Today's Gazeta Wyborcza runs an interesting article written by Kacper Sulowski. It reads: "They take journalists out, they do the postmen job. And how heroically they defend the chairman's mailbox! Here is our Police". It enumerates the number of incidents in recent weeks when the police - nation's trusted force (75%) as of 2019 - … Continue reading Poland’s Political Police
Polexit in 5 steps.
Today is 16th anniversary of the biggest enlargement of EU. On 1 May 2004 some 70 million people became EU citizens. Well, nobody told them this. So in June when there was an EP election people were confused. Why again they should go to the election box? After all they have voted in referendum about … Continue reading Polexit in 5 steps.
Testing for Covid19 in EU (Update)
Thank you for all the feedback I received after last week's blog post about testing in the EU for the virus. It has motivated me to, first, update my table and see if there were changes from a week before. And second, to face up with the logic: there are no tests because there are … Continue reading Testing for Covid19 in EU (Update)
Testing for Covid19 in EU
On 14 April there are 771k cases of the coronavirus across the EU. About 70k people lost their lives. 224k have been cured, or so we think and 477k people are still sick. Against this picture, there are hundreds of myths about Covid-19 across the EU. One of them is that there are so many … Continue reading Testing for Covid19 in EU
Over 550 thousand EU citizens with Covid-19
Ever since beginning of the corona crisis all we hear is "national". How many sick people are there in Spain and Italy and in our own country. Not only Italians or Spaniards fighting against the coronavirus, but aren't we all as Europeans fighting this crisis? One of the first person to get sick in Poland … Continue reading Over 550 thousand EU citizens with Covid-19
Poland’s rolling coup d’état to fail
It is not easy to hold your horses when no one is watching. The temptation is too big not to reach out for even more power than you already have. It is there, waiting for you to grab it. No one watches you. There is fire and storms and pandemics elsewhere. You are in a … Continue reading Poland’s rolling coup d’état to fail
Is the EU democratic?
The Polish national leaders are leading a narrative that the European Union needs to reform, and should it fail to reform it faces a defeat, a failure, a cataclysm. The Polish pundits, one by one seem to follow this magical trick and consider the EU an external, an alien, a hostile force. One just example … Continue reading Is the EU democratic?
A European Green Card for #the5million?
I talk with Roger Casale, the founder of New Europeans about Brexit, #the5million campaign and the New Europeans' proposal of the European Green Card. Initially this interview was published in Polish on Onet.pl. Piotr Maciej Kaczyński: There is about one million Poles in the UK. But the migration of people around the EU is a … Continue reading A European Green Card for #the5million?
Talking Europe to Europeans
In the race for news, our national media often lose the perspective of the slowly changing realities. Sometimes they do not grab it even in 10 years. In Brussels media still write about EU Presidencies. As if they existed. They don't, since 1 Dec 2009. Please someone deliver the news to Euractiv, Politico and EU … Continue reading Talking Europe to Europeans
Macron in Warsaw
Emmanuel Macron comes to Poland today. It is his first trip to the country since coming to power in 2017. Will he reach out to the Warsaw rulers who accused his France of breaking democratic principles? What is the olive branch? The list of disagreements is long. The list of common interests seems short. Is … Continue reading Macron in Warsaw
Poland votes for President 2020. Who’s running?
The presidential elections in Poland are scheduled for late spring 2020. Most likely the first round of voting shall take place on 10 May 2020, but the formal decision has not been taken as of now. The incumbent, Andrzej Duda, has been the country's president since 2015, and an MEP before that (2014-2015) with Law … Continue reading Poland votes for President 2020. Who’s running?
EP post-Brexit: the End of Centre-Left Majority
Brexit is looming on the European Parliament. A few days ago the EP's research service published a simulation showing how the Parliament changes on 1 February 2020, the day EU shrinks to 27 member states. The main consequence for the delicate balance in the fragmented Parliament is the end of the minimal centre-left majority in … Continue reading EP post-Brexit: the End of Centre-Left Majority
Poland loses interest in EU
When the Council of the EU votes on energy transformation, environmental protection or transport, the PiS government is usually in the minority. The Eternal Question Since joining of the EU, Poland is facing the question of its own position in the Union. The question is linked to its size: Poland is the smallest among the … Continue reading Poland loses interest in EU
What kind of Geopolitical Commission?
At one point this summer Ursula von der Leyen said her Commission will be “geopolitical”, as opposed to the “political” Commission of Jean-Claude Juncker. There was no meaning to the adjective back then. There is little meaning to it today. Still, the adjective is growing on the Commission. First foreign trip of the new President: … Continue reading What kind of Geopolitical Commission?
