Today marks the 15th anniversary of the Smolensk disaster

President Andrzej Duda will participate in ceremonies commemorating the disaster. They will begin in Krakow, where at 8:50 AM, the President's address is scheduled after a Holy Mass and the laying of a wreath before the sarcophagus of the late Maria and Lech Kaczyński in the Wawel crypt.

At 11:45 AM, the President will proceed to the Temple of Divine Providence in Warsaw, where he will lay wreaths at the graves of the last President in exile, Ryszard Kaczorowski, Father Józef Joniec, Father Zdzisław Król, Father Andrzej Kwaśnik, and at the plaque commemorating the victims of the Smolensk disaster. At 1:00 PM, he will lay wreaths before the Monument to the Victims of the Smolensk Disaster and at the graves of the disaster's victims at the Powązki Military Cemetery. At 2:20 PM, he will place candles before the Smolensk monument and the Lech Kaczyński monument in Piłsudski Square. Later, at 2:45 PM, he will go to the Presidential Palace to lay a wreath under the plaque dedicated to Lech Kaczyński.

The final part of the commemorations includes the Presidential Couple attending a Holy Mass at the Archcathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist (at 7:00 PM).

Marshal of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Marshal of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska will also participate in the ceremonies commemorating the disaster. At 8:20 AM, ceremonies will commence at the Powązki Military Cemetery. At 9:45 AM in the Sejm, the Marshals will lay a wreath under the plaque commemorating Lech Kaczyński. Subsequently, at 9:50 AM, they will do so under the plaque commemorating the Marshal of the Sejm of the III term, Maciej Płażyński, and at 9:55 AM – under the plaque commemorating the members of parliament and senators. At 10:00 AM in the Senate, the Marshals will lay a wreath under the plaque of the Vice-Marshal of the Senate of the VII term, Krystyna Bochenek.

Also participating in the ceremonies will be the Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Jan Grabiec, and the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, as well as the Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and the Minister of the Interior and Administration, Tomasz Siemoniak. Both ministers will participate in the ceremonies commencing at 8:20 AM at the Powązki Military Cemetery. At 9:00 AM, Tomasz Siemoniak will lay a wreath at the graves of Władysław Stasiak and BOR (Government Protection Bureau) officers. Around 9:15 AM, the Minister of Defence will lay a wreath at the grave of Stanisław Jerzy Komorowski at the Powązki Civil Cemetery. Around 10:00 AM, he will lay a wreath at the grave of Jerzy Szmajdziński (Wilanów Cemetery). Later, at 10:30 AM at the ministry headquarters, he will lay a wreath under the plaque dedicated to Lech and Maria Kaczyński and victims of the disaster associated with the military and the defence ministry.

Furthermore, a delegation from the Civic Coalition (KO) club, including Katarzyna Piekarska, Jolanta Hibner, and Tomasz Grodzki, will participate in the ceremonies commemorating the disaster. At 8:41 AM, the delegation will lay flowers at the Powązki Military Cemetery. At 10:30 AM, the laying of flowers before the plaques commemorating the victims of the disaster in the Sejm and Senate will begin.

The Law and Justice party (PiS) has planned commemorations with the participation of the party's leader, Jarosław Kaczyński. At 8:41 AM, a Roll Call of Remembrance will take place in front of the Presidential Palace. At 9:15 AM, a statement by the PiS leader is scheduled in front of the Smolensk monument in Piłsudski Square. Around 8:00 PM, the March of Remembrance will depart from the Archcathedral Basilica, concluding in front of the Presidential Palace. There, at 9:00 PM, Jarosław Kaczyński's speech is planned.

Debate about a Debate

At 12:00 PM, discussions are scheduled regarding a debate between Rafał Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki, which is intended to take place in Końskie.

Trzaskowski's Activities

Today, Civic Coalition candidate Rafał Trzaskowski has two rallies scheduled: at 1:30 PM in Kalisz and at 4:30 PM in Wieluń.

Kosiniak-Kamysz Meets US Army Secretary

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will visit the Deep Training Complex at the Drawsko Combat Training Centre, where he will meet with Daniel Driscoll, the US Army Secretary. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM, with press statements at 5:20 PM.

Earlier, at 11:00 AM, the Minister of National Defence will participate in commemorations of the 85th anniversary of the Katyn massacre at the Katyn Museum, combined with the opening of an exhibition. The minister's speech is anticipated.

Nitras at the EU Sport Forum 2025

At 10:00 AM, the Minister of Sport and Tourism, Sławomir Nitras, and the EU Commissioner for Sport, Glenn Micallef, will open the EU Sport Forum 2025, taking place in Krakow. The EU Sport Forum, an initiative of the European Commission, is the largest event involving the sports movement in the EU, attended by global sports leaders.

