At 11:30 AM in the Presidential Palace, President Karol Nawrocki will meet with Polish companies present on global markets.

The National Council of Poland 2050 has announced a recess until 6:00 PM. It remains unknown whether a repeat of the second round of elections for the party leader will take place, or if the entire electoral process will be restarted.

- In line with our commitments, in line with our fundamental interest – and Poland's fundamental interest is that the principle of inviolability of state borders is respected and adhered to. This is a deadly threat to Poland if we accept as normal that one power or another can tell another country, 'Give me your territory,' and that country must submit to it. For us, this is a deadly threat, for us in Poland and for us in the region, if we accept as normal that not international law, but naked force rules, and this is the situation we are in today - said Adrian Zandberg in Polsat News's "Polityczne Graffiti" (Political Graffiti).

- I will say it openly, I will not make such declarations without talking to the generals and the command of the Polish Army, also concerning our real capabilities in the area we are discussing. If we talk about the military aspect and security in the Arctic region, then it is a question of what real possibilities the Polish army has when it comes to operating in such geographical conditions, in such weather conditions. I am not an expert in this field, I will not pretend to be an expert - said Adrian Zandberg in "Polityczne Graffiti" on Polsat News.

- In Poland, within the Polish legal system, it makes no difference whether the [president's] signature is there or not, because for the practical functioning of healthcare in Poland, for science in Poland, for wage levels in the budget sector, it will not mean any change. What we need today is to amend this budget, and that is something we should address as quickly as possible in parliament. I'm saying this because just a few days ago, the Minister of Health admitted, openly admitted in the media, that what the Razem Party warned about a year ago is proving to be true: that in her budget, in the budget for maintaining public healthcare, in the budget for hospitals and clinics, there is a shortfall of literally 23 billion złoty - said Adrian Zandberg on Polsat News's "Polityczne Graffiti".

- For me, the key promise we made over 2 years ago when entering the elections was that waiting lines for doctors would shorten. These lines are longer today, and this is the shared responsibility of those currently in power, including New Left, which simply follows the orders of Civic Platform, Civic Coalition, on programmatic matters concerning health and science - said Adrian Zandberg on Polsat News' "Polityczne Graffiti".

- You are talking about amendments that were not adopted - Janusz Cieszyński said in an interview with Dominika Wielowieyska on "Poranek TOK FM," when asked about amendments to the Cybersecurity Act (KSC) that would be in the interest of Chinese suppliers, which PiS was allegedly to have submitted.

- How I will vote, I will vote against all kinds of pro-China amendments or motions or anything else, because I believe that this is in Poland's interest - he continued.

- It is very unfortunate that this [Greenland crisis] is happening. I must say that the nervous reactions from certain European countries, in my opinion, seem inadequate to what is actually taking place, because this matter is a dispute between two states, Denmark and the USA, which have already initiated discussions, are talking, and are in dialogue - stated Jacek Sasin on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" (Piasecki's Conversation).

- The USA is, however, a predictable country that respects rules. Really, this type of speculation about some military invasion by the USA into Denmark or Greenland should be dismissed. I am looking at this as a Polish politician, and for us, for Poland, such a situation is not good, a situation where there is some split, a discord between Europe, this part of Europe that is our ally, and the USA, which is the guarantor of our security - stated Jacek Sasin in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

- When you look at where Mr. Braun's party's politicians come from, it's also not surprising, because on the one hand, they are either some offshoots of Korwin, or – and this is also worth mentioning – like Mr. Fritz, who is Mr. Braun's main representative in the Polish parliament, Mr. Fritz is a person who began his political career in the Liberal Democratic Congress together with Mr. Lewandowski and Mr. Tusk - said Adrian Zandberg in "Polityczne Graffiti" on Polsat News.

- The USA is the guarantor of Europe's security. For several decades, since World War II, they have saved Europe many times, on several occasions from great dangers and threats, including during World War II - stated Jacek Sasin in "Piasecki's Conversation" on TVN24.

- They continue to be the guarantor. Europe will never be safe, at least in the foreseeable future, without the USA. It must be taken into account that we need to reach an understanding with the USA, not brandish our swords and engage in operetta-like operations, such as sending a few soldiers to Greenland, which in reality only serve to irritate the US administration - he continued.

