At 9:00 AM, a press conference will be held in front of the PKW (National Electoral Commission) headquarters with Karol Nawrocki, the presidential candidate supported by PiS. – I will officially submit the signatures, and we already know that 1,250,000 people have signed the support lists. These signatures will be submitted to the PKW tomorrow – Nawrocki said yesterday on RMF FM.

At 10:00 AM, the Pegasus inquiry committee will question Daniel Karpetę, former deputy head of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA). At 1:00 PM – Grzegorz Ocieczkę, former deputy head of the CBA. The hearings will continue in closed sessions at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

At 12:00 PM, the Council of Ministers will consider a draft regulation concerning the state's defense readiness, as well as a draft amendment to the act on investments in wind power plants – the most significant change involves the abolition of the 10H rule, introduced in 2016, and the introduction of a minimum distance of 500 meters between wind turbines and buildings.

At 5:00 PM in Wschowa, Lublin Voivodeship, President Andrzej Duda will meet with residents of the Wschowa district.

– We are, and I mean the President's [Andrzej Duda's] associates are, in contact with President Donald Trump's associates, and one of the topics was the delivery of a letter from President Andrzej Duda to President Trump – said Wojciech Kolarski in an interview with Grzegorz Osiecki on "Sygnały Dnia" (Signals of the Day) on PR1.

– The letter concerned a proposal that was put forward by the President at NATO headquarters, when the President submitted a request, an official letter, to the Secretary General for the NATO summit in The Hague to make a decision regarding raising the minimum amount of funds allocated to defence to 3% [of GDP], and one of the threads of this letter to President Trump was precisely this matter – he continued.

– There was also a reference to the invitation, which was conveyed both verbally and in writing to President Trump, and which was also a subject for the presidents during their meeting in Washington, an invitation to the NATO summit or at a later date which would be suitable for the President of the United States – he went on to say.

– We have always considered April as one of the possibilities, as one of the options on the table. The American side informed us at the beginning of the year that the April [date] might be difficult due to the President's schedule – said Wojciech Kolarski in PR1, when asked which date for Donald Trump's visit to Poland is most realistic.

– Therefore, I surmise that a June date is more probable, which is connected with the NATO summit that I mentioned, and this could be the moment for a meeting in Warsaw with President Trump – he continued.

– Every death is a tragedy, and no death should be exploited for any cause because it is simply a human tragedy. But I would say this: please imagine that a similar situation occurred during the United Right government’s tenure. Imagine what would be happening then, what we would be dealing with, which institutions domestically and abroad would be stirred up, and what accusations would be leveled by those currently in power – said Wojciech Kolarski in an interview with PR1, referring to the Barbara Skrzypek case.

– I recall in 2015, when the then President-elect Andrzej Duda told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about the necessity of NATO troop presence in Poland, because at that time Poland was in NATO, but there were no NATO troops in Poland. The reaction was similar to the current reaction of the Vice President of the United States [J.D. Vance] to the proposal of deploying nuclear weapons in Poland. Therefore, this is politics, it's a certain process, one must set political goals and pursue them – stated Wojciech Kolarski on PR1.

– The President will not participate in the election campaign of other candidates […] however, the President has repeatedly stated that Karol Nawrocki is the candidate with whom he shares the most in terms of ideology – said Wojciech Kolarski in PR1.

– I do not know of a responsible politician among our quartet who would want to change the coalition agreement, because there is no such tendency to change the coalition agreement, nor is it reasonable. Because Europe, the world, and Poland are already shaken by so many anxieties that I believe that the four individuals and their formations, who are currently responsible for peace and reason in Poland, should not add additional elements – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

– I will not be drawn into this type of conversation [regarding withdrawing from the change in the Sejm Marshal's position halfway through the term]. There is a coalition agreement. Breaking the coalition agreement is not wise. Four men sit at the table – because that's how it happened – and I see no foolishness in any of their eyes – he stated.

– I have always considered Konfederacja and Mentzen to be a problem, because they are a real problem. If you look at their fundamental program assumptions, what they have in mind – not what they say at meetings now, but what they truly believe – that is, the potential exit from the EU, their treatment of women, the abolition of taxes, Mentzen said that recently – stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

– Their attitude towards minorities of all kinds, their attitude towards Jews [...], the ban on divorce. We are not idiots – he added.

– I don't want to offend my partners or suggest anything, but it seems to me that within this group of four, perhaps someone might be found who would undertake talks with the liberal wing of PiS. But to be clear – not the Left – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

– We will certainly not undertake any talks with Konfederacja, we will certainly not undertake any talks with the liberal wing of PiS. I don't know, some Morawiecki, who will have 5 educated guys and say: let's sit down at the table. We will not sit down – he declared.

– What has happened over the last 8 years makes us think that a great change is simply needed, including in the justice system, in the systemic aspect, and we won't achieve this if we don't elect a president who understands these matters – stated Piotr Zgorzelski in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Radio Zet.

– Looking back, I suspect that if there had been an authorized representative, this wouldn't be used for political combat today. She [Ewa Wrzosek] will have to answer whether she made a mistake – stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio Zet.