– Today, after 15 years, I will say this: this disaster should never have happened. This flight should never have taken place. There should never have been such a group of people on that plane as ended up there. And it happened, those people were there, because all the procedures related to the departure of such important state figures were broken – both by the Prime Minister's Chancellery and the President's Chancellery. Nobody ensured anything was done properly – said Marek Sawicki in an interview with Karol Surówka on PR1's "Sygnały dnia".

– It is a sad thing for me that after 15 years, neither side can admit that breaking procedures leads to disaster – stated the senior Marshal.

– For the first year, there was no theory of an assassination. Neither side spoke of an assassination; everyone spoke of a catastrophe. That was a time when the prosecution could have shown and presented everything accurately. […] Antoni Macierewicz, like a coward, fled from Katyń when he was there, because he was in Katyń by train, not by plane. And when the tragedy happened, he quickly fled back to Warsaw, so as not to suffer any harm himself – Marek Sawicki said on “Sygnały dnia” on PR1.

– I watched the recollections of people a year later, who participated in the entire process of finding the remains, there on-site in Katyń, in Smolensk. Everything was shown, and these people, after a year, had completely different feelings, different memories, a different testimony of the truth than they have after 15 years. This poison of division, already then drip-fed precisely first by Antoni Macierewicz, and then by his entire circle, continues to destroy the social fabric, our society – he assessed.

– The division continues. If you observe what will happen today throughout the entire day in connection with that tragedy, you will see how much that tragedy, that – in my assessment – disregard for procedures, has caused our society to be torn apart for 15 years. […] This is irreversible; it will be with Poles for generations – he continued.

– Of course, this is positive news [Donald Trump's decision on tariffs]. It indicates a desire for some de-escalation on the part of the American administration regarding this trade conflict. We have seen very sharp reactions in the markets in recent days, with stock indices falling sharply, commodity prices declining, and growing concerns about a recession in the global or American economy – stated Andrzej Domański in an interview with Marcin Fijołek on Polsat News's “Graffiti.”

– [These 90 days] should be used for negotiations. Let us remember here that when it comes to trade policy, it is led by the European Commission, while in our contribution to the discussion, we will certainly continue to emphasize that the most important thing is the interest of Poland's residents, and more broadly – Europe, Polish and European companies – stated Andrzej Domański in "Graffiti" on Polsat News.

– Our goal should not be escalation, but rather finding solutions that will be most beneficial from the perspective of the European economy. So, I think these 90 days are enough time to discuss the next steps with a cool head and in a thoughtful manner – the Minister of Finance continued.

– As a politician, it's my duty to watch [the debate between Rafał Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki], although probably without much pleasure. After all, we know that this debate, and this call for a debate, is nothing more than offering a hand, saving a sparring partner from a potential fall. Because if the sparring partner isn't there, then all the fun and spectacle of the final competition will lose its flavor – said Marek Sawicki in “Sygnały dnia” on PR1.

– He [Rafał Trzaskowski] had such fears [that it wouldn't be Karol Nawrocki going to the second round] a week ago, but right now he doesn't need to have them, because we see clearly that Mentzen overplayed his hand. Mentzen, in his arrogance of electoral success, when he started chasing Mr. Nawrocki neck and neck in the polls, simply made a few electoral blunders – Marek Sawicki said in PR1's "Sygnały dnia".

– During interviews, he told a lot of nonsense, from which it is now difficult for him and his circle to back down. So, there is no chance for him to play any significant role here anymore – he stated.

In his opinion: – Rafał Trzaskowski hurried a bit, because if he had waited another week, he certainly wouldn't have challenged Mr. Nawrocki to such a debate.

– Szymon Hołownia showed 5 years ago that it is possible [to break the PiS-PO duopoly] and success was really not far off. It seems to me that if he had started his campaign earlier this time, he would have had a chance too. He will certainly make up a lot of ground – Marek Sawicki said in "Sygnały dnia" on PR1.

– He was probably too busy with being the Marshal [of the Sejm]… and thought too little about this campaign. Consequently, it is now visible that he is catching up. […] He has a month. Whether he will manage – we will see. He needs to be more active – he assessed.

– It seems that this tour, the activity Szymon Hołownia has shown over the last week or two, is indeed bringing results, as some polls already indicate Szymon Hołownia is gaining support – Marek Sawicki stated in „Sygnały dnia” on PR1.

– There is a chance that he will end up in third place, because it will be difficult to beat Nawrocki at this point for a month. Although various things can happen in politics – he indicated.

– Military training is important, and I am surprised that when Rafał Trzaskowski, by his presence, improves his skills, but most importantly, promotes the very idea of military training among Poles, Karol Nawrocki mocks and belittles it – said Sławomir Nitras in an interview with Renata Grochal on the program “Bez Uników” on Trójka.