- I happen to have a certain detachment in this matter, I would say that I have not expressed such aspirations [regarding becoming prime minister], I do not express them, it is truly not something that particularly attracts me - stated Jacek Sasin in the "Piasecki Conversation" on TVN24.

"This candidate for prime minister is, of course, a key element of our political offensive, which we are planning, as we are entering the pre-election period. In reality, the election campaign is starting to gain momentum. You could say - elections in a year, at least calendar-wise," stated Jacek Sasin in "Piasecki's Conversation" on TVN24.

- I have great respect for Bolek Piecha, I think he has extensive experience in politics, and I understand where such an opinion comes from – Janusz Cieszyński said on TOK FM, when asked if he agreed with PiS politician Bolesław Piecha, who stated that Zbigniew Ziobro should follow the path of Mateusz Morawiecki, who did not leave and is not seeking asylum.

- I also understand that in his current situation, having recently undergone a very difficult illness, Zbigniew Ziobro is not deciding to return to Poland, where he could not count on medical care, and where he also could not count on a fair trial – he continued.

- We were and continue to be the only party in Poland striving to refresh this Poland somewhat, to rebuild it in the public interest, rather than remaining stuck in post-communist arrangements - stated Jacek Sasin in "Piasecki's Conversation" on TVN24.

- Mateusz Morawiecki and Marek Gróbarczyk. And Joachim Brudziński - said Janusz Cieszyński in TOK FM, when asked who can claim success in building the ferry Jantar Unity.

- This is a project started under the Law and Justice government, completed under the Civic Platform government. Maybe Poland will be able to move forward with these ferry lines - he continued.

- I am waiting for the time when some government, at some point, will do what is happening with most infrastructure projects, where something was started by the predecessor, [that they] will invite that predecessor and say "here madam or sir, you started this, I finished it" - he went on to say.

- No. And that is a mistake. Not everything can be done perfectly, even within Law and Justice - he added, when asked if PiS did that.

- Both [Zbigniew Bogucki and Tobiasz Bocheński] are certainly very interesting personal propositions, very good ones. And I would gladly bet on either of them if it were my decision. Not so much money, but if I had to decide which of them would be our dark horse, our electoral locomotive, I think that each of them, both are perfectly suited for this, but there is no decision at the moment - stated Jacek Sasin in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

- It's difficult to have sympathy for this gentleman [Grzegorz Braun], truly. I think it's quite obvious to us, as we have managed to discuss this matter. There is a situation that is a difficult one today, because Grzegorz Braun's party, in a sense, is disrupting a rather obvious situation where the right-wing camp has a majority and can capitalize on this majority by forming a coalition - stated Jacek Sasin in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

- Grzegorz Braun is doing everything to prevent this from happening. One could say that in this sense, he is working to the advantage of those currently governing Poland, who, it is clearly evident, desire this outcome. Tusk is rooting for Braun today, that is completely obvious to us. Our task now is to persuade and encourage Braun's voters to vote for us - he continued.

- Any attempts to halt the democratic process of leadership change within the party are destructive to the group and simply unacceptable - wrote Ryszard Petru on social media.

Jakiekolwiek próby zatrzymania demokratycznego procesu zmiany przywództwa w partii niszczą ugrupowanie i są po prostu nieakceptowalne.

— Ryszard Petru (@RyszardPetru) January 19, 2026

- In Poland, we have a problem with the digital literacy of parents, guardians, and children. I believe that the Ministry of National Education, for example, should focus on health education issues; that should be more of a direction. This means we should prepare parents who set up social media accounts for their children at the age of 9-10, since it's legal from 13, rather than simply saying populistly: let's raise this age from 13 to 15. For me, it's a bit like that [it's populism] because I see other problems. Over the last 2 years, I've visited many Polish schools, talked to parents, and there are reports about teenagers that show the problem lies with those aged 9, 10, and 11 - stated Krzysztof Gawkowski on social media.

- Since we have a problem today with 9, 10, and 11-year-olds, and social media is allowed from the age of 13, will raising the age from 13 to 15 solve this problem? - the Deputy Prime Minister continued.

- As the Minister of Digitization, I must say: hold on, a little common sense in all of this. Either we do something good for citizens, or we sow populism. The age limit can be changed, and it will change nothing in the societal perception of this problem. The problem needs to be managed, not just saying: oh, we'll just change the age - he emphasized.