– By nature, I am a resolute person, so these traits likely also surface when it comes to cooperation with the Chancellery of the Sejm, perhaps, but you know perfectly well that I am a man with a dove's heart – stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio Zet.

– There is a restart. [Szymon Hołownia] took leave for this, to hustle in the campaign. We know well that campaign work can have an online, media, external aspect, when it comes to billboards. The most important thing is meeting people; no one has invented any other method for winning elections than contact with people – stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio Zet.

– I believe that this arrangement based on Poland 2050, PSL, Civic Platform, and The Left should function until the end of this term – and God willing, the next one too. Because it is stable for Europe, it is stable for Poland – Włodzimierz Czarzasty said on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" program.

– These are very personalized elections, and candidates with a conservative streak have the best chances in presidential elections. Rafał Trzaskowski, in his election campaign, likely has similar observations to mine, and he is entering this conservative segment of Polish society in this campaign – stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio Zet.

– I've long believed that a passing is possible. In my opinion, it could happen around March and April and then solidify. That's how I see it [that Sławomir Mentzen could overtake Karol Nawrocki]. If he wins in the second round, meaning a candidate not from the PiS camp or from PO becomes president, then according to all political science rules, a decomposition could occur not only of the government but also of the opposition camp – stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio Zet.

– It follows from the coalition agreement [that in autumn Szymon Hołownia should hand over the marshal position to Włodzimierz Czarzasty], but Szymon Hołownia himself says the coalition agreement isn't holy scripture. I think the agreement will be fulfilled nonetheless – stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio Zet.

– What about civil partnerships? What about the liberalization of the abortion law? What about the decriminalization of abortion? What about gender recognition? Why isn't all of this happening today? – Konrad Piasecki asked on TVN24.

– Because the Polish People's Party (PSL) is blocking it. […] There will be a representative of the democratic side as president. Three months after he becomes president, I tell you, these laws will be introduced because we will find a wise solution for Władysław Kosiniak, a way out with great honor, for him to support these changes – replied Włodzimierz Czarzasty.

As the co-leader of New Left continued: – In civil partnerships, we have a problem that we cannot explain, among others, to the PSL, that 28% of children in Poland are born outside of marriage. In the eastern part of the country, 50% of children. The PSL looking at civil partnerships only through the prism of homosexual, God forbid male, relationships, is simply a paranoia.

– I think this conversation [regarding the potential resignation of candidates in favor of Rafał Trzaskowski], if it were to happen at all, would have to take place probably by the holidays. The question is about deadlines, this conversation, without prejudging anything. I’m open to this possibility, because we ourselves were the authors of the idea for a coalition of democratic parties to put forward a single common candidate. We’ll see how the Marshal [Hołownia] fares – stated Piotr Zgorzelski on Radio Zet.

The Ministers of Defence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have published a statement announcing their denunciation of the Ottawa Convention.

"The security situation in our region has significantly deteriorated."
Since the ratification of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (Ottawa Convention), the security situation in our region has significantly deteriorated. Military threats against NATO member states bordering Russia and Belarus have substantially increased.

In light of this unstable security situation – marked by Russia's aggression and the continuous threat it poses to the Euro-Atlantic community – it is crucial to identify all measures that can be employed to enhance our deterrence and defence capabilities.

"Our decision sends a clear message: our countries can use any means necessary for defence."
We believe that in the current security environment, it is paramount to ensure our armed forces have flexibility and choice regarding the potential use of modern weapon systems and solutions to strengthen the defence of the Alliance's threatened eastern flank.

In light of these considerations, we – the Ministers of Defence of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland – unanimously recommend denouncing the Ottawa Convention. Our decision sends a clear message: our countries are ready and can use any means necessary to defend our territory and freedom.

"We remain committed to international humanitarian law."
Despite withdrawing from the Convention, we remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. Our nations will continue to adhere to these principles while safeguarding our security.

– These over 1,300,000 people who have submitted their signatures for the support lists are proof that there are many of us determined to achieve victory in the May 18 elections. This is the largest number of signatures collected by candidate staffs, and I am very proud that we are submitting over 1,300,000 signatures – said Karol Nawrocki at a press conference before the National Election Commission.

– I sincerely thank all 1,300,000 citizens who support my candidacy, and I guarantee that this great honor and immense commitment motivate me even more to work hard – he continued.

– Behind me stands the best poll; these over 1,300,000 signatures are the best poll, a poll carrying much more weight, having much greater caloric value than online polls with 600 respondents – he went on to say.

– This could not have happened without the structures and activists of the Law and Justice party […] the support of such a large structure, the largest party in the Polish parliament, its support for its presidential candidate in the signature collection process was fundamental support, and I thank the Law and Justice party very much – he added.

– Marius Lindvik, a month before the World Championships, let's leave aside the Norwegians' deception, was placed somewhere behind our athletes, even behind our athletes in the general classification, and he won almost a double world championship. Mid-March is not the time when we are to achieve Olympic form – stated Przemysław Czarnek on Radio Wnet.

– The situation was different; there wasn't a right-wing candidate in the background who garnered roughly 17-18%, and that translated into support for Lech Kaczyński or Andrzej Duda. There are polls that are true, and there are polls that inflate our counter-candidate, or rather, I wouldn't want to call him a counter-candidate, but a candidate of the right-wing camp, they inflate him terribly to create confusion – said Przemysław Czarnek on Radio Wnet.