– Many Poles, myself included, were not called up for military service, like most of us, and such training would be useful for every one of us. I consider it unserious when a presidential candidate belittles the fact that someone is going for training – he continued.

– This is a charade that Mr. Nawrocki and his entourage are staging. A meeting regarding the debate's details, we are patiently waiting, is scheduled for today – Sławomir Nitras stated on Trójka.

– It is being organized not by us, not by Mr. Nawrocki's campaign team, but by the television station, and as I understand it, after this meeting, which will likely take place around noon today, both campaign teams and the television station will agree on the conditions, and the public will be informed of these conditions – he continued.

– There is no point in participating in this atmosphere of clamor that Mr. Nawrocki and his entourage are creating. They proposed a debate, we agreed to it, we are awaiting the arrangements, and we will see each other on Friday at 8 PM in Końskie – he added.

– The state’s duty in this matter was also to ensure that the mayor, to whom due respect must be given, was not harmed, did not become a victim of this whole situation. It was the state’s duty that he not suffer harm – Sławomir Nitras told Trójka, when asked if it was he who paid the 5,000 [złoty] fine for the mayor of Puławy.

– I am not confirming such information [that I paid the fine for the mayor of Puławy]. The state acted in this matter. We are changing the law, and the mayor can feel safe, no one will harass him, and no one will enforce unjust sentences against him – he continued.

– No, absolutely, it is completely out of the question that it was paid from the ministry’s funds, I have no right to do that – he went on, when pressed on whether he paid from his own money or from the ministry’s money.

– I don’t know why I would deny any information, but I am not confirming any information […] they [TVP Info] didn’t say that I did it, only that there are such rumors. I do not confirm these rumors – he added, when asked if he confirmed or denied that he was the one who paid the fine.

– Mr. Karol Nawrocki is proposing a bill, with Paweł Szefernaker standing in the background, who is, after all, his chief of staff, and they are saying that here privileges for Poles come first, but this is the same Paweł Szefernaker who, as Mr. Morawiecki’s government plenipotentiary for refugees, built this entire social security system that Ukrainians and other foreign citizens have in Poland – Sławomir Nitras said on Trójka.

– If anyone, and it is Karol Nawrocki saying this, not me, if anyone says that Poles have limited rights in hospitals due to the presence of foreigners, then I will remind Mr. Karol Nawrocki that his chief of staff, Mr. Szefernaker, built this system when he was the minister responsible for these matters – he continued.

– Mr. Szefernaker built a system where 800+ was collected by children who were not even in Poland; meaning, the parent was in Poland, the child was in Ukraine, and 800+ was collected for that child. We have already sealed the system in the first step, saying that one must attend school in Poland […] we changed that. We changed it because Szefernaker prepared the system poorly – he went on to say.

– The memory of the Smolensk catastrophe and its victims should no longer divide us. Rebuilding community and mutual respect is possible and necessary, even if it remains very difficult. Let's try. This is the tribute to their memory they await. May they rest in peace – wrote Prime Minister Donald Tusk on social media.

Pamięć o katastrofie smoleńskiej i jej Ofiarach nie powinna nas dłużej dzielić. Odbudowanie wspólnoty i wzajemnego szacunku jest możliwe i konieczne, nawet jeśli wciąż bardzo trudne. Spróbujmy. Na taki hołd pamięci czekają. Niech spoczywają w pokoju.

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) April 10, 2025

– Dear three television stations! Yesterday you yourselves wrote that we could change the place and date of the meeting regarding the organization of the debate – we are not changing the date, but we are changing the place. We believe that the headquarters of a liquidated television station, forcibly and illegally seized by the coalition of December 13th, is not neutral ground for establishing the rules of a fair play presidential debate! You might as well have proposed Prime Minister Tusk's headquarters – wrote Paweł Szefernaker on social media.

– This is a test of your credibility – changing the meeting place to the neutral ground of the Association of Polish Journalists – this is a fair proposal. Today, April 10th, at noon, we are waiting at SDP at Foksal Street 3/5.
We want this debate! Let it be a fair play debate! – he emphasized.

Przed chwilą otrzymaliśmy pismo, że TVP, Polsat i TVN będą czekać na przedstawiciela sztabu #Nawrocki2025 dzisiaj na Woronicza w siedzibie TVP w likwidacji.