"Poland is, in fact, the 20th largest economy in the world, and President Donald Trump's invitation to the G20 summit in Miami is an invitation for the entire Polish nation and for all those responsible for this success, even though it was conveyed personally to the President of Poland, which I am pleased about," said President Karol Nawrocki during the "Poland: G20" meeting with Polish companies operating in global markets.

- What certainly did not succeed, despite this great economic success, was maintaining a certain social cohesion. Yes, many Poles and many regions of Poland paid a great, too high price for the systemic, economic, political, and social transformation - said President Karol Nawrocki during a meeting "Poland: G20" with Polish companies operating in global markets.

- Many regions of Poland are still waiting for major investments to this day, and I think that Polish business, Polish entrepreneurship, and above all the concern of the President of the Polish State should primarily consider social cohesion - he continued.

- We should have full conviction that today a certain technological revolution is being decided, in which Poland must be, in which it must participate - said President Karol Nawrocki during the "Poland: G20" meeting with Polish companies operating in global markets.

- And in the banking sector and in all production sectors, a revolution 4.0 is taking place before our eyes, a breakthrough revolution, in which we must participate and you can certainly count on my commitment on this matter - he continued.

- For many centuries, we essentially paid for the topographical location of the Republic. We were in constant conflicts, in attempts to dominate the Republic and the Polish state - said President Karol Nawrocki during the 'Poland: G20' meeting with Polish companies operating in global markets.

- I wish that we and our children would be the first generation to make the topographical location of the Republic of Poland a good thing for us, something necessary, something we can utilize, something that will give us additional potential, rather than solely posing a threat. - he continued.

- I adhere to the principle [...] that of course our direction, our path is nuclear energy [...] the energy transformation must proceed responsibly, especially socially - said President Karol Nawrocki during the "Poland: G20" meeting with Polish companies operating in global markets.

- Coal is a form of stabilization, it is a Polish raw material that we should not give up by yielding to certain disturbing trends from Western Europe; nuclear is our future, and renewable energy sources are a certain addition to the energy balance - he continued.

- A Business Council will also be established at the Chancellery of the President, alongside the president, thus we will have structural connectivity thanks to the Business Council, which Minister Karol Rabenda is preparing and is already nearing completion - said President Karol Nawrocki during the 'Poland: G20' meeting with Polish companies operating in global markets.

"From what I've observed, you receive real-time information about the internal life of Poland 2050, but allow me to add my own episode to this series," Szymon Hołownia wrote on X.

"Today, in a cordial message to the members of the National Council, I conveyed that the decisions of the female candidates vying for the Chairwoman position lead me to place full responsibility for further party decisions in their hands," he continued in his post.

"The foundation of my thinking is, and always has been, the cohesion of K15X and the stability and durability of the Parliamentary Club. We still have so much to do together," he added.

"I will wait (as Zaucha would say) until the 'Bridge over the river of events' empties. And then, surely, we will have the opportunity to sit down again, talk cordially, and then work well together for Poland. Good luck in the elections," he noted.

Z tego, co zauważyłem, infomacje o życiu wewnętrznym @polska2050 mają Państwo podawane w czasie rzeczywistym, ale pozwolę sobie dodać do tego serialu swoj odcineczek. 😊

Przekazałem dziś członkom Rady Krajowej w serdecznej wiadomości, że decyzje Kandydatek walczących o fotel…

— Szymon Hołownia (@szymon_holownia) January 19, 2026

- Remember to pay your radio and television license fee for your phone! ;) - wrote Sławomir Mentzen on the X portal.

- Administrative courts and Poczta Polska have ruled that this device [holds up his smartphone] on which you are watching this recording is a television, just a slightly smaller one, therefore you have to pay a radio and television license fee for it. If you have a company, you must pay such a license fee separately for each device, for each such phone, for each radio in your car. So, if you don't have a TV at home but you have a phone, you have to pay the radio and television license fee. By the 25th of each month, at every Poczta Polska branch. - Sławomir Mentzen says in the recording.

Pamiętajcie, żeby zapłacić abonament radiowo-telewizyjny za swój telefon! ;) pic.twitter.com/lPhxfynHYJ

— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) January 19, 2026

- Do you remember the final of "From the Artificial Turf Pitch to the Stadium" at the National Stadium, and there, my younger colleagues from primary school in Gdańsk won, and we agreed on something - says Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a recording published on social media, referring to a video in which he was persuaded by young boys to have pizza on the condition of collecting half a million likes.

- So, let's get to it. So, I'm calling Szymon - he continues. The recording shows the head of government initiating a video call.

- Hi guys. I saw the Lechia flag there. You know, likes are likes, because we agreed on something there, right? But the pizza probably has to happen, doesn't it? Yes, are you ready? Well, let's try right after the holidays somehow. We'll find a date - says the head of government.

- I already have a place prepared, but it will be a surprise. Pizza for everyone - he announced.

Czas na ważny telefon…📞 pic.twitter.com/YOjaBFaUOz

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) January 19, 2026

- The USA is the guarantor of Polish security; we are a model ally, and this is often emphasized in my contacts with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. I have heard this both in Warsaw and Washington, at the Pentagon, and in Brussels. Poland is mentioned first as a model ally, and nothing will change in this regard. There are no security guarantees for NATO and Europe without the USA. There is no US strength without presence in NATO. Regarding Polish-American relations and their development, as the last year has seen a development in Polish-American relations, there are plans not only to maintain American troops in Poland but to increase this presence - stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference.

- We are building Fort Trump in Bolesławiec in Lower Silesia, and together with the USA, we are modernizing, for example, the airport in Wrocław, which is becoming a major transshipment base for US troops in Europe. Our role in NATO as the third largest army in the alliance after the USA and Turkey is growing, so Polish-American relations are strong - the Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defence continued.

- President Donald Trump, from what I know and have also read in the international media, has extended this invitation [to the Peace Council] to many world political leaders. Many of these politicians are already confirming their attendance. I can confirm that President Karol Nawrocki has received such an invitation from President Donald Trump to participate in the work of this council - said Marcin Przydacz at a press briefing.

"This will be the subject of talks with the American side"

- This will be the subject of talks with the American side in the very near future. As for final decisions - please allow the American side to first receive the response of the President of the Republic, and then we will communicate about it publicly - he noted.

- We should certainly view the desire for Poland's engagement in discussions about the security situation in the Middle East as recognition of Poland's role on the international stage - he stated.

Putin Also Invited to the Council

However, he pointed out: - In the media, information is being disseminated that individuals or politicians with whom the Polish President has absolutely no common ground are also being invited to such a council. Vladimir Putin is certainly such a politician.

- We have extremely different assessments and opinions on the international situation here, extremely different goals regarding international policy. However, in diplomacy, it is never the case that one can only talk to those with whom one agrees 100% - he added.

- I will remind you [...] that not so long ago, Poland received an invitation to the G20 group, which we all considered a great success. The Russian Federation also operates within the G20 group - he indicated.

“Poland’s accession to an international organization requires the consent of the Council of Ministers and ratification by the Sejm. The government will be guided solely by the interest and security of the Polish state. And we won’t let anyone play us,” wrote Prime Minister Donald Tusk on the X platform.

Przystąpienie Polski do organizacji międzynarodowej wymaga zgody Rady Ministrów i ratyfikacji przez Sejm. Rząd kierować się będzie wyłącznie interesem i bezpieczeństwem państwa polskiego. I nikomu nie damy się rozegrać.

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) January 19, 2026

- He [President Karol Nawrocki] is primarily interested in fostering this dialogue between allies – and the United States is our key ally, but Denmark is also our ally within NATO and a partner within the European Union. Therefore, by its very nature, we advocate for this dialogue between Copenhagen and Washington to be as open and as sincere as possible – said Marcin Przydacz at a press briefing.

- We are convinced that with goodwill from both sides, both the United States and Denmark are capable of finding an appropriate solution to ensure the security of the North American continent – he stated.

- All experts agree that Greenland is important for the security of the North American continent. But on the other hand, with due respect for the existing situation, as well as for allied commitments and the state of transatlantic relations. So, in this regard, the president advocates primarily for dialogue between these parties – he continued.

- The letter [invitation to the Peace Council] was addressed to the President of the Republic as the head of the Polish state, and it is the President of the Republic who will respond to this letter - said Marcin Przydacz at a press briefing.

- However, I can say that my office has obviously already sent an appropriate letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting an opinion on this matter. The situation is important, significant, and concerns the security of the Middle East region. […] So in this sense, we all know perfectly well that cooperation is needed here between the government side and the Chancellery of the President - he continued.

- One of the first steps I took in this regard was, obviously, to request an opinion from experts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These experts are largely the same ones who worked in the building on Aleje Szucha when I had the pleasure of sitting there. So, we are of course waiting for such an opinion - he continued.

- I note with a certain sadness the fact that this information is leaking to the media once again before its final analysis and assessment of its political nature, and also its potential security implications - said Marcin Przydacz at a press briefing.

- I can tell you that only two institutions in Poland were aware of this document [the invitation to the Peace Council]: that is, the Chancellery of the President, the President himself, myself, and my closest collaborators, and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington - he stressed.

- We can all answer for ourselves whether the embassy, in this case, by releasing the information once again to the same journalist who is known for being a bit of a transmission belt for the government, is releasing this information. Whether this serves a purpose and whether it demonstrates the professionalism of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, headed by Mr. Klich. In my opinion, it does not - he pointed out.

- This budget is proof of the current government's deep crisis of credibility, effectiveness, and capacity. It is a budget that shows a helpless capitulation to the challenges facing Poland. It is a budget of unfulfilled election promises, of dashed Polish expectations, a budget of chaos with incomprehensible cuts in some areas and institutions, and with unjustified increases in spending in others […], and above all, it is a budget based on colossal debt. Debt that in no way translates into a better life for citizens - says President Karol Nawrocki in a recording published on the Presidential Chancellery's social media.

- Despite my critical assessment of this budget, the constitution does not give me the right to veto it. Taking into account all the presented arguments and the powers I possess, I have decided to sign the budget bill, but at the same time, I am submitting it to the Constitutional Tribunal for ex-post review - he announced.

*****

Below is the full text of the President's address:

“A Budget of Unfulfilled Promises, a Budget of Chaos, and Above All, a Budget Based on Colossal Debt”

We live in difficult times. In such moments, one must act responsibly, because the state must function, regardless of whether times are good or bad. The budget bill has landed on my desk. According to the constitution, the president cannot veto it.

This budget is proof of the current government's deep crisis of credibility, effectiveness, and capacity. It is a budget that shows a helpless capitulation to the challenges facing Poland. It is a budget of unfulfilled election promises, of dashed Polish expectations. A budget of chaos with incomprehensible cuts in some areas and institutions, and with unjustified increases in spending in others, such as disproportionately high salary increases in the Sejm, and above all, it is a budget based on colossal debt. Debt that in no way translates into a better life for citizens.

“What has happened in the last three years means debt twice as large as that incurred by Gierek over a decade”

The budget for 2026 is the second in a row where the deficit constitutes nearly 1/3 of the state's total expenditures. This means that every third zloty spent comes from debt, from credit. Many of you remember the concept of Gierek's debt, which Poland struggled with for decades. What has happened in the last three years means debt twice as large as that incurred by Edward Gierek over a decade. Of course, when converted to today's money value. The numbers do not lie.

“The first year in history where the Ministry of Finance openly assumes exceeding 60% debt relative to GDP”

Since 2024, the budget deficit has increased radically. In three years, the government has generated nearly PLN 800 billion in debt within the budget itself. This is more than the state's entire annual revenue. The year 2026 will be exceptional for another reason. It is the first year in history where the Ministry of Finance openly assumes exceeding 60% debt relative to GDP, calculated according to adopted international standards covering all debt categories. 60% debt is the prudential threshold stipulated in Article 216 of the Polish constitution.

“The government's creative budget accounting is playing with fire”

The government is trying to escape responsibility by not including some liabilities and using legal tricks when calculating this alarming constitutional threshold. Poles will have to repay all the debt – including that which is currently hidden in virtual budget drawers. This creative budget accounting is playing with fire.

“Nothing that was promised is being fulfilled, and at the same time, the state is being indebted for decades”

One might think that such colossal debt is the price for implementing great projects or fulfilling obligations to citizens. Unfortunately, this is not the case. This budget is a budget of unfulfilled projects. There is no increase in the tax-free allowance. There is no double indexation of pensions. The planned indexation will be one of the lowest in years. Entrepreneurs will pay higher contributions, although they were promised exactly the opposite. The public sector will receive indexation at the minimal level of 3%. Since I took office, not a single law has been passed implementing the key commitments that the current government ran on to gain power. Nothing that was promised is being fulfilled, and at the same time, the state is being indebted for decades.

“Billions are disappearing from the budget”

The state of public finances has been deeply concerning me for a long time. I inquired about this in August during a cabinet meeting. The answers were evasive. My Chancellery requested detailed data. This was met with no response. I submitted a legislative initiative aimed at sealing the tax system. The project has been held up in the Sejm for 150 days.

Meanwhile, billions are disappearing from the budget. Officials from the National Revenue Administration are talking about it. This is money that could save the health of Poles, support seniors, and strengthen state security.

“A Budget of Collapse in Healthcare”

This budget is also a budget of collapse in healthcare. PLN 23 billion – that is the deficit that will arise in the system's funding next year. We are already seeing this crisis. Maternity wards are closing, patients are being turned away without help, and treatment and nutrition conditions in hospitals are worsening. This cannot be drowned out by further political brawls. It is a real threat to people's lives and health. Longer queues, lack of services, closing departments. Hospitals are already limiting admissions because they know they won't be paid later.

“I expect immediate changes in the budget regarding healthcare from the government”

In this situation, I expect immediate changes in the budget from the government, ensuring stable financing for healthcare. According to the constitution, only the government has the right of initiative in the budget procedure.

“This budget means stagnation, not development. It also does not fulfill security guarantees”

This budget also means stagnation, not development. There is a decrease in real funding for science. University rectors have pointed this out, indicating the lowest level of science funding in years, many times lower than the average expenditure of OECD countries. Culture and sport are also insufficiently funded. This is also a budget that does not take into account the voices of social dialogue partners or trade unions.

The state budget submitted to me also does not fulfill security guarantees. Despite many declarations, it does not ensure 5% of GDP for defense. In times of greatest threats, Poland cannot afford such half-measures. If we don't pay for our own army, we will pay for someone else's. History has already shown us this, and it was a very costly lesson.

“Despite my critical assessment of this budget, the constitution does not give me the right to veto it”

Despite my critical assessment of this budget, the constitution does not give me the right to veto it. Taking into account all the presented arguments and the powers I possess, I have decided to sign the budget bill, but at the same time, I am submitting it to the Constitutional Tribunal for ex-post review.

“I am signing the budget to protect the stability of the state and sending it to the Constitutional Tribunal to protect Poland's future”

I am signing the budget to protect the stability of the state and sending it to the Constitutional Tribunal to protect Poland's future. I am signing because the absence of a budget would not solve any of the problems we face. However, it would pose a risk to the stability and predictability of state affairs.

“I did not want to allow a situation where my decision becomes a pretext for another false narrative about blocking money”

Not signing the budget bill will not fix the way the government operates. It will not make the authorities start listening to citizens and fulfilling their obligations to them. Most citizens rightly believe that if there is a budget, there are payments, pensions, and healthcare. If there is no budget, uncertainty arises.

I also did not want to allow a situation where the president's decision becomes a pretext for another false narrative about blocking money. I do not want the absence of my signature to become an alibi for government inaction, because, as I have announced, I will motivate them to work every day.

“This is why Poles elected me”

Today, we must not allow for even greater losses. We must weaken bad processes and, where possible, stop them. This decision is a responsible fulfillment of that commitment. This is why Poles elected me.

Ten budżet jest dowodem głębokiego kryzysu wiarygodności, skuteczności i sprawczości obecnego rządu. To budżet, który pokazuje bezradną kapitulację wobec wyzwań, przed jakimi stoi Polska. To budżet niespełnionych obietnic z kampanii wyborczej, zawiedzionych oczekiwań Polaków. pic.twitter.com/nF8HIpBK1D

— Kancelaria Prezydenta RP (@prezydentpl) January 19, 2026

- The budget for 2026 is the second in a row where the deficit accounts for nearly 1/3 of the state's total expenditures. This means that every third zloty spent comes from debt, is on credit. Many of you remember the concept of Gierk's debt, which Poland struggled with for decades – says President Karol Nawrocki in a recording published by the Chancellery of the President.

- What has happened in the last three years means debt twice as large as what Edward Gierek incurred over a decade. Of course, after converting to today's value of money. Numbers don't lie – he stated.

- Since 2024, the budget deficit has radically increased. In three years, the government is generating nearly PLN 800 billion in debt within the budget itself. That's more than the state's entire annual revenue – he continued.

- The year 2026 will be exceptional for another reason. It will be the first year in history where the Ministry of Finance openly assumes exceeding 60% debt to GDP, calculated according to adopted international standards covering all debt categories. 60% debt is the prudential threshold stipulated in Article 216 of the Polish Constitution – says President Karol Nawrocki in a recording published by the Chancellery of the President.

- The government is trying to evade responsibility by not including certain liabilities and using legal tricks when calculating this alarming constitutional threshold. Poles will have to repay the entire debt – including that which is currently hidden in virtual budgetary vaults. This creative budgetary accounting is playing with fire – he assessed.

- This budget is also a budget of collapse in healthcare. 23 billion zlotys - that's the deficit that will emerge in next year's system financing. We are already seeing this crisis. Maternity wards are being closed, patients are being turned away without help, and the conditions for treatment and nutrition in hospitals are deteriorating - says President Karol Nawrocki in a recording published by the Chancellery of the President.

- This cannot be drowned out by further political squabbles. This is a real threat to people's lives and health. Longer queues, lack of services, closed wards. Hospitals are already limiting admissions because they know they won't get paid later - he continued.

- In this situation, I expect immediate budget changes from the government to ensure stable financing for healthcare. In accordance with the constitution, only the government has the right of initiative in the budget procedure - the president pointed out.

- I am signing the budget to protect state stability and I am sending it to the Constitutional Tribunal to protect Poland's future. I am signing it because the absence of a budget would not solve any of the problems we face. It would, however, pose a risk to the stability and predictability of the state's affairs - said President Karol Nawrocki in a recording published by the Chancellery of the President.

As the President indicated: - I also did not want to allow a situation where the President's decision becomes a pretext for another false narrative about blocking money. I do not want the lack of my signature to become an alibi for the government's inaction, because, as I announced, I will motivate them to work every day.

- The President would pay a high price if he did not sign [the budget act], because it is a budget for investments, a budget of record spending on defense and, which I want to emphasize, record spending on special services. And here the president's signature is of great importance, because thanks to the decisions of the Sejm and Senate, supported by the government, there are 220 million zlotys more for the services - the AW and ABW, the civilian services - said Tomasz Siemoniak in "Pytanie dnia" on TVP Info.

- So it was the right decision, and we in the services are taking it as a good sign - he assessed.

- This budget is indeed very bad, full of pitfalls, full of dangers. There is a lack of money for healthcare. 23 billion at least, that's how much money is missing according to calculations by the National Health Fund itself. But that's not all. There is a lack of money for the implementation of basic promises that this coalition has agreed upon [...]. There is a dramatically high deficit and a rapid increase in public debt - said Mateusz Morawiecki in an interview with Danuta Holecka on the program "Gość Dzisiaj" on TV Republika.

- This is a very bad budget, the president was right to send it to the Constitutional Tribunal - he continued.

- In the case of the budget law, it doesn't make much difference, the budget law that the government previously sent to the Sejm would enter into force anyway, without the amendments that were adopted in the meantime - he went on to say, when asked whether the president would have done better if he had not signed the budget and sent it to the CT, or if it made no difference.

- However, he sent this budget to the so-called Constitutional Tribunal. Will it get stuck there? - asked Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz in TVP Info's "Question of the Day".

- It no longer holds any significance. I also believe that he did this, perhaps, to give his political base some justification for not supporting the government's project. However, it doesn't hold much significance - replied Tomasz Siemoniak.

- And won't there be a political showdown? Because we know the situation in the Constitutional Tribunal. Theoretically, it now has two months to resolve this, according to the constitution, but in full skład. A full skład is 11 judges, and there are nine judges in the Tribunal - noted the host.

- That's why I say it doesn't hold much significance. There is a budget, we are implementing this budget, the state is functioning, and what happens in the Tribunal will be a task for connoisseurs - replied the minister-coordinator of special services.

- We are dealing with a confluence of many circumstances negatively impacting JSW. Firstly, we have a downturn in the coking coal market, and regardless of our needs for steel production, we know that global markets are flooded with production, for example from Indonesia, which has led to a price reduction and a very prolonged period of this economic situation. Let's look at the company's cost structure and the commitments that were made, let's look at what happened in 2022-2023. There were negotiations with the social partners; the social partners expected 5-year guarantees of employment and wages. The management, counting on political benefits, offered 10-year guarantees - said Wojciech Balczun in "Bez Retuszu" on TVP INFO.

- If we look at it, in recent years, we have subsidized mining with over 20 billion zloty from the state budget. Over a longer time horizon, as the demand for coal decreases, and I'm speaking generally, not just about coking coal, as the demand from the energy sector decreases, we must look for solutions that will rationalize the cost side of these companies' operations if they are to survive, and that is what is happening right now. So, no one will absolve us of the responsibility to manage state assets economically - said Wojciech Balczun in "Bez Retuszu" on TVP INFO.

- There is a folk proverb: the horse is being shod, the frog lifts its leg. So this Civic Platform frog has lifted not one leg, but two legs - said Mateusz Morawiecki in TV Republika, when asked about the ferry the Prime Minister is boasting about.

- The hull was launched in 2022, in October. Let me remind you, who was in power then? Law and Justice. Who made the decision? Law and Justice. Who carried out the entire investment process at the shipyard commissioned by us, by the Law and Justice government? - he continued.

- Let me remind you that the current Prime Minister and his entire team criticized and ridiculed this ferry, saying it would be cheaper in China - he added.

- I think everyone in Poland knows, realizes that you cannot build a ferry in two years. This is such a perfidious deception supported by monstrous propaganda from pro-government media, truly Urban-style, Goebbels-style propaganda - he added.

- Ladies and gentlemen, let's assume you are supporters of the Polish People's Party or The Left, Civic Platform [...] think whether it was possible to build a ferry in two years, whether this government is truly responsible in any way? No. All the financing, the earlier project [...] the entire construction process up to the launch, that was until '22, '23 - he stressed.

- I don't want to test anyone here. I am counting on these [officer] nominations being signed - said Tomasz Siemoniak in "Pytanie dnia" on TVP Info.

- They will be sent [the requests] imminently, any day now - he announced.

When asked if these would be requests for the same individuals, he replied: - Yes. However, in accordance with what the President said at the meeting, the justification will be expanded.

- Why is it that when I built a minority of states that effectively froze this project in 2019, nothing happened with Mercosur for the next 4-5 years? - said Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.

- In 2019, I built a coalition, there was France, there was Ireland, Belgium, several states, and it wasn't a blocking minority [...] it wasn't a minority that could completely shut down this project, but it was a sufficiently strong minority that effectively froze Mercosur - he continued.

- Our government ended in December 2023, and suddenly the migration pact was unblocked after 8 days, suddenly the Green Deal was unblocked after two months, suddenly the Mercosur agreement was unblocked - he went on to say.

- Today, Brazil unfortunately buys Russian oil, and for this Russian oil, with Russian fertilizers, it produces its agricultural products. Therefore, indirectly, the Mercosur agreement is something like Nord Stream 2, but an agricultural Nord Stream 2 - said Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.

- I call on the current Prime Minister to immediately, immediately file a complaint with the CJEU [...] I do not believe this institution would do anything good, but we must fight [regarding the EU-Mercosur agreement] on all possible fronts - said Mateusz Morawiecki on TV Republika.

- As a result of this complaint, further complaints could then be filed regarding claims by Polish agriculture related to the loss of some markets or, for example, in cases of poisoning that may occur due to very high levels of pesticides and other plant protection products - he continued.

- The National Council has adopted a resolution according to which the second round of elections for the leader of the Poland 2050 party will take place by January 31st. By February 7th, the National Council will convene, during which the National Board will be elected - Polska 2050 announced.

Rada Krajowa przyjęła uchwałę, zgodnie z którą druga tura wyborów na przewodniczącego partii Polska 2050 odbędzie się do 31 stycznia.

Do 7 lutego zbierze się Rada Krajowa, podczas której wybrany zostanie Zarząd Krajowy.

— Polska 2050 (@PL_2050) January 19, 2026