– If we were to consider all the votes of support and the electorate of right-wing candidates, the situation is better, and significantly better, than that of, for example, Andrzej Duda in 2015, at this stage of the election campaign. Let's look at it all that way – he continued.

– The program conference was excellent, and even our political opponents are telling us it was unexpectedly good. Our misfortune was that the program conference coincided with Zelensky’s cruel brawl with Trump in the Oval Office and the global discussion about peace in the coming days and months. Necessarily, there was no more important topic, which is why this program conference was somewhat overshadowed by these events, but it will have its effect – stated Przemysław Czarnek on Radio Wnet.

– This is not about the dynamics of any election campaign. This is about Poles opening their eyes and seeing what is happening outside. Things are happening that haven't happened in our state for decades. We are dealing with people who are simply bandits, who are conducting bandit politics that has nothing to do with the rule of law, with justice, with observing the law – stated Przemysław Czarnek on Radio Wnet.

– We all know and are absolutely certain that in the interrogation attended by Ms. Wrzosek as the investigator, it is not about reaching the truth, but about political revenge, and the victim of this political revenge was the late Ms. Barbara Skrzypek – he added.

– A society that functioned peacefully has today become a society where, after 14 months, nearly 60% say they are living much worse than they were 14 months ago. People, open your eyes. We face a grave danger from the East and the pushing out of Americans from Poland and Europe – said Przemysław Czarnek on Radio Wnet.

– My dears, this is not a matter of the next election. We might lose now and win later, no. This is a matter of danger lurking for us, external and internal, in the perspective of months this year, if Trzaskowski wins – he continued.

– If it's not him [Nawrocki], but Trzaskowski, then Americans could leave Poland this year. And if it's Mentzen, then it's unknown what will happen, because – with all due respect to Sławomir Mentzen and our colleagues from Confederation – we always openly say that if there's an opportunity, we will cooperate with Confederation to remove Tusk from power and restore a government of the patriotic camp in Poland. And what does Confederation and Mentzen say? We will also talk with Civic Platform – said Przemysław Czarnek on Radio Wnet.

– The candidate for the office of president is Karol Nawrocki […] literary pseudonyms are nothing new in Polish publicistics and Polish literature, as well as in Polish science. I am a scientist, I was a scientist, I was the first historian to research organized crime during communist Poland, so this is a natural thing. I guarantee […] that these 1,300,000 signatures are signatures for Karol Nawrocki – said Karol Nawrocki at a press conference before the State Electoral Commission, when asked about Tadeusz Batyr.

– If there was only one historian in Poland who had the courage to deal with organized crime during the communist era, and I was that historian, then Tadeusz Batyr had no opportunity to refer to any other scientific research and sources, and that is precisely what happened. I think this is a natural situation – he continued, responding to a question about praising oneself under a pseudonym.

– It was a convention in which Tadeusz Batyr, and thus a literary pseudonym, could only refer to one source, because there was one scientist. As you know, for professional reasons, I was changing jobs at the time, I did not want to involve the Museum of the Second World War in the research I was conducting at the Institute of National Remembrance on organized crime – he went on to say.

– I am currently on my way to a meeting with Mr. President Andrzej Duda, which will take place at the National Security Bureau. We will discuss the most important issue for Poles right now, which is the security of Poland – Sławomir Mentzen wrote on the X portal.

At the same time, the Confederation candidate invited participants to a press conference in front of the Presidential Palace, scheduled to begin around 12:15 PM.

Jestem właśnie w drodze na spotkanie z Panem Prezydentem Andrzejem Dudą, które odbędzie się w Biurze Bezpieczeństwa Narodowego. Będziemy rozmawiać o najważniejszym w tym momencie temacie dla Polaków, czyli kwestii bezpieczeństwa Polski.

Zapraszam na konferencję prasową przed…

— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) March 18, 2025

– Today, Karol Nawrocki is submitting 1.3 million signatures. More than Trzaskowski. And it will be the same in two months. Only Nawrocki will ensure the presence of American soldiers in Poland and an end to the war in Ukraine, because he represents the political camp that is the only one to have good relations with the Americans – wrote Piotr Gliński on the X platform.

Dziś @Nawrocki25 składa 1,3 mln podpisów. Więcej niż Trzaskowski. I tak będzie też za dwa miesiące. Tylko Nawrocki zapewni obecność amerykańskich żołnierzy w Polsce i zakończenie wojny na Ukrainie, bo reprezentuje oboz polityczny, który jako jedyny ma dobre relacje z Amerykanami.

— Piotr Gliński (@PiotrGlinski) March 18, 2025

– Prosecutor Wrzosek is harming the investigation into the 'Two Towers' case. Overt and emotionally charged displays of political sympathy are incompatible with the duty to conduct proceedings diligently. I hope the investigation will be assigned to a competent prosecutor who does not make mistakes — wrote Kazimierz Ujazdowski on the X platform.

Prokurator Wrzosek szkodzi śledztwu w sprawie dwóch wież. Jaskrawe i pełne emocji demonstrowanie sympatii politycznych jest nie do pogodzenia z obowiązkiem rzetelnego prowadzenia postępowania. Liczę, że śledztwo trafi w ręce kompetentnego prokuratora, który nie popełnia błędów.

