-- POLITICAL PLAN FOR THURSDAY: KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ AT FLAG DAY CELEBRATIONS, THE LEFT ON THEIR FIRST MANIFESTO FOR THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS, KACZYŃSKI IN KIELCE - 300LIVE: https://300polityka.pl/live/2024/05/02/ -- THE DEBATE ABOUT POLEXIT IS INEVITABLE, WE MUST BE PREPARED FOR IT, IT'S TIME TO STOP DENYING FACTS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE - MICHAŁ DANIELEWSKI IN OKO.PRESS: "Instead, the narrative about Polish prosperity as a natural state, threatened by the eccentricities of power-hungry 'Brussels elites,' is growing stronger and will continue to do so in the coming years. In other words, the traditional pro-EU narratives in Polish debate are exhausting themselves, while eurosceptic ones are gaining significance. If we don't want to wake up in 10 years to the reality of a real threat of Polexit, we must start inventing a new positive narrative about a united Europe now, and it must be accompanied by real, positive changes, especially noticeable by the younger generations of Poles." -- WE CONSTANTLY DEFEND OURSELVES AGAINST SOMETHING FROM BRUSSELS, CURRENTLY AGAINST EU MIGRANTS AND THE EU GREEN DEAL. MORAWIECKI'S GOVERNMENT DEFENDED ITSELF, TUSK'S GOVERNMENT IS DEFENDING ITSELF - DANIELEWSKI CONTINUES IN OKO.PRESS: "We constantly defend ourselves against something from Brussels, currently against EU migrants and the EU Green Deal. Morawiecki's government defended itself, Tusk's government is defending itself. In other words, after 20 years, the social attitude of Poles towards the European Union is still based on pragmatism, on common-sense calculation of profits and losses. There are no emotions in this, nor a deepening sense of belonging. There is, so to speak, not much romance in it. And here arises the question that sometimes keeps me awake at night: what will happen when pragmatism and our common sense tell us that EU membership is no longer as beneficial?" -- A SIMPLE, COMMON-SENSE STRATEGY OF WEIGHING THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EU MEMBERSHIP WILL NO LONGER BE ENOUGH. A STRONG PRO-EUROPEAN COALITION, MOBILIZING YOUNG VOTERS ON THE SCALE OF THE OCTOBER 15 ELECTIONS, WILL BE NEEDED - DANIELEWSKI CONTINUES IN OKO: "Finally, we must understand that a simple, common-sense strategy of weighing the advantages and disadvantages of EU membership will no longer be enough. A strong pro-European coalition will be needed, mobilizing young voters on the scale of the October 15 elections. Positive emotions and a sense of belonging will be needed. The discourse of pro-European forces needs to shift from pioneering to indigenous. In simple terms, it's hard to evoke positive emotions towards an ATM. An ATM is simply supposed to dispense cash; when it runs out of money, it becomes completely useless. It's easier to feel connected to a shared home, where we are loyal to each other, where the same rules apply to everyone, where we largely share our beliefs, and work together for the good of all." https://oko.press/debata-o-polexicie-jest-nieuchronna-musimy-byc-na-nia-gotowi -- THE OBLIGATION TO PUBLISH ALL AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED DURING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS WILL BE INTRODUCED - SZYMON HOŁOWNIA ON THE REFORM OF THE SEJM RULES - IN AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAŁ KOLANKO IN RZ: "The reform of the Sejm rules is one of the milestones from the KPO (National Reconstruction Plan) that must be implemented by June 30. Last week, the Sejm Presidium worked on it, and previously, the Legislative Bureau completed the work. We have expert opinions and a proposal for how this amendment to the rules should look. The new rules will introduce real social consultations – meaning those that will listen to the voice of the people, not the chosen few, whether mine, the committee's presidium, or anyone else. Participation will be possible by logging in with a trusted profile. The obligation to publish all amendments submitted during the legislative process will be introduced. This is very important because it will allow everyone to check what amendment a given MP submitted. The assessment of regulatory impact will be introduced in a new way, and a new form will appear that will significantly facilitate the management of this process." -- HOŁOWNIA ON THE REVIEW OF THE LOBBYING ACT - FURTHER IN KOLANKO'S INTERVIEW IN RZ: "The longest process