Szanowne trzy telewizje! Wczoraj sami napisaliście, że możemy zmienić miejsce i termin spotkania ws organizacji debaty –…

— Paweł Szefernaker ?? (@szefernaker) April 10, 2025

– I want to thank everyone who remembers and everyone who today will pay tribute to these great figures of our political scene, our social life, great Poles, great patriots, who then [...] were flying to pay tribute to Polish officers murdered in Katyn. To, once again, but with their own personal presence, give the lie to Soviet propaganda, which for years propagated the so-called Katyń lie – said President Andrzej Duda in Krakow.

– It was a mission of extraordinary state and historical importance, they knew it, and that is why they were flying there, that is why they undertook the hardship of this journey. Unfortunately, they perished and never returned. Nothing will ever repair this loss, neither for their closest loved ones first and foremost, nor for the Republic. And this is a pain that, I think, for many, especially the closest ones, does not fade, despite the 15 years that have passed – he continued.

– Today, during [...] holy mass [...] Father Archbishop Marek Jędraszewski said a beautiful sentence about gratitude. About this gratitude that we all owe them, on the one hand in the state sense, for their service to the Republic [...] but also thanks for all that we could draw from them and all that we could learn from them – he went on to say.

– The Archbishop mentioned me in particular, all the collaborators of President Lech Kaczyński, and what he conveyed to us then. This is a great value, I think, also, thanks to which, on the one hand, thanks to the work begun, and on the other hand, thanks to the fact that it is being significantly continued, Poland has changed so much over these last 15 years and our reality has also changed, and today Poland is a country that is increasingly prosperous and I can confidently say, also increasingly strong – he added.

– "We're coming for you! We want a debate, do you? Let's find out! One condition: A fair play debate on 5 TV channels." Paweł Szefernaker wrote on the X portal.

Idziemy PO Was! Chcemy debaty a Wy? Sprawdzamy! Jeden warunek: Debata fair play 5 telewizji! pic.twitter.com/e4vFtiW0Mm

— Paweł Szefernaker ?? (@szefernaker) April 10, 2025

"In connection with information about the planned debate to be held by TVP S.A. on April 11th of this year [...] with the participation of two candidates: Rafał Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki [...] I am addressing you, Mr. President, to invite the remaining registered candidates to the debate" – wrote Jacek Cichocki in a letter to Tomasz Sygut, General Director of TVP.

"Organizing a debate solely with selected presidential candidates constitutes a gross violation of Article 127, paragraph 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and Article 287 of the Electoral Code [...]. I expect you, Mr. President, to uphold the law and not violate the principles of the elections" – continued the chief of staff of Szymon Hołownia in the further part of the letter.

List szefa mojego sztabu Jacka Cichockiego w sprawie debaty w TVP pic.twitter.com/9iKN24vS5G

— Szymon Hołownia (@szymon_holownia) April 10, 2025

– The matter concerns commemorating the late Lech Kaczyński with a street named after him in Warsaw. The late president was a Varsovian, he was born and raised here, this was his family home, and importantly, it was with the votes of Warsaw residents that he was elected President of Warsaw, before he was elected President of our country. He left his mark on Warsaw; his tenure was a time of certain transformation in Warsaw, including economically, in terms of image, and in its development, and it is surprising that to this day he has not been honored in any way by the city authorities he had the honor to lead – stated Sebastian Kaleta at a press briefing.

– Rafał Trzaskowski publicly declared several years ago that he would see this matter through. He spoke about it, among other times, in 2020, after losing the presidential elections. We all remember that Trzaskowski's presidency began with the removal of signs from Lech Kaczyński Avenue, with Armii Ludowej Avenue being reinstated, whereas we thought that Rafał Trzaskowski understood his mistake and genuinely wanted to correct it. To this day, he has not done so – he continued.

– We appeal for the promise made 5 years ago to finally be kept by him, on such an important, symbolic matter. All of us gathered here believe that President Lech Kaczyński deserves this form of commemoration in Warsaw – he added.

This is a joint appeal from PiS MPs from Warsaw and city councilors.

— I personally do not respect TV Republika and consider it to be very manipulative, yet it offers a debate on fair terms, in which everyone can participate. Rafał Trzaskowski does not want to take part in it, but instead announces his own debate with only one candidate, thereby breaking the principle that all candidates have equal chances before the first round of elections – stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on the program “Onet na wybory” (Onet on the Elections).

In her opinion, this is an “absolute principle, both constitutional and for public television, of equal elections and fair treatment.”

– A full-throttle totalitarian regime. The Management and Supervisory Board of TVP in liquidation barred journalists from TV Republika and wPolsce24 from a meeting concerning a debate in Końskie. What's more – the police were called, who, on Donald Tusk's political orders, blocked access for representatives of these media outlets – wrote Daniel Obajtek on social media.

– This is another attack on freedom of speech and further confirmation that the current authorities fear journalists who are watching them closely! – he emphasized.