— Kazimierz Ujazdowski (@kmujazdowski) March 18, 2025

– Yesterday, an investigation was initiated at the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw Praga under Article 155, which pertains to unintentional causing of death. This is a standard qualification for such events. It also indicates that the investigation has been transferred to a different prosecutor's office, a different district, in order to eliminate any doubts regarding the impartiality of the prosecutors – stated Przemysław Nowak, spokesperson for the National Prosecutor's Office.

– Today, the prosecutor decided to order an autopsy. Of course, this is intended to establish the cause of death using appropriate methods, and it is a standard decision that must be made in such cases. It would be made in every case of this nature. This autopsy will be performed today, and also today, after its completion, the body will be returned to the family's disposal, to the funeral home – he continued.

– This is precisely the role of the prosecution; in a situation like this, where the prosecution is burdened and held responsible for the death of Ms. Barbara Skrzypek, it must exercise the highest professionalism and the highest diligence to clarify the circumstances of her death. That is why yesterday, proceedings were initiated in this matter at the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw-Praga – said Anna Adamiak, spokesperson for the Prosecutor General.

– I want to state that Prosecutor General Adam Bodnar expresses strong opposition to the formulation of such statements regarding the connection between Ms. Barbara's death and her interrogation as a witness. Manipulated information has also appeared suggesting that Ms. Barbara Skrzypek's death occurred immediately after her interrogation, which is clearly untrue; her death occurred three days later – stated Anna Adamiak, spokesperson for the Prosecutor General.

– It is impossible to accept statements, even from prominent Polish politicians, which accuse the prosecution, the prosecutor conducting the proceedings, and also the Prosecutor General of Ms. Barbara Skrzypek's death, and these statements are not supported by any reliable knowledge – she continued.

– I have just had a meeting with Mr. President [Duda]. We discussed many topics, primarily focusing on the currently most important issue: the security of the Polish state in this very rapidly and dynamically changing foreign situation – stated Sławomir Mentzen at a press briefing.

– We talked about the condition of the Polish army, about the Polish arms sector. We exchanged views, often very convergent, on the current government's policy and certain problems, shortcomings. We did, however, spend some time criticizing the current government, how it approaches the matter of Polish security, and for investments crucial to Polish security – he continued.

– A few sentences, perhaps even a bit more than a few sentences, about what the relations between the president and the prime minister should be like. I am very grateful to Mr. President for giving me some good advice, which I hope will be useful to me over the next months and years – added the Confederation candidate for president.

– In my opinion, I am convinced that President Duda shares the same view: the president should not engage in the election campaign or endorse any of the candidates. However, it is quite obvious that there are few candidates who have a real chance of winning this election. A meeting like this, during which the president can share his knowledge and experience regarding how to hold office and what the current challenges are for the Polish state, particularly in the context of security, is something completely natural – stated Sławomir Mentzen at a press briefing.

– Yes, we talked about the election campaign. President Duda was kind enough to share very positive comments about my campaign. In many respects, it resembles his campaign from 2015. We discussed meetings in county towns. I learned that during his 2015 campaign, he visited 260 counties in Poland. He visited the remaining counties during his first term. I have great hope to beat that record – stated Sławomir Mentzen at a press briefing.

– In politics, anything is possible. I’ve been saying the same thing since the very beginning of this campaign: I intend to work very hard until election day, and if my opponents stumble, if they make mistakes, if their campaign falls apart for some reason, then I will have a chance to enter the second round. However, to a large extent, the ball is in the court of my rivals – stated Sławomir Mentzen at a press briefing.

– It is completely obvious to both of us [together with President Duda] that President Trump primarily pursues the interests of the USA, which to some extent align with Polish interests. Neither of us shares the opinion that President Trump is somehow playing Putin’s game, is dependent on Putin, or serves Putin’s interests. That is complete nonsense. We don’t know how these talks will continue or what they will end with, but we are optimistic – stated Sławomir Mentzen at a press briefing.

– There is no consent for such vileness. This should be the end of Ryszard Kalisz’s public activity, and I hope it will be. I only spoke briefly by phone with the late Barbara Skrzypek after she left the prosecutor's office about her feeling unwell, not about the content of her testimony – Jarosław Kaczyński wrote on social media.

– I will file a lawsuit for the protection of personal rights, a private indictment for defamation, a notification of the possibility of committing the crime of disclosing investigation secrets, and I will also notify the bar association of a possible disciplinary offense – emphasized the PiS leader.

Nie ma zgody na taką podłość. To powinien być koniec publicznej aktywności Ryszarda Kalisza i mam nadzieję, że będzie. Ze śp. Barbarą Skrzypek po jej wyjściu z prokuratury rozmawiałem jedynie krótko przez telefon o tym, że źle się czuje, a nie o treści jej zeznań. Skieruję pozew… pic.twitter.com/ZqsG6TkVTv

— Jarosław Kaczyński (@OficjalnyJK) March 18, 2025

– This case, beyond the sheer tragedy of a person's death, a 66-year-old woman, […] certainly a premature death, also has a state aspect. Because it's hard to deny that this health collapse, which ultimately led to the death of Ms. Barbara Skrzypek, occurred dozens of hours after her questioning at the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw, where she was summoned by prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek, leading the investigation into the so-called 'two towers' case, and where she was summoned as a witness – President Andrzej Duda stated during a press briefing.