will likely be the amendment to the law on lobbying activities, but based on the experience we already have, we intend to make a second amendment to the Sejm rules in the autumn." -- YES, WE HAVE SLIGHTLY SLOWED DOWN THE LAW-MAKING PROCESS, BUT IT'S TO INCREASE ITS QUALITY - HOŁOWNIA CONTINUES IN RZ: "As for the number of laws – many times, when in opposition, I criticized the legislative diarrhea that PiS plunged the Sejm into. Yes, we have slightly slowed down the law-making process, but it's to increase its quality. Today, every bill that reaches the Sejm first undergoes a preliminary legislative analysis, then I assign it a print number – this is also a novelty, because in the previous term, many bills were not assigned print numbers – and then there are further consultations, and the bill waits for its turn." -- THE FACT IS THAT IT TOOK THE GOVERNMENT SOME TIME TO GATHER FOR A LEGISLATIVE OFFENSIVE, BUT IT HAS ALREADY BEGUN, LAWS ARE BEING PASSED - SAYS HOŁOWNIA: "On the other hand, it is a fact that it took the government some time to gather for a legislative offensive, but it has already begun, laws are being passed. There will be more and more of them, we are in constant working contact with Minister Berek on this matter. I also understand the government's approach: first, we had to enter the ministries, conduct an audit, an opening balance sheet, plan what is possible and what is not, and also see which laws left by the predecessors make sense and which do not, and only then build something on concrete foundations." -- HOWEVER, I SEE ANOTHER MEANING IN YOUR QUESTION – WILL THERE BE A MOMENT WHEN WE REACH A CRITICAL MASS AFTER WHICH FURTHER COOPERATION WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE. I DON'T SEE SUCH A POINT ON THE HORIZON TODAY - HOŁOWNIA IN KOLANKO'S INTERVIEW: "I wrote a tweet about Poland 2050, and commentators assumed I was writing about Civic Platform (PO). What kind of Freudian thinking is that? (laughter) However, I see another meaning in your question – will there be a moment when we reach a critical mass after which further cooperation will be impossible. I don't see such a point on the horizon today. I say this honestly, despite all the differences in style, language, experience, political plans, party profiles, programs, and promises." -- WHEN IT IS TURBULENT OUTSIDE, IT'S PROBABLY BETTER TO HAVE SOMEONE AT THE HELM OF THE STATE WHO DOES NOT COME FROM EITHER OF THE TWO CAMPS THAT HAVE DIVIDED POLAND IN HALF FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS - HOŁOWNIA CONTINUES IN RZ: "It depends on what happens in the European elections, how the landscape will shape up after this whole electoral 'trójskok' (three-step dance). What the external situation will be. My assumption is simple. When there is peace outside, we can divide ourselves internally if someone feels the need. But when it is turbulent outside, it's probably better to have someone at the helm of the state who does not come from either of the two camps that have divided Poland in half for the last 20 years. These camps will not disappear; they will exist and are needed in a democracy. I am forming a coalition with one today, the other is the opposition. However, the point is to have a safeguard, a person of peace in times of war, someone who would know how – when necessary – to rise above this dispute, to the place where the majority of Poles are today. It doesn't have to be me; it's about the way of thinking." https://www.rp.pl/polityka/art40288731-szymon-holownia-powalczy-o-prezydenture-mowi-o-badaniach-w-ktorych-widac-nadzieje -- THESE ARE NOT GOVERNMENTS, THIS IS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE STATE BY ASSISTANTS, WHICH IS WHY THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SO FATAL. WHAT THIS TEAM IS DOING HURTS THE POCKETS OF POLES - MATEUSZ MORAWIECKI IN AN INTERVIEW WITH PATRYCJA FLORCZAK IN SE: "I assess it as most Poles do; Poles first vented their anger in the recent elections, and they may do so again in the European elections. These are not governments; this is the management of the state by assistants, which is why the consequences are so fatal. What this team is doing hurts the pockets of Poles – huge increases in the cost of living are real, they are coming. Thousands of grandmothers and grandfathers, instead of thinking, for example, about what gift to buy for their grandchild's First Communion or how much to add to their grandchildren's holidays, are wondering if they will have enough for bills, not to mention medication. Please note that prices are going up, inflation is everywhere, and yet this government is dealing with substitute issues." -- WHEN A STORM IS RAGING AND A LIFEBOAT IS NEEDED, THEY OFFER AN INFLATABLE UNICORN. THAT'S HOW THEIR SUPPORT PROGRAMS ARE STRUCTURED - MORAWIECKI CONTINUES IN SE: "Anyone who believes in Minister Kloska's effectiveness should arm themselves with patience. If you read the law carefully, for example, a married couple of pensioners receiving 2,000 zlotys each will not receive a single grosz of support due to energy price hikes. Neither will a person earning the minimum wage. When a storm is raging and a lifeboat is needed, they offer an inflatable unicorn. That's how their support programs are structured." -- WHAT THEY ARE DOING REGARDING CPK IS A FORM OF TREASON; IT IS THE WASTING OF A CIVILIZATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FACING POLAND HERE AND NOW - MORAWIECKI CONTINUES IN SE: "One can look at my government in different ways, but one cannot deny its effectiveness. When crises hit, we introduced protective shields, such as the anti-COVID shield, the energy shield, or the anti-Putin shield. What they are doing regarding CPK is a form of treason; it is the wasting of a civilizational opportunity facing Poland here and now. No logical arguments speak against building this transport hub, so the 'NO' to CPK must be based on other factors, as every reasonable person knows." -- I WILL CERTAINLY DILIGENTLY LEARN MY LESSON FROM THE VOTERS - MORAWIECKI CONTINUES: "I am a politician who strives for national reconciliation. I would like such reconciliation to occur. Therefore, I will certainly diligently learn my lesson from the voters. This is why, among other things, I proposed a democratic package in my exposé, and recently, that the opposition should also participate in the management of strategic companies like CPK." -- A DUEL WITH MR. TUSK, OF COURSE, I WOULD GLADLY ACCEPT; I AM READY. ONLY I HEARD SOMETHING THAT HE HAS A CRAVING FOR SOME POSITION IN BRUSSELS - MORAWIECKI CONTINUES IN SE: "We want to win the presidential elections regardless of who will be the candidate from our camp. A duel with Mr. Tusk, of course, I would gladly accept; I am ready. Only I heard something that he has a craving for some position in Brussels because work tires him out a lot. It seems another escape from the ship is imminent, this time by the captain." https://polityka.se.pl/wiadomosci/mateusz-morawiecki-specjalnie-dla-se-jestem-gotowy-na-bitwe-z-tuskiem-w-wyborach-prezydenckich-aa-Srx7-GdNJ-1FyR.html -- THE VERY IDEA OF NEW, BETTER TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IS GOOD. BUT IT CAN BE DONE WELL OR BADLY. TODAY THE QUESTION IS NOT: "SHALL WE DO IT", BUT: "HOW?" - MACIEJ LASEK IN AN INTERVIEW WITH KRZYSZTOF BOCZEK IN OKO.PRESS: "Certainly, there were many improper actions there that will either end up in the prosecutor's office or should be politically accounted for. On the other hand, I would not want to describe the entire company in this way, as it would be unfair to the specialists working there. The very idea of new, better transport infrastructure is good. But it can be done well or badly. Today the question is not: 'shall we do it', but: 'how?'. As a statesman, I am outraged by the blocking of the development of Chopin Airport. In 2019, Mr. Wild – as the government plenipotentiary for CPK – issued an order to Polish Airports State Enterprise to halt all investments at Okęcie. During that time, the modernization of the capital's airport was being carried out to utilize its full capacity. Some investments – the more expensive ones such as parking aprons, taxiways, replacement of runway subgrades – had already been completed. All that was missing was the final touch – the terminal part." https://oko.press/lasek-cpk-wywiad -- WHY IS CIVIC PLATFORM (PO) SO AFRAID TO DIFFER FROM PIS ON SO MANY MATTERS? - JACEK ŻAKOWSKI IN GW: "What is more frustrating for me is the convergence of PiS's EU policy with Civic Platform's policy demonstrated in key situations. It is difficult to point to Eastern dependencies here. But the dependency on PiS is clearly visible. It is created by the unfounded belief that PiS has found the key to the Polish soul, to which Western 'miasmata' such as human rights (e.g., the right to asylum), care for the environment, and adherence to undertaken commitments are alien. In European matters, Civic Platform behaves as if it fears that if it differentiates itself too much from PiS, Polish voters will reject it, because they do not understand that, for example, if we now deprive someone of human rights, we open the door for others to deprive us or our children of them, nor that the less we do now to save the climate, the more terrible fate will befall our children and grandchildren." https://wyborcza.pl/7,75968,30933324,dlaczego-w-wielu-sprawach-po-tak-boi-sie-odroznic-od-pis.html -- A PARTY IS NOT A BROTHER-IN-LAW'S COMPANY. BIEDROŃ AND ŚMISZEK'S START IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS IS NEPOTISM - WOJCIECH KARPIESZUK IN GW: "However, something else outrages me the most. Krzysztof Śmiszek is the long-term partner of the co-chair of New Left, Robert Biedroń, who is also an MEP. The couple had a humanist wedding. After all, Biedroń, who is seeking re-election, also as the first candidate on the list but from Warsaw, had to co-decide on the shape of the lists. Didn't anyone see a red flag that these are not the standards in a party that wants to be considered a modern, European social democracy?" https://warszawa.wyborcza.pl/warszawa/7,54420,30933355,robert-biedron-i-krzysztof-smiszek-jedynkami-w-wyborach-do-pe.html -- EVERYONE REALIZES THAT AFTER A POOR RESULT IN THE LOCAL ELECTIONS, THIS WILL BE ANOTHER VERY DIFFICULT ELECTION FOR THEM, PERHAPS EVEN THE BEGINNING OF THE END - JAKUB MAJMUREK IN KRYTYKA POLITYCZNA: "However, watching the convention broadcast, there was no great enthusiasm or particular energy. Perhaps because the Left is perfectly aware that after the local elections, this will be another very difficult election for them. If the Left does not cross the threshold in these elections, it would mean the beginning of the end." -- THE TIMES WHEN BIEDROŃ WAS A NATURAL ELECTORAL ENGINE ON THE LEFT-PROGRESSIVE SIDE ARE PROBABLY OVER TOO, AS HIS RESULT IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS SHOWED - MAJMUREK CONTINUES IN KRYTYKA: "The leaders of several lists are simply poorly recognized, at least at the national level. In the case of Biedroń, running in the most media-friendly district, the issue of his broken promise to give up his mandate after the previous elections may resurface. The times when Biedroń was a natural electoral engine on the left-progressive side are probably over too, as his result in the presidential elections showed." https://krytykapolityczna.pl/kraj/majmurek-lewica-konwencja-sobota-wybory-eurowybory-2024/ -- STRONG WORDS FOR A SON RAISED IN A GREENHOUSE WHO USES WAR VICTIMS TO MOBILIZE THE MOST IGNORANT ELEMENTS OF THE ELECTORATE HE DESPISES - ŁUKASZ ŁACHECKI IN KRYTYKA POLITYCZNA: "Kosiniak-Kamysz speaks of Poles who 'feel frustration when they see young Ukrainians of conscription age in shopping malls or hotels.' Strong words for a son raised in a greenhouse who uses war victims to mobilize the most ignorant elements of the electorate he despises." -- SIMPLY PUT, AS BEFITS A CITY DWELLER DETACHED FROM REALITY, HE DESPISES HIS RURAL ELECTORATE AND FEEDS THEM ENDECOIDAL NONSENSE, THINKING HE WILL ALSO SNAG A FEW VOTES FROM THE RIGHT, CONSIDERED MORE RADICAL THAN PSL. THE PEASANTS HAVE BEEN PANICKING FOR YEARS ABOUT LOSING VOTERS TO PIS AND CONFEDERATION, FAILING TO REALIZE THAT THE CONTEMPT FROM THEIR OWN URBANIZED LEADERSHIP MOST EFFECTIVELY ENCOURAGES THEM TO SEEK ALTERNATIVES - FURTHER IN ŁACHECKI'S CRITIQUE: "Simply put, as befits a city dweller detached from reality, he despises his rural electorate and feeds them endecoidal nonsense, thinking that he will also snag a few votes from the right, considered more radical than PSL. The peasants have been panicking for years about losing voters to PiS and Confederation, failing to realize that perhaps the most effective way to encourage seeking alternatives is the contempt from their own urbanized leadership." https://krytykapolityczna.pl/kraj/kosiniak-kamysz-frustracje-polakow-zapowiedz-deportacji-ukraincow/ -- TUSK'S ANTI-DEVELOPMENT GANG HAS NO RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE MAY 3RD CONSTITUTION. BECAUSE IT WAS A TESTAMENT TO POLISH AMBITION, NOT SMALL-MINDEDNESS - MICHAŁ KARNOWSKI: "In these days, the ruling regime's representatives will utter many words referring to this great work. But let's be clear – the governments of free Poland have the least right to do so, this anti-development gang led by Tusk has virtually no right. A true Polish government would not scrap the CPK project but would develop it, as it is an obvious, necessary investment, similar to many around the world. They would not delay nuclear power plant projects but would accelerate them so we could escape the guillotine of green scoundrels. They would not tamper with already developed arms contracts but would cherish and nurture them in the face of the threat from the East to quickly build the strongest land army in Europe. They would not participate in dismantling NATO because Germany has a desire for even greater dominance in the EU." https://wpolityce.pl/polityka/690430-antyrozwojowa-banda-tuska-nie-ma-prawa -- WHAT IS HAPPENING IN POLISH FACTORIES? IT'S WORSE THAN FORECASTED. SUCH A STREAK HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE - MARIA MAZUREK IN GAZETA.PL: "The situation in Polish industry is deteriorating – according to the latest PMI reading. The index has been below the key level for so long that it has broken an unenviable record. Moreover, PMI not only indicates weakening sentiment in Polish industry but is also falling surprisingly sharply. Analysts expected a reading close to March's 48 points. However, we have a very significant drop. 'The reading turned out worse than the most pessimistic forecasts,' notes Bartosz Sawicki, an analyst at Cinkciarz.pl." https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7,151003,30936596,co-sie-dzieje-w-polskich-fabrykach-jest-gorzej-niz-prognozowano.html -- CASH BASIS PIT IS A MYTH. WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT'S FLAGSHIP PROJECT NOT MEETING EXPECTATIONS? - PRZEMYSŁAW WOJTASIK IN RZ: "– The regulations proposed by the government are very complicated and will bring many new obligations to companies. I fear that there will be few, if any, willing to use cash settlements – says Sylwia Rzepka, expert at the Association of Accountants in Poland and co-owner of the Rzepka accounting firm." https://www.rp.pl/podatki/art40289931-kasowy-pit-to-mit-dlaczego-flagowy-projekt-rzadu-nie-spelnia-oczekiwan -- WHEN THE BUDGETARY SITUATION IS DIFFICULT, THE TEMPTATION ARISES TO IMPLEMENT ELECTORAL PROMISES SO THAT NO ONE ACTUALLY BENEFITS FROM THEM - ŁUKASZ GUZA IN RZ: "In this difficult situation, the temptation to scheme arises. For example, one can implement promised changes, but only gradually or partially. One can also prepare a draft of regulations implementing the announced reforms that will be so complicated and encumbered with reservations that no one will use the new solutions." https://www.rp.pl/opinie-prawne/art40289921-lukasz-guza-ulotny-urok-kasowego-pit -- TUSK'S GOVERNMENT IN THE TRAP OF ITS OWN PROMISES - ANNA CIEŚLAK-WRÓBLEWSKA IN RZ: "It was known that public finances were in a bad state during last year's election campaign. Nevertheless, politicians of the then opposition made clear promises that 'nothing given will be taken away' (e.g., child benefits 800+ or the 14th pension), and added their electoral gifts. And now, to keep their word, they are implementing these promises, burdening the state budget with further multi-billion expenditures." https://www.rp.pl/opinie-ekonomiczne/art40288651-anna-cieslak-wroblewska-rzad-tuska-w-pulapce-wlasnych-obietnic -- MR. COMMANDANT, IF I LAY SOMETHING EQUALLY REPULSIVE ON THE GRAVE OF YOUR LOVED ONES, WILL YOU NOT REMOVE IT FOR FEAR OF INTERVENTION BY THE POLICE UNDER YOUR COMMAND? YOU ARE CROSSING ALL BOUNDARIES - MAŁGORZATA WASSERMANN ON TWITTER: "A wreath with a plaque, on which this man writes lies about President Lech Kaczyński, against all agreements, is an obvious provocation. But even more shocking than this man's behavior is the behavior of the Police. Mr. Commandant, if I place something equally repulsive on the grave of your loved ones, will you not remove it for fear of intervention by the Police under your command? You are crossing all boundaries." https://x.com/wassermann_ma/status/1785685147259433104 -- THAT WREATH WAS DISGUSTING. I MYSELF WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT AND THROWN IT IN THE TRASH ON THE SPOT. SUCH CONCLUSIONS ARE A TOTAL COMPROMISE OF THE CURRENT RULING TEAM - MACIEJ BĄK FROM RADIO ZET: https://x.com/MaciejBk1/status/1785642122466521596 -- BIRTHDAYS: Paweł Reszka, Piotr Müller (36), Seweryn Blumsztajn, Mika Brzezinski, FRIDAY, MAY 3: Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Aleksandra Gieros, Czesław Bielecki, Kazimierz Plocke, Marcelina Zawisza, Andrew Nagorski.