Totalitarny reżim pełną parą ⚠️

Zarząd i Rada Nadzorcza TVP w likwidacji nie wpuściły dziennikarzy @RepublikaTV i @wPolscepl na spotkanie dotyczące debaty w Końskich. Co więcej — wezwano policję, która na polityczne rozkazy Donalda Tuska blokowała dostęp przedstawicielom tych… pic.twitter.com/5zcbCgCtCD

— Daniel Obajtek (@DanielObajtek) April 10, 2025

– There is hope that tomorrow there will be a debate with Karol Nawrocki, although I'm hearing reports that Mr. Szefernaker, the campaign manager, seems to be backing down, because he's causing a ruckus at the meetings where the most important principles of this debate were supposed to be established – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Kalisz.

– It would be a shame if Nawrocki and his campaign team lacked the courage to stand and debate, because they themselves wanted this debate, and I am ready for this debate and will be waiting in Końskie tomorrow at 8 PM – he continued.

– We hear that PiS is trying to launch another campaign of hatred, attack, and stir up emotions, and I wanted to remind you, because I remember perfectly well, that it was Mr. Szefernaker who, as the Minister of Interior, was responsible for preparing all the rules for accepting refugees, it was he who developed this project – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Kalisz.

– It was PiS that let in refugees without any control, handing out visas left and right, and now they propose we fix their own mistakes, when in fact it is us who are fixing the mistakes they were responsible for – he continued.

– This discussion about certain limitations, for example, of the 800+ program, because it simply should be adapted to common sense, and therefore we have linked this program to the obligation to attend school, so that 800+ is granted to all those who work hard in Poland, whose children are here in Poland – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Kalisz.

– In this way, we are fixing all these errors and fixing this whole program that was prepared by Nawrocki’s chief of staff – he continued.

– The European Union is also moving in this direction, which, thanks to our presidency, thanks to our pressure, has concluded that burdens, bureaucracy, and reporting for small and medium-sized enterprises need to be reduced – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Kalisz.

– This is exactly common sense. We need politicians who, instead of shouting, instead of constantly arguing, will effectively fight in the European Union for the promotion of such solutions that are good for our entrepreneurs – he continued.

– Out of respect for Poles, the debate should take place in the format of five television stations that have expressed interest in the Nawrocki–Trzaskowski debate – wrote Andrzej Śliwka on social media.

– Polsat is a YES. Trzaskowski's campaign team is avoiding an answer. The most opposed is TVP in liquidation – added the PiS politician.

Z szacunku dla Polaków debata powinna odbyć się w formacie pięciu stacji telewizyjnych, które wyraziły zainteresowanie debatą Nawrocki–Trzaskowski.

Polsat jest na TAK.

Sztab Trzaskowskiego unika odpowiedzi.

Najbardziej przeciwna jest TVP w likwidacji.

Debata bez… pic.twitter.com/g9t9nv6XYQ

— Andrzej Śliwka ?? (@SliwkaAndrzej) April 10, 2025

– Defending our interests in a tough and decisive way, and at the same time protecting our transatlantic alliance against all odds, is our common goal. This was the conclusion of my conversation today with Ursula von der Leyen – wrote Prime Minister Donald Tusk on social media.

Defending our interests in a tough and decisive way and at the same time protecting our transatlantic alliance against all odds is our common goal. This was the conclusion of my today’s talk with @vonderleyen.

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) April 10, 2025

– A 2-hour meeting regarding tomorrow's debate with TVP, TVN, and Polsat has concluded. Due to constant interruptions and the inability to learn the debate conditions, we have agreed that the television stations will email the campaign teams with proposals for the debate rules. We are awaiting them and will be waiting tomorrow in Końskie! – wrote Wioletta Paprocka on social media.

– Responding to numerous questions: The PiS campaign team has not confirmed their participation in tomorrow's debate with the three television stations. We confirm and will be there! – emphasized the head of Rafał Trzaskowski's campaign team in another tweet.

Zakończyło się 2 h spotkanie ws. jutrzejszej debaty z TVP, TVN i Polsatem. W związku z ciągłym przerywaniem i brakiem możliwości poznania warunków debaty uzgodniliśmy, że telewizje prześlą sztabom propozycje zasad debaty mailem. Czekamy na nie i czekamy jutro w Końskich!

— Wiola Paprocka (@WiolaPaprocka) April 10, 2025

Odpowiadając na liczne pytania:
Sztab PiS nie potwierdził, że weźmie udział w jutrzejszej debacie z udziałem 3 telewizji. My potwierdzamy i będziemy! #Trzaskowski2025

— Wiola Paprocka (@WiolaPaprocka) April 10, 2025

– We want our viewers to be able to watch the debate. It doesn't matter to us whether it's three, five, or 10 stations. The viewer is the most important. The final decision will be made by the campaign headquarters – stated Wiesław Walendziak, Board Member and Editor-in-Chief of Polsat Television.

– As Polsat, we always engage constructively in creating appropriate conditions for conducting such debates. This also applies to other candidates – he added.

– Polsat television has decided that it is flexible and that it can be a debate of 5 television stations. The rest of the participants in this meeting, so far, do not agree to increase the format of the meeting to include 5 television stations. We are appealing for it to be a format of a 5-television debate. The biggest news television in the country, Republika, and also wPolsce24, and 3 other televisions – TVN, TVN, and Polsat. Unfortunately, there is no willingness to organize this debate. This is our condition for organizing the debate. We want a 5-television debate out of respect for all Poles – stated Paweł Szefernaker in a conversation with journalists.

– We are seeing a persistent return to the program of housing loan subsidies, this time it appeared a few days ago on the government's work schedule under the slogan "First Keys". […] It seemed that we had already succeeded in winning against the government, that there would be no further program to stimulate housing prices, but the government is not giving up and is preparing such a program – said Krzysztof Bosak at a press conference.

– We remain consistently skeptical. We believe that if we want to solve the housing problem, we need to support supply, meaning that more, cheaper, easier, and faster housing should be built, leading to price decreases, rather than supporting loans where money [….] goes to developers and banks – he continued.

– Why is the government so stubborn on this issue? In our opinion, this is no accident. Let's recall, according to data reported by the media, including the bankier.pl portal, as much as 1/3 of contributions to the Civic Platform's account are from people associated with the real estate sector […]. From July 1, 2022, to September 2024, these contributions amounted to over 5.5 million PLN […]. Very large sums have also been received by the PSL accounts – he went on to say.

– We do not believe in the effectiveness of the program the government is preparing, we consider it to be another harmful program, we believe that developer influence in parties such as Civic Platform and PSL is behind this, we want a completely different policy and we will prepare and implement such a policy – he added.

– It seems to me, as I observe this situation, that it looks this way: both Trzaskowski and Nawrocki fear the surge in polls for Sławomir Mentzen and Konfederacja, and they would like to solidify the polarization of both society and the political scene by holding debates only with each other – said Krzysztof Bosak at a press conference.

– Tomorrow is the debate, Końskie at 8 PM, I responded to Mr. Karol Nawrocki’s invitation. He wanted to debate so much, but I don't think he fully realized that he would have to answer journalists' questions for the first time – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Wieluń.

– This is evident from the panic in his campaign team; some strange scenes are unfolding in Warsaw because it seems that Mr. Szefernaker, the head of Nawrocki’s campaign team, is afraid of this debate and perhaps hasn't prepared his candidate adequately to answer questions. But let's hope that in a moment, in a little while, their emotions will settle, and they will actually show up in Końskie tomorrow, and we can talk about what is most important, primarily about security – he continued.

Telewizja Polska S.A. (Polish Television) expresses its readiness to produce the broadcast signal for the "Pre-election Debate" in Końskie, featuring candidates for the Office of President: Karol Nawrocki and Rafał Trzaskowski. TVP SA, TVN 24, and Polsat News are prepared to conduct the transmission and make the television signal available free of charge to other interested media outlets. The television stations emphasize that they are not the organizers of the debate. Campaign teams will not be privy to the questions in advance – as stated in the television's declaration.

The moderators for the 2025 pre-election debate will be:

– Joanna Dunikowska-Paź (TVP S.A.),

– Grzegorz Kajdanowicz (TVN 24),

– Piotr Witwicki (Polsat News).

Debate rules:

– Debate location: Końskie.

– Debate duration: Approximately 90 minutes.

– Debate title: Pre-election Debate 2025.

– Live broadcast: TVP1, TVP Info, TVN 24, Polsat News, Polsat News Polityka.

– Thematic blocks: Security, foreign policy, economy.

– My second contender has absolutely no idea about foreign policy. He’s created some ideal world for himself, he’s constantly talking about this ideal world. In an ideal world, he would be outside the European Union, which is interesting, where would he be? I ask myself – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Wieluń.

– If someone says that in an ideal world they would be outside the European Union, then where would they be? In the grey zone. In the grey zone between Europe and Russia. This is something incredible. He lives on some strange fantasies, but here we need to come down to earth to make decisions, and we need a president who knows how to do all of this; it's not enough to wrap yourself in a white and red flag – he continued.

– I wonder where this anti-European phobia of theirs comes from. It seems to me that it comes simply from a very basic fact, namely that they were completely unable to get anything done in the European Union, not a single thing – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Wieluń.

– There would be no billions of euros, because PiS signed blindly, and Morawiecki went there […] signed blindly whatever they gave him to sign. They generally have some kind of paranoia with the pen in PiS, simply when they see a pen, they can't resist, they have to sign. It's some kind of medical condition in PiS, you see a pen, you immediately have to use it and sign whatever they give you to sign – he continued.

– He signed everything indiscriminately and wasted the money that was supposed to come to us from the Union – he went on to say.

– At the TVP headquarters on Woronicza Street, we met – Rafał Trzaskowski's team, Karol Nawrocki's team, and representatives from three TV stations – TVN, Polsat, and TVP. We were discussing, or rather, we wanted to discuss, the conditions for tomorrow's debate. However, Karol Nawrocki's team prevented the presentation of the conditions for tomorrow's debate to the television stations by constantly interrupting and talking over everyone. I hope these emotions subside, for the good of Poles. We will organize this debate tomorrow in Końskie at 8:00 PM – said Wioletta Paprocka in a recording published on social media.

Do zobaczenia w piątek w Końskich? Mam nadzieję ?@trzaskowski_ będzie na pewno.#debata pic.twitter.com/bdlAUqwqxt

— Wiola Paprocka (@WiolaPaprocka) April 10, 2025

– I have just finished a conversation with President Emmanuel Macron. The main topics were: the Polish-French treaty, the trade war, nuclear cooperation, and security issues – wrote Prime Minister Donald Tusk on social media.

Właśnie skończyłem rozmowę z prezydentem @EmmanuelMacron.
Główne tematy: traktat polsko-francuski, wojna celna, współpraca nuklearna i kwestie bezpieczeństwa. pic.twitter.com/GM6534xxUj

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) April 10, 2025

– Our armies, our cooperation [Polish-American] is not for war, it is precisely against war. We must be strong enough, armed enough, we must invest in our security, so that it never pays for anyone to attack us. We are learning from the best – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the opening of a new American camp in Drawsko Pomorskie.

– Approximately 10,000 Americans are in Poland. We are very happy for each and every one of you and thank you, because I know that this is also an effort for your families, for the American state, and for all American taxpayers who also contribute to our security – stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the opening of a new American camp in Drawsko Pomorskie.

– Among European nations, we are trying the hardest to participate in this, to give the most from ourselves. We are meeting, I believe, the expectations that the United States, as the strongest nation in NATO, sets for its friends – he added.

– This is an alliance [Polish-American] that is necessary for the world. We are in favor of transatlantic cooperation, of joint investments in security; this is the best example of how one can cooperate and invest together, and take shared responsibility – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the opening of a new American camp in Drawsko Pomorskie.

– Poles are very proud that soldiers of the United States are in Poland. We welcome you with great openness; we are grateful for your presence – he continued.

– We want a debate with Rafał Trzaskowski tomorrow in Końskie. We want it to be organized by 5 television stations – TVP in liquidation, Polsat, TVN, TV Republika, and wPolsce24. This position was sent in response to TVP’s latest letter. Mr. Rafał, have courage! – it was announced on the official profile of Karol Nawrocki’s campaign.

? Chcemy debaty z Rafałem Trzaskowskim jutro w Końskich. Chcemy, żeby organizowało ją 5 telewizji – TVP w likwidacji, Polsat, TVN, TV Republika i wPolsce24. Takie stanowisko przesłaliśmy w odpowiedzi na ostatnie pismo z TVP. Panie Rafale, odwagi!#Nawrocki2025 pic.twitter.com/GqxkT2gdEa

— #Nawrocki2025 (@Nawrocki25) April 10, 2025

– I am generally in favor of debates […]. But I am strongly disgusted by the fact that various tricks are being used to try to eliminate candidates who, in the opinion of the debate organizers, are in places below first and second – said Piotr Zgorzelski in an interview with Grzegorz Kępka in "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

– Even if we were to accept the logic that private stations can organize various types of formats for themselves – and I am even able to acknowledge this, although I disagree – then the fact that the public television, which has – and here I will say it clearly – a dog's duty to conduct a debate for all candidates, is being dragged into this whole event, outrage me. Not to participate in some rigged contests – he pointed out.

As he continued: – I have nothing against two candidates organizing a debate with private television stations. I would prefer it to concern all candidates, but that is the law of the free market.

– However, if public television, which is funded by all citizens, participates in this, I will remind you that the legal regulations are clear: the debate in the first round concerns all candidates – he emphasized.

– In my opinion, there might be a surprise, and Szymon [Hołownia] might appear [in Końskie]. I haven't discussed it with him, but [...] he's not afraid of such matters, because I know him personally and I know he's a brave man – said Piotr Zgorzelski in “Gość Wydarzeń” on Polsat News.

– Perhaps, in agreement with his campaign staff, he will come to the conclusion that one cannot simply be eliminated from the campaign, the debate, and perhaps he will show up – he stated.

As he said: – If he had asked me if he should go to Końskie, I would have said: Yes Szymon, go, because you are an equal candidate. It's not polls, but election results that decide who becomes president.

– Unfortunately, the dangers he warned about were ignored by many politicians in Poland and by those who governed in Western Europe. The policy of a naive reset with Russia dominated. Today, everyone knows that Lech Kaczyński was right. It is a great honor and a great obligation for me that I was able to cooperate closely with him, and in 2015, to sit in the same office and continue his mission. To realize the vision of a strong Poland – one that steadfastly pursues its interests – stated President Andrzej Duda in an address on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Smolensk catastrophe.

"I believe that the attempts to destroy that unity by the so-called industry of contempt will ultimately be covered by a veil of shame."

15 years ago, in the glow of thousands of candles in front of the Presidential Palace, mourning the victims of the greatest tragedy in Poland's post-war history – we once again saw in the Republic our most valuable common asset. Far more important than the differences that divide us and the immediate disputes. We were able and wanted to be together. The chronicles of that time will retain the memory of the awakening of an enormous force, which is solidarity – but unfortunately, also the memory of those who tried to break it. However, I believe that the attempts to destroy that unity by the so-called industry of contempt will ultimately be covered by a veil of shame.

"It is impossible to reconcile with the fact that to this day the authorities of Warsaw have not managed to name one of the streets in the city after the late Lech Kaczyński."

I thank everyone who fought over these 15 years so that this tragedy would not be hushed up, but worthily commemorated. Respect for its victims is and will remain a measure of respect for Poland and for ourselves. Therefore, it is impossible to reconcile with the fact that to this day the authorities of Warsaw have not managed to name one of the streets in the city after the late Professor Lech Kaczyński – President of Poland and President of the capital.

"In this context, the word 'shame' can be used."

I perfectly remember the moment when the plaques with the inscription "Aleja Lecha Kaczyńskiego" were removed, replacing them with "Aleja Armii Ludowej." The communist tradition was preserved, and the achievements of the President elected in democratic, free elections were ignored. The creators of the Warsaw Uprising Museum – one of the most important institutions for the capital's identity. In this context, the word 'shame' can be used, but it is enough to say that, humanly speaking, it is simply unfair.

This is the best response to contemporary threats and reborn Russian imperialism

Such a Poland – ambitious, confident of its place in Europe and in the world, aware of its history, strong with the solidarity of its citizens and building the might of its army – is the best response to contemporary threats and reborn Russian imperialism. Only in this way will we fulfill the testament of those murdered in Katyn and the testament of those who died on April 10th in Smolensk. May their memory be honored!.

Photo: Przemysław Keler/KPRP

– In my opinion, a Lech Kaczyński street should have been established [in Warsaw] a long time ago. This is likely also a consequence of the tribal warfare between PiS and PO – stated Piotr Zgorzelski in an interview on Polsat News's "Gość Wydarzeń."

– Perhaps in the near future, a president who does not come from these two warring political tribes will do what should have been done a long time ago – he added.

– Month after month, the memory of President Lech Kaczyński is being insulted in the most disgusting way, and this is happening under police protection. This happened today as well. The Sejm adopted this resolution I'm talking about, I might have it here, but I'm not sure, it was adopted virtually unanimously, and I repeat – everything is happening as it has happened before, as it has been happening for a very long time – stated Jarosław Kaczyński in Warsaw.

– Today, this oppression is also becoming ever heavier. In recent days, we have learned that the last remnants of media pluralism are also to be liquidated. Yes, it is a disgrace, but it is also a signum temporis, a sign of the times, it confirms the fact that this path, if we do not stop it, will go in one direction – towards dictatorship, or as some call it, a democratatorship, meaning a dictatorship with the appearance of democracy, and it will lead to our self-destruction, and we cannot agree to this happening within the lifetime of our generation or the several generations that are active in our lives today. Also in the future, when other generations will also be making decisions – stated Jarosław Kaczyński in Warsaw.

– We must remember that all of this is connected, that this fight for the truth in the Smolensk case is part of the fight for Poland, for its sovereignty, for its future, for its security, for the fate of Poles, for the fate of Poles who understand this, but also for the fate of Poles who do not understand it. We must wage this fight, wage it all the time, and we must fight this terrible phenomenon that today so strongly affects even everything we have spoken about here in front of the Presidential Palace over the years – stated Jarosław Kaczyński during his address.

– We should disperse from today's demonstration, this march, with this faith and this conviction that the coming days and weeks will be very important, perhaps decisive, ladies and gentlemen, we must win and we will win – said Jarosław Kaczyński during his speech.