– Because this matter has greatly outraged public opinion […], I decided yesterday to invite the representative of Ms. Barbara Skrzypek to my office for a conversation […], who was present with her at the prosecutor's office, who then met with her after she left the prosecutor's office building, and waited for her throughout the entire interrogation period – said President Andrzej Duda during a statement to the media.

– I must tell you that what I heard from the representative, to the extent he could disclose details, where it is not covered by procedural or attorney-client privilege […], is in itself outrageous – he assessed.

– He twice approached the prosecutor asking to be admitted to participate in the interrogation as the witness's representative, which is permitted by law […]. He was denied this twice, despite arguing that due to his client's health condition and her well-being, his presence there was justified in the client's interest. […] The same, incidentally, as I know from the attorney, was confirmed by Barbara Skrzypek herself, who was present, asking for the attorney to be admitted to participate – he continued.

– It also raises doubts, which is very important and very regrettable, regarding the impartiality of the prosecutor herself, who is also known for very political, very sharp, I would even say radical statements, considering she is a lawyer who used terms which, coming from a lawyer, an expert, a prosecutor whose duty is to represent public interest, not private views, [...] can raise doubts – said President Andrzej Duda during a media statement.

– It must be said that it is outrageous that she was assigned to such a case at all, which – I don't think anyone has any doubts – has a political character. Especially considering that the proceedings she is currently conducting are proceedings that a prosecutor refused to conduct several years ago, and this refusal was subsequently approved by the Warsaw District Court – he continued.

– In light of all the doubts this matter [Barbara Skrzypek's death] raises, as well as various pieces of information appearing in the media in this context, […] as it is happening within the government headed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, I have decided to send a letter to the Prime Minister on this matter, describing all these circumstances and asking Prime Minister Tusk for an explanation – said President Andrzej Duda during a press statement.

– Unfortunately, Prime Minister Tusk, as you can see, has not spoken on this matter at all so far, which is quite typical for him. When there is a matter that might look bad for him image-wise, he disappears for several days – he indicated.

As the President said: – When it was necessary to sign off on granting citizenship to the well-known actor and director Jesse Eisenberg a few days ago – he was shining on Twitter. Today, the Prime Minister is nowhere to be found, he has vanished like a stone into water. So, I hope he will respond to the letter I sent him.

– I can only lament that in Poland, which I would very much like to be a simply democratic state, the Prime Minister speaks of some kind of struggling democracy, the result of which are such pathological situations as intervening in cases where maximum objectivity should be maintained, by individuals who are so scandalously, absolutely politicized and not objective [in the context of Ewa Wrzosek – ed.] – said President Andrzej Duda during a statement to the media.

– If the Prime Minister and his associates allow themselves to speak of the rule of law or restoring the rule of law in Poland, it is simply the most normal mockery of the law, of the Constitution, and of public opinion in our country. I can say that with full responsibility – he stressed.

– I think that this is also the opinion today of many honest lawyers in Poland, even if they are silent – he concluded.

– I hope that a thorough prosecutorial investigation will be conducted to clarify the circumstances of the passing of the late Ms. Barbara Skrzypek, whose departure, unfortunately, also has a state character in this dimension – said President Andrzej Duda during a statement to the media.

– We are receiving further very concerning voices regarding what is happening today in this area of the economy, for which the state is directly responsible, I am talking about State Treasury companies. Unfortunately, these stories of cronyism in one State Treasury company or another do not end – said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

– The latest reports about acquaintances hiring each other at Totalizator Sportowy, at Lotto, these are not the standards we agreed upon and which we should expect from each other today – he continued.

– Tomorrow, as the Poland 2050 club, we are presenting the bill concerning bringing order to State Treasury companies for the second time… as you know, our coalition partners drowned and blocked the first one, but we are presenting the second one because we will not let go of this issue… we finally need to sort this out – said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

– We are starting by bringing order to supervisory boards. The substantive criteria for sitting on them will be significantly raised for the supervisory boards of State Treasury companies. An open competition will be introduced for these independent positions in State Treasury companies, on the supervisory boards… a publicly available salary register, a ban on donations from individuals holding managerial positions in State Treasury companies, on supervisory boards, and in management boards, to political parties – he continued.

“I have a question for my opponent, Rafał Trzaskowski, whether he will sign such an act if he becomes president. Will he sign an act that, in a clear, obvious, simple way, will block possibilities of moves like those we have recently heard about, for instance, in Totalizator Sportowy, and regardless of who governs Poland, it will put an end to cronyism in state assets” – Szymon Hołownia said at a press conference.

“I hope for an affirmative answer […]. A simple question, yes or no, the act will be on the table tomorrow, it will certainly also be sent to Rafał Trzaskowski’s election campaign headquarters with a request for a clear stance. Are we heading this way, Rafał, or are we not? Will we finally end cronyism in state assets, in State Treasury companies, or will we not?” – he continued.

“Mr. Tadeusz, what’s his name now, I mean Karol Nawrocki… Batyr, Mr. Tadeusz Batyr, I won’t even ask, because I don’t know if he will answer, whether Karol Nawrocki, or perhaps Tadeusz Batyr on behalf of Karol Nawrocki, but they, it seems, had the last 8 years to show very clearly and distinctly what standards they believe should prevail in this area, which is state assets. Family first, that was their slogan” – he went on to say.

– I am, of course, counting on reaching the second round; that is a result which is satisfactory at this initial stage. I know where I stand in the polls today, it is not a satisfactory result, but in reality, I am only now beginning my election campaign, and I hope it will bring the expected outcome – said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

– The case of Ms. Barbara Skrzypek, her death, should be clarified. All of this should be transparent. We should thoroughly examine what happened during that interrogation, all available materials in this matter, there should be no doubts about it – said Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

– We need to be sure that all state structures, including the prosecution, acted without any reproach – he continued.

– Making politics out of this death at this moment is unethical. It should not happen – he added.

– I see that in the public space, among the presidential candidates, doubts have arisen regarding allied support. I am shocked by Mr. Nawrocki's statement today, who has certain doubts concerning allied commitments. We have no doubts; if Poland needed help, it should receive it from all allied states, but this is a principle of solidarity, and it works in two directions – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference.

– Firstly, I have instructed the National Prosecutor to ensure that the prosecution meticulously, comprehensively, and transparently clarifies all circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Barbara Skrzypek. Publicly known facts and evidence must serve as a counterweight to the myths, manipulation, and slander that have been all too prevalent in recent days. This is precisely the purpose of the investigation initiated yesterday by the Warsaw-Praga District Prosecutor's Office, as well as today's decision to disclose the record of the hearing conducted last Wednesday – wrote Adam Bodnar on social media.

– At the same time, as the Prosecutor General, I declare full support for Ms. Prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek in the face of the disgraceful accusations and hate she must contend with today. In my opinion, based on the knowledge we currently possess, linking the hearing that took place on Wednesday with the death that occurred three days later crosses the boundaries of decency. This is all the more true given that from the time of the hearing until Saturday, not a single word of reservation was uttered regarding the proceedings. We can clearly see today the entire machinery of manipulation and disinformation that serves to undermine trust in state institutions – emphasized the Minister of Justice.

– In this situation, together with the National Prosecutor, we pledged yesterday to assist Ms. Prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek in ensuring her safety if she feels threatened by the warnings that have also been directed at her since Saturday. However, availing oneself of protection is her autonomous decision – he added.

– Furthermore, yesterday I asked the National Prosecutor to conduct an analysis at the appropriate levels of the prosecution of all circumstances surrounding the hearing of Ms. Barbara Skrzypek conducted on Wednesday, primarily in the context of the validity of Ms. Prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek’s decision to refuse the participation of the witness's attorney. I note that this decision is subject to appeal, and the competent authority is the head of the District Prosecutor's Office. I am far from imposing any decisions on the reporting prosecutor, however, diligence in conducting such a socially significant case is of fundamental importance and all regulations arising from the rules of procedure must be satisfied – Bodnar informed.

Odnosząc się do informacji o śmierci p. Barbary Skrzypek, w pierwszej kolejności muszą wybrzmieć słowa najważniejsze. Składam niniejszym najszczersze kondolencje i wyrazy współczucia rodzinie i bliskim zmarłej, z którymi dzielę żal z powodu straty, jaką ponieśli.

Jednocześnie z…

— Adam Bodnar (@Adbodnar) March 18, 2025

– It’s time for me to tackle Sławek Mentzen again. Today, the first video in the series – says Ryszard Petru in a recording published on social media.

The Poland 2050 MP titled his video “Petru Grills Konfederacja: Season 1. Episode 1”.

According to Petru: – Everything Sławomir Mentzen does is untrue. It's simply theatre. He memorizes his lines before every speech and then reproduces them in his performances. The same thing over and over again.

– But all you have to do is interrupt him and the guy completely loses his way. And if you ask him a question, he has no idea how to answer it because it wasn’t in the script – he continues, recalling a fragment of a debate between the two politicians on RMF FM.

– I don't know if you remember that Duracell battery commercial. Mentzen is like that Duracell bunny – when the battery runs out, he stops. It's the same with running. If you block his path or tell him, “Sławek, stop,” the guy won't know where to run next – he continues.

– Listen, he’s an unserious guy. Mark my words – he concludes the recording with this comment.

Petru grilluje Konfederację: Sezon 1. Odcinek 1. pic.twitter.com/Tl0tCos0bv

— Ryszard Petru (@RyszardPetru) March 18, 2025

– They lied, they are lying, and they will continue to lie. It's in their DNA. Disgusting people – Mateusz Morawiecki wrote on social media.

Kłamali, kłamią i będą kłamać. To jest w ich DNA. Obrzydliwi ludzie. pic.twitter.com/bG2igt0wjo

— Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) March 18, 2025

– And so they removed me from the presidium of the health committee. This is the consequence of criticizing the authorities. Will I stop? No – Marcelina Zawisza wrote on social media.

No i odwołali mnie z prezydium komisji zdrowia. Taka jest konsekwencja krytykowania władzy. Czy przestanę? Nie.

— Marcelina Zawisza #AdrianZandberg2025 (@mmzawisza) March 18, 2025

– Today, the President of the Republic arrived, who is approaching the end of his second term. There are 5 months left, although I smile and say that I'm not planning to retire. Perhaps some new tasks will emerge for me, time will tell – said President Andrzej Duda in Wschowa.

– I would like my amendment to the Polish Constitution, which I proposed to the Sejm, to be passed, ensuring that this level of defense spending is constitutionally guaranteed at a minimum of 4% of our GDP. Why? Because it is needed today, so that no government, no sometimes shaky parliamentary majority [...] gets the idea to reduce this spending before there is a consensus on it – said President Andrzej Duda in Wschowa.

– The chance to vote this amendment to the Constitution through is hugely realistic. It is important that this amendment becomes a constitutional provision. That the same majority would be needed to change it, to potentially lower it when there is a deep conviction on the political scene that it is possible and [...] permissible – he continued.

– Today, there is a lot of talk about democracy. Some speak about it reliably and honestly, others speak misleadingly. It is a democracy that will only be real when it is without adjectives. Not a 'fighting' or 'growling' one, only then will it be genuine – said President Andrzej Duda in Wschowa.

– It has a chance to be genuine only when you, the citizens, go to the polls, when you decide our most important Polish matters by voting with your heart, while also ensuring that the elections are conducted honestly – he continued.

– I urge you to go [to the polls], because we must choose well. Not all matters happening in our country are proceeding well, and not all of them are good. We are also affected by many extremely unpleasant events, including what has affected us, my circle, and me personally in recent days – said President Andrzej Duda in Wschowa.

– I am thinking of the death of Ms. Barbara Skrzypek […]. Who, as you know very well, recently passed away, most likely as a result of simply being immensely stressed, because of the conditions she was placed in. I would like this matter to be clarified – he continued.

– Poland needs this very much today, just as it needs honest officials of the Polish state, who, when required to represent the public interest […] will represent it responsibly and with dignity, not driven by some political hatred and political madness – he went on to say.

– First and foremost, we must wait calmly and, as President Duda has done, be consistent in this matter. The worst thing that can happen now is so-called Twitter diplomacy, some kind of great fervor. We have already seen many plot twists in this war and peace, and the only thing we can do is to consistently pursue our own interests, present our position, and not make the same mistakes that some Polish politicians made when they caused some great fervor on Twitter, only to find out the next day that it was something else entirely – stated Marcin Mastalerek in "Kropka nad i" on TVN24.

– President Trump will soon be able to see for himself what Vladimir Putin's true intentions are. We know what his intentions are. It's obvious, everyone knows it, but President Trump is a negotiator. As President Duda describes him, he sees himself as being in the middle, and in this way sees the possibility of reaching a consensus, and that's where the 'let's see' comes in. In my opinion, Donald Trump is saying 'let's see' today – stated Marcin Mastalerek on TVN24's "Kropka nad i" (A Dot Over the i).

– The President does not endorse any candidate. He clearly stated that he is closest to Karol Nawrocki. After all, the President was a candidate in 2015 and 2020 for PiS. Today, Karol Nawrocki comes from there – stated Marcin Mastalerek on TVN24's "Kropka nad i" (The Dot Above the 'i').

– What should I say? I'll send him back to the editorial office where you probably worked for years, or still do, to 'Gazeta Wyborcza' and I'll tell him to talk to Józef Bąk about this. Do you know who Józef Bąk was? He was Prime Minister Tusk's son, and he used to write articles in GW – stated Marcin Mastalerek on TVN24's "Kropka nad i".

– If anyone wants to talk about pseudonyms, Donald Tusk's son used to write in 'Gazeta Wyborcza' under a pseudonym. If what Karol Nawrocki is doing is wrong, please ask him – he continued.

– I can only convey what President Duda is conveying to Prime Minister Tusk in a letter, which will likely reach Prime Minister Tusk tomorrow, although we don't know where Prime Minister Tusk is, because he disappeared when the Barbara Skrzypek case broke. There are questions there, questions need to be asked, and answers expected – stated Marcin Mastalerek on TVN24's "Kropka nad i" (Dot Over the i).

– Today, Trump did not agree to peace at any cost, because what Vladimir Putin proposed was peace at any cost, and that option is still looming, and it's a very bad option for us, because when the West starts the 'peace at any cost' philosophy, it's Yalta, and before that, Munich. It is always a grave for Poland, a grave, in a political sense, a grave for Poland – said Michał Kamiński in an interview with Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf on TVP Info's "Question of the Day".

– Did Ewa Wrzosek breach prosecutorial standards during the interrogation of Barbara Skrzypek, Jarosław Kaczyński's associate? – Renata Grochal asked on TVP Info's "Political Triangle".

– She did not. This is permissible conduct by the prosecutor – replied Adam Bodnar.

– This matter [concerning the Srebrna company and the so-called two towers] is very important from the perspective of the presidential elections. This is because Jarosław Kaczyński is counting on the fact that after Mr. Karol Nawrocki's victory, as soon as Karol Nawrocki becomes president, I can tell you with great responsibility that almost certainly the first decision Karol Nawrocki will make and sign as President of the Republic will be to pardon Jarosław Kaczyński – said Michał Kamiński on TVP Info.

– These won't be elections about whether we like the Tusk government or don't like the Tusk government. Believe me, because we will be able to express our opinion on this matter in the parliamentary elections and send the Tusk government packing there – said Michał Kamiński on TVP Info.

– These are presidential elections, and the fundamental issue in these presidential elections will be whether the person whom the Constitution grants the enormous prerogative of pardon will use it like Andrzej Duda, to shield his buddies from responsibility for corruption – he continued.

– Since Ewa Wrzosek also appears on programs like the one hosted by you, and is one of the widely appreciated voices of the prosecution service, I see no reason why she shouldn't conduct specific proceedings – said Adam Bodnar on TVP Info's "Political Triangle."

– Such a decision was made by the National Prosecutor Dariusz Korneluk, and I believe that in such a situation, one should trust that she is simply a person professionally prepared to practice as a prosecutor – he stated.

– I haven’t seen the letter yet; it hasn’t reached the Prime Minister, but I understand it will arrive in the coming hours, so the Prime Minister will familiarize himself with it. I am a bit surprised by this form of communication from the President on this matter because I think we all understand that for loved ones, for friends, for family, the passing of someone close is a profound shock. However, I believe that politicizing this issue serves no one, and in any case, it shouldn’t. – stated Jan Grabiec on the program “Gość Wydarzeń” on Polsat News.

– Yes [the President is politicizing the matter of Barbara Skrzypek’s death], I think the President has a whole range of options to gain knowledge about this issue. I understand that such correspondence with the Prime Minister aims to give it some political expression in the ongoing presidential campaign, but it’s probably unnecessary – he continued.

– It wasn't a trial, Mrs. Barbara wasn't accused of anything, she had no reason to feel attacked, beyond ordinary nervousness. I also go to the prosecutor's office for the nth or tenth time, and I always feel certain emotions associated with it, but Mrs. Barbara was certainly not an accused person here, she had no reason to feel attacked by anyone – stated Jan Grabiec on Polsat News.

– I think that if anyone has doubts in this matter, especially if these doubts are held by people associated with the government that ruled Poland for 8 years, then I think it is reasonable to ask why you used this procedure for 8 years. Why didn't you change the regulations, why didn't you allow for broader participation of legal representatives – he continued.

– This matter is being politicized quite artificially. It has no political aspect whatsoever. The entire political aspect lies in the fact that in light of the testimony or the author of this notification to the prosecutor's office, Mr. President Kaczyński is entangled in some scandal, and that is the only political aspect. If it weren't for this 'two towers' scandal, for the party leader simultaneously pursuing some development-related business, we probably wouldn't be dealing with it at all – stated Jan Grabiec on Polsat News.

– I wanted to note that Confederation voters are being unnecessarily assigned as PiS voters in many simplified interpretations. I know many Confederation voters, they cannot imagine voting for PiS, after what has happened over the last 8 years – said Jan Grabiec on Polsat News.

– PiS was, after all, synonymous with the oppression of entrepreneurs and the taking away of civil liberties, various freedoms, and also what I would call an anti-freedom approach, which is characteristic of the main current of Confederation voters – he added.

– If it were the case that any prosecutor had, in any way, failed to follow procedures or good practices adopted in the prosecution service, then indeed one could raise an accusation. But if someone acts legally, if they literally adhere to legal provisions, if they act in the public interest, then making accusations that someone should not be a prosecutor in a given case seems unfounded to me – said Jan Grabiec in Polsat News.

– I don't know why the former Minister of Justice is using this kind of language towards me again, because I have the impression it's becoming a kind of constant prayer, when it comes to using such words, which in my opinion are unbecoming of a former Minister of Justice – said Adam Bodnar in TVP Info's "Political Triangle."

– I thought to myself: well, I will have even more material for a lawsuit for defamation against me. […] I think it's a matter of a few, maybe a dozen or so days. I already have one such lawsuit – against Mateusz Morawiecki, who accused me of having blood on my hands, linking me to the death of a soldier at the border. […] I am paying with my own money, from my own savings – he continued.

– I observe one constant tendency. Namely, every time this process of clarifying various irregularities progresses, suddenly there's a great uproar and all sorts of emotions are amplified – said Adam Bodnar in TVP Info's "Political Triangle."

– What was very significant in the last few months […] is the issue of the temporary arrest of Father Michał O. and female officials from the Ministry of Justice, who currently face charges related to the Justice Fund. […] At that time, it was also heavily exploited and widely publicized, precisely to question the investigation being conducted by the prosecution – he continued.

– Investigative Team No. 3, which is handling the Pegasus case, is working very intensively. It is a very complicated, difficult case, where I think we will see breakthrough information in some time – said Adam Bodnar in the "Political Triangle" program on TVP Info.

– The person receiving the most threats today is prosecutor Ewa Wrzosek. For me, it is absolutely incomprehensible how one can send these kinds of messages in broad daylight and cause any state official to feel threatened regarding their safety – said Adam Bodnar on TVP Info’s “Political Triangle.”