EPP in Crisis
"The EPP is dead"! Did Viktor Orbán plan a hostile take-over of the party? What are the plans for the future? Welcome to rainy Zagreb, where the European People's Party holds its congress 2019. Hashtag #EPPZagreb The Croatian capital is cold and rainy this time of the year. Grim are the moods in the great … Continue reading EPP in Crisis
2 Commissioners missing
Today there were hearings in the European Parliament. Extra hearings following the rejection of the initial candidates for Commissioners from Romania, Hungary and France. The replacement candidates who did well are the two: Adina-Ioana Vălean of Romania, who is scheduled to be the Commissioner for transport, and Thierry Breton of France, who will be responsible … Continue reading 2 Commissioners missing
4 Commissioners missing
For the new European Commission to take office - initially scheduled for 1 November - we are still missing four confirmations and a final confirmation vote in the European Parliament. Three Commissioners-candidates were rejected earlier by the European Parliament. The French Sylvie Goulard was denied after her hearing. The Romanian Rovana Plumb and the Hungarian … Continue reading 4 Commissioners missing
Donald Tusk writes a book
President of the European Council just announced a new book to be published in December, "Szczerze", or "Honestly", about his 5 years in office as the President of the European Council. https://twitter.com/Agora_SA/status/1188859934500380678?s=20 Agora, the publisher, announced the date, 12 December. Mr Tusk's term in office ends on 1 December. The question of the week everybody … Continue reading Donald Tusk writes a book
Jarosław Kaczyński writes to voters
Almost two weeks after the Polish general elections the politics in Warsaw is fourfold. There is a fight for the control over the Senate where the united opposition parties snatched a tiny majority (51-49) over the ruling Law and Justice (PiS). PiS challenges outcome in six districts with limited chances of success. The other three … Continue reading Jarosław Kaczyński writes to voters
Political Europe & Me
Dear Reader, In a form of a letter, let me try to cover the ongoing political issues related to the European Union. You are free to ask and to comment. You are free to disagree. Today is the last day of the old world. Today is the first day of the new world. Obviously. So, … Continue reading Political Europe & Me
The Week After the Vote
Just four days after the parliamentary elections in Poland and the new political reality in Warsaw is slowly settling in. What do we know? A New PM in sight - unlikely Mateusz Morawiecki was or is the candidate for the Prime Minister job. But before this question is answered by the PiS chair, Jarosław Kaczyński, … Continue reading The Week After the Vote
Poland voted: the Senate results
PiS loses out in the Senate to the Opposition. Difficult time ahead. #Gimme5EU
Poland voted: the morning after
So yesterday Poles went to the polls. And yes they did. Big numbers, some 61% (estimated) of the electorate showed up. The celebration of democracy continues. As the results come in and they are distorted after 25% and 42% of the vote, I prefer to present the "late poll" result, which is almost identical with … Continue reading Poland voted: the morning after
Poland voted: First reactions
Today Poles go to the polls to elect new Sejm of 460 MPs and 100 Senators. As the first exit polls come out, Law and Justice is the clear winner with 43.6% of the vote. The centrist Civic Coalition (KO) is second with 27.4% of the vote. The Left's back in the Polish Parliament with … Continue reading Poland voted: First reactions
Poland Votes 2019: four days to go
In four days Poles will chose their Parliament. There are 460 seats in the Sejm and 100 Senate seats to grab. Five electoral committees are competing for the votes: Law and Justice (PiS) is the ruling party, the Civic Coalition (KO) is the centrist opposition, the Left is the progressive coalition, the Polish Coalition (KP) … Continue reading Poland Votes 2019: four days to go
Wojciechowski gets EP approval on second attempt
Janusz Wojciechowski will be Ursula's von der Leyen's Commissioner for Agriculture, after all. The Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament just heard the Polish politician for the second time today. After the second hearing was held with Mr Wojciechowski speaking at ease in his native language, the coordinators unanimously agreed to give him a green … Continue reading Wojciechowski gets EP approval on second attempt
How bad did Wojciechowski perform?
The 1 October Wojciechowski hearing is poor. Even when the chair of the AGRI committee asks for the MEPs to applaud the Commissioner-designate it is lukewarm, at best. Mr Wojciechowski's performance is the poorest of all the Commissioners heard to date. It did not matter he is a PiS affiliate. It did not matter he … Continue reading How bad did Wojciechowski perform?
Will Mr Wojciechowski pass the test?
Ever since the replacement of the next Polish Commissioner, Mr Wojciechowski has kept a low profile trying to avoid the temper of the gods of the European Parliament who are on the hunt in this years hearings. Today he takes the centre stage; will he pass the Parliamentary hearing? Janusz Wojciechowski is a 64 year … Continue reading Will Mr Wojciechowski pass the test?
The Hearings Are Coming Up
The second to last element in the process of establishing the new European leadership is about to take place. The show will begin as each of the individual Commissioners-nominees will face the European Parliament committee or committees. In the committees public hearings are scheduled. Here is the itinerary of the upcoming shows: 30 September: Commissioners … Continue reading The Hearings Are Coming Up
Ursula’s College: the critical approach
Ursula von der Leyen is proud. Her College is gender almost-balanced. There are 27 members, 14 men and 13 women. There were never as many ladies in the European Commission college. Yet, is this truly her College? Yes, she asked for female candidates. She also asked for two candidates to chose from. In the past … Continue reading Ursula’s College: the critical approach
Poland’s Choice 2019: Elections Stakes
On 13 October, Poles will go to the polls to chose their parliament. Who will rule Poland for the next four years? What are different political actors fighting for in this elections?
The Ministry of Hate
It is evening, 19 August 2019. Another sunny, hot day. The climate change shows its positive side for holiday-makers, as there are thousands of people on the sunny sandy beaches over the southern Baltic coast and thousands more hike the hills and mountains of south Poland. 30 degrees in the shade, and the political campaign … Continue reading The Ministry of Hate
Szczerski withdraws & his book, ‘Power & Market’ (5)
Krzysztof Szczerski will not be a European Commissioner.
Szczerski on Polish history lessons (Part 4)
Krzysztof Szczerski draws lessons from Polish history for Europe
Jarosław Kaczyński: we need to limit the LGBT ideology
Jarosław Kaczyński sees a conspiracy between independent judiciary, European Union and LGBT
Szczerski: Euro’s good only for the powerful (Part 3)
Krzysztof Szczerski is a candidate for the position of a Commissioner in the College of Ursula von der Leyen. Earlier this week there was a meeting between the nominee and the Commission President. The only relevant information Mr Szczerski shared after the meeting is that he has signalled his interest in an economic portfolio. No … Continue reading Szczerski: Euro’s good only for the powerful (Part 3)
Air Kuchciński lands. Will PiS plane refuel & take off?
Marek Kuchciński is no longer Speaker of the Sejm. His flights scandal made him grounded.
Poland’s National Elections on 13 October 2019
Poland's national elections campaign is on! 13 October is the date.
Szczerski: Europe without a soul is dead (Part 2)
Krzysztof Szczerski, the Commissioner-nominee for the Ursula von der Leyen Commission, published a book in 2017 entitled "European Utopia". I am reading it for you. Today's part: "Europe without a soul is dead". According to Mr Szczerski the European identity is based on Christianity. He seeks a special role for the Poles: "we have a … Continue reading Szczerski: Europe without a soul is dead (Part 2)
Krzysztof Szczerski’s Noah’s Days (Part 1)
Krzysztof Szczerski on Europe
The Quest for the Commissioner is (not yet) over
Ursula von der Leyen has a busy summer. She is touring the EU capitals searching for her Commissioners. By now she's been in Paris, Warsaw, Rome and Budapest, among other capital cities. In Warsaw she found her Polish Commissioner. On her visit to Warsaw on 25 July Ursula von der Leyen underlines that there is … Continue reading The Quest for the Commissioner is (not yet) over
Polish MEPs in EP Committees
There are 20 Committees in the European Parliament and 2 sub-Committees. There are 51 MEPs elected in Poland. Who sits where? Here is the list of all the MEPs elected in Poland who are either full members or substitutes in the Committees: Foreign Affairs (AFET): 10 MEPs Robert Biedroń, S&DAdam Bielan, ECRWłodzimierz Cimoszewicz, S&D (ex-foreign … Continue reading Polish MEPs in EP Committees
The Quest for a Polish Commissioner continues
Many countries have already appointed next Commissioners. There is a deficit of women. The Polish Commissioner is still missing. For the time being the list is closed. By the time Ursula von der Leyen comes to Warsaw the decision is most likely going to be announced later this week. The issue is reported in today's … Continue reading The Quest for a Polish Commissioner continues
Polish democracy: gay rights or gay propaganda?
In the European Elections 46% Poles took part, which is an astounding increase with the previous European votes in 2004, 2009 and 2014 (all with 20-25% participation level). In October 2018 during the local and regional elections some 55% Poles went to the polls. This was the best turn out in local and regional elections … Continue reading Polish democracy: gay rights or gay propaganda?
Difficult first weeks in the Parliament for PiS
Law and Justice has a very difficult period in the new European Parliament. It comes into the chamber as the winner of the Polish vote. Since, there are problems. First small, then big. The first small problem is the fact that the group of PiS, European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) is relegated from the 3rd … Continue reading Difficult first weeks in the Parliament for PiS
How the Szydło affair keeps Commissioners-nominees hostage
In the chaos of transition between the Parliaments and the Commissions there are some surprise stories, twists and attempted shortcuts. There are unintended consequences and parallel processes that impact one another. Here's one such story. 26 May, the end of European elections. Among new MEPs are two ex-Commissioners, Andrus Ansip and Corina Creţu. 2 June, … Continue reading How the Szydło affair keeps Commissioners-nominees hostage
“The European Way” of Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen delivers the speech of her lifetime. See the details here #Gimme5EU
Will all of EPP support Ursula?
10 July 2019. Meeting of the European People's Party in the European Parliament in Brussels. Main theme: meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, candidate for the presidency of the European Commission. The meeting is closed, after the meeting there is a statement that the EPP "fully" supports von der Leyen. After meeting the candidate, Manfred … Continue reading Will all of EPP support Ursula?
How cordon sanitaire played out & Beata Szydło lost
Beata Szydło loses the leadership of EMPL committee. PiS is humiliated in the European Parliament.
Krasnodębski is NOT a Vice-President. How come?
There are 14 vice-presidents of the European Parliament. Elected in three rounds on Wednesday, here they are: The natural thing for the European Parliament in choosing its vice-president is to do so by a consensus between the political groups. Except for, there is no consensus in this new European Parliament. Cordon sanitaire There are two … Continue reading Krasnodębski is NOT a Vice-President. How come?
The Italian Affair
The next day starts with the big news of yesterday: Ursula is the new Queen of Europe. Yikes! In Poland the debate is if this is a true win for the Polish government or not so much. Let us put this empty debate aside. Not relevant for the future if you sell something as a … Continue reading The Italian Affair
Habemus papam… not yet
2 July 2019, a series of tweets of Donald Tusk: https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1146102183034785792 https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1146102257555050496 https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1146102340732235776 https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1146102409959227395 This is the package negotiated by the European Council. No place for Mr Weber. No place for Mr Timmermans. Why? The European People's Party got stubborn in their demands for an EPP politician on top of the next European Commission. If … Continue reading Habemus papam… not yet
European Council negotiates top jobs
If you follow the top-jobs debate in the European Union you may know about the stalemate since 26 May. The stalemate is political and institutional. It is institutional between the European Council and the European Parliament, who says that the next European Commission President should come from among the Spitzen-candidates. The views in the European … Continue reading European Council negotiates top jobs
Why the European Coalition lost?
It is a month since the European elections and the Civic Platform (PO) now knows why they lost the vote on 26 May. Here's what Gazeta Wyborcza published a few days ago on the issue. Those points come from within the PO's inner study. The exceptionally high turnout (46%, compared with 24% five years before), … Continue reading Why the European Coalition lost?
Groups are ready. Parliament is ready to play
As 7 groups are formed and there are two major left-outs still looking for a place for themselves in the new European Parliament, the people's institution is taking shape before it's official launch on 2 July. The Groups as of today There are still moves between the Groups, as for example one new Dutch ECR … Continue reading Groups are ready. Parliament is ready to play
The Climate Veto
Brussels, Thursday, 20 June 2019. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki vetoes the European Council conclusion on the 2050 full decarbonisation objective. Poland objects, alongside Czechia, Hungary and Estonia. Climate neutrality must be achieved by 2050, "for a large majority of Member States", reads the European Council conclusion's footnote. 20-21 June 2019 European Council Conclusions:Download Mateusz Morawiecki … Continue reading The Climate Veto
The European Nightmare of Polish Opposition
In the elections to the European Parliament the Polish Opposition run united as the "European Coalition". In their rhetoric, the leaders and the candidates warned the general public of the risk of "Polexit" that might be a secret strategy of the Polish government dominated by the conservative/nationalist Law and Justice party. Returning MEP Krzysztof Hetman … Continue reading The European Nightmare of Polish Opposition
Will the next Polish EU Commissioner be female?
Last time we wrote about who can be the Polish Commissioner in the next European Commission there were 6 names on the agenda. Four of them are still in play (Szymański, Fotyga, Bielan and Kwieciński), but there are three new names that come out after the European elections. All depends on the set-up of the … Continue reading Will the next Polish EU Commissioner be female?
The Battle of 2 ex-PMs in the European Parliament is looming
Two weeks ago the new European Parliament is chosen. Today the politicians and the media in Poland are already focused on the next hurdle, the Sejm and the Senate elections in October. Meanwhile, the new European Parliament is self-organizing, taking shape and taking its first decisions. The European People's Party (EPP), the largest political group … Continue reading The Battle of 2 ex-PMs in the European Parliament is looming
EPP new leadership: the Polish faces
The situation in the largest group in the European Parliament is such that the biggest national cohorts have significantly changed. Not only the number went down from 216 to 179. Also, the number of MEPs elected from large and populous countries went down. In Germany from 34 to 29, in Poland from 22 to 17, … Continue reading EPP new leadership: the Polish faces
The Opposition Soulsearching
The 26 May elections is a major turning point in the 2019 politics in Poland. This is the second leg in the long march for power for the Opposition trying to restore peace and order after the populist, antagonistic and deforming rule of the Law and Justice (PiS). At least, this is the narrative. The … Continue reading The Opposition Soulsearching
The Deszczno Cows or how the Commission is losing a public debate in Poland
The European Commission is proud of solving problems. Real problems. And often, rightly so. Yet every now and then it creates a new reason of disbelief and mistrust. How? Here's a story. "Cows of Deszczno" is the Internet sensation. It is the story people are interested in. Google it, you will see yourself. Why? The … Continue reading The Deszczno Cows or how the Commission is losing a public debate in Poland
MEPs elected in Poland 2019-2024
Here is the complete list of 51 MEPs and 1 in-waiting elected in Poland for the 9th term of the European Parliament 2019-2014. 26 of them will go to ECR (PiS), 17 to EPP (PO & PSL) and 8 to S&D (SLD & Spring). Magdalena Adamowicz, European Coalition, widow of Paweł Adamowicz, murdered mayor of … Continue reading MEPs elected in Poland 2019-2024
PiS is the winner
The final results are in. Law and Justice (PiS) wins in Poland for ECR. It shall bring in 26 MEPS, 27th in-waiting until Brexit. The European Coalition's 22 MEPs could be divided - most likely - into two groups in the European Parliament, 5 would go to the S&D and 17 to the EPP. The … Continue reading PiS is the winner
The Polish EP 2019 results are coming in
As the night is unfolding, the first results of the European elections in Poland are coming in. Initially as exit polls, late polls, this morning (6 AM) we have results out of 95,9% of precincts. Here they are: Law and Justice, 46,00%European Coalition, 37,87%Spring, 6,02% The other committees fall short of the 5% threshold, most … Continue reading The Polish EP 2019 results are coming in
Will Poles double the turnout?
In the previous European elections Poles did not vote in big numbers. Turnout never was higher than 25%. This time it looks like things go differently. The Electoral Commission just informed that the turnout at 12:00 was 14.39%. This is almost double than five years before, when by midday the Polish turnout was at 7.31%. … Continue reading Will Poles double the turnout?
Last days of the campaign
If you think Law and Justice (PiS) is anti-European, anti-systemic, anti-liberal democracy, think again. Not because Law and Justice presents itself as a modern, pro-European party with a logo "Poland at the heart of Europe" and with the European flag behind their backs. Law and Justice is a conservative party arguing in favour of Christian … Continue reading Last days of the campaign
Tusk goes political & violent incidents in South Poland
The last weekend before the European elections the Polish campaign is gaining speed. The paedophilia covered in the Catholic Church dominates the debate. With the 18 May march in Warsaw and reinforcement in the person of Donald Tusk, the European Coalition motivates its supporters and hopes to outplay Law and Justice. 18 May, morning, Warsaw: … Continue reading Tusk goes political & violent incidents in South Poland
Facebook bans 13 Polish pages
On Europe Day, 9 May, the news about Facebook's new elections operations centre in Dublin hit the wires. This time it is different. This time the social platforms take the fake news threat seriously. The European elections is particularly vulnerable to foreign manipulation. In April, Facebook goes serious and bans the pan-European campaigns altogether. After … Continue reading Facebook bans 13 Polish pages
Aftershocks of the Tell No One documentary
11 May 2019, the Tomasz and Marek Sekielski documentary about the paedophilia in the Catholