced with him as the chairman of the Social Dialogue Council, will continue to go well - he added.
20:21
Hołownia:
I will always take leave when fulfilling duties cannot be obviously reconciled with campaigning
- A touching appeal [from Karol Nawrocki to take leave], but a bit detached from reality. Firstly, the position of President of the Institute of National Remembrance is by definition and under Polish law apolitical. The position of Marshal of the Sejm is extremely political, just like the positions of the president or prime minister; they do not take leave during their campaigns because they hold political offices - Szymon Hołownia said in Polsat News.
- I will always take leave when fulfilling my duties can no longer be obviously reconciled with campaign commitments - he continued.
20:27
Hołownia:
I Don't Identify with Last Generation's Methods, and I Understand Police Will React Effectively, But Without Brutality
- The police should react in accordance with the law. Blocking roads is not allowed in Poland. It creates danger - said Szymon Hołownia in Polsat News.
- The activists of Last Generation are factually right about many things they say. One cannot defend human life at the cost of risking another life. This is not how it should be done - he continued.
- I do not identify with these methods, and I understand that the police will react effectively here, but without brutality and with an understanding of the ideas and intentions of those who are protesting - he went on to say.
20:31
Hołownia on Ziobro's stance:
I am pleased when a citizen begins to respect that the law is equal for all.
- I am always pleased when an MP recovers [...] but also when a citizen finally begins to respect that the law is equal for all of us. I heard an announcement that MP Ziobro will appear tomorrow before the Committee on Regulations and Immunities [...]. I hope he will also appear at the meeting of the Pegasus Committee - said Szymon Hołownia in Polsat News.
20:35
Hołownia on the Problem with Electing New Constitutional Tribunal Judges:
The Second Deadline Expires December 11th, and As Far As I Know, No One Will Apply Either.
- We have a Constitutional Tribunal in a very deep crisis [...] the first deadline for submitting candidates for the positions of these three judges, who are now, in the coming days, ending their mandates in the tribunal, has passed. [...] The second deadline, which I have set, expires on December 11th, and as far as I know, no one will apply either – Szymon Hołownia said in Polsat News.
- Please see to what a deep crisis the Constitutional Tribunal has been brought in Poland today. A similar ailment is beginning to affect, to trouble, the Supreme Court as well, and courts of other instances – he continued.
20:40
Berek on Threats from Predecessors:
We Hear Them in Various Places, But One Shouldn't Be Afraid.
- We are hearing threats from various quarters from those who have been devastating the state and the law in recent years. In the Sejm, I also hear shouting directed at me from those MPs against whom, incidentally, reports have been filed on suspicion of committing a crime. So, I think this is a rhetoric that that camp has adopted, probably trying to gain some applause - said Maciej Berek in an interview with Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz on TVP Info's "Question of the Day".
- The truth is, one shouldn't be afraid of threats if one knows they are acting in accordance with what is necessary to restore the rule of law in Poland. And I feel part of the camp that is trying to restore that rule of law - he continued.
20:43
Hołownia:
The Prime Minister Has a Different Assessment and Data, I Have Another. Bartmiński Was a Good Deputy Minister
- This commotion that arose in LOT, I'm talking about the dismissal of the CEO, led to this fact. The Prime Minister has a different assessment and different data regarding this situation, I have another. He has the right to dismiss a deputy minister, and I have the right to say: Jacek Bartmiński was a good deputy minister. Jacek Bartmiński will remind both us and our coalition partners with even greater energy and force that the depoliticization of State Treasury companies is one of the things we agreed upon in this coalition - said Szymon Hołownia on Polsat News.
- I have a different assessment of the situation, I asked Minister Bartmiński to describe this situation in writing. The Prime Minister claims to have different data, he made such a decision. I respect that because he is the Prime Minister and I am the Marshal of the Sejm - he continued.
- We will not [put anyone in Bartmiński's place] until the issue of depoliticizing State Treasury companies [...] is seriously considered by us as coalition partners, yes, we will not take co-responsibility for it - he said further.
20:55
Berek on Bringing Pogonowski Before the Commission:
This is a Very Important Signal and Piece of Information.
- The fact that the former head of ABW (Internal Security Agency) was brought before the investigative committee today is a very important signal and piece of information. A lot has happened in this regard. Please note that MPs, PiS politicians ignored this commission, saying: this commission doesn't exist, because there was such a ruling from the Tribunal on this matter [...], we will not appear before it - said Maciej Berek in "Pytanie dnia" (Question of the Day) on TVP Info.
- And the District Court in Warsaw said: no, it's not like that. This commission is functioning, it has summoned a witness, the witness has an obligation to appear - this one and any other - he continued.
As he stated: - Anyone who has been summoned before this commission and has so far hidden behind the argument that they do not have to respect the summons, can ignore it, I think they have now felt the weight of this responsibility and the weight of the fact that if they do not do so voluntarily, they will be brought before the prosecutor's office.
21:05
Berek on a Potential PiS Candidate Victory:
The Devastation of the State Will Then Be Solidified.
“I naturally want to believe that a PiS representative will not win the presidential election, because indeed the devastation of the state will then be solidified and it will be extremely difficult to get this state back on its feet,” said Maciej Berek on TVP Info’s “Question of the Day”.
21:20
Berek on Przyłębska’s Decision Regarding the Election of Her Successor:
It Completely Doesn't Matter.
- The game is being played within the Constitutional Tribunal, but it truly doesn't have much significance. We need the reconstitution of a constitutional court - Maciej Berek stated on TVP Info’s “Pytanie dnia” (Question of the Day).
- Ms. Przyłębska [...] has already convened the General Assembly of TC Judges for this Friday, which will select candidates for the president for the next term, to be presented to the president. But really, however dramatic it may sound – it completely doesn't matter - he emphasized.
As he indicated: - We need a new constitutional court in Poland, the creation of a court that will function as it has for decades.
22:25
PKW to Hołownia: Presidential Elections Can Be Called After January 14
As of October 16, 2024, the state of natural disaster, introduced in part of the country due to the September 2024 floods, ceased to be in effect. In accordance with Article 228, Paragraph 7 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, during the state of natural disaster and within 90 days after its termination, elections for the President of the Republic of Poland, among others, cannot be held - wrote the head of the National Electoral Commission (PKW), Sylwester Marciniak, in a letter to the Marshal of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia.
In the assessment of the National Electoral Commission, the cited provision of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland concerns the entire electoral procedure, from the calling of elections to the day of voting. Therefore, the National Electoral Commission expresses the opinion that the elections for the President of the Republic of Poland planned for 2025 may be called after the expiry of the aforementioned deadline, i.e., after January 14, 2025 - he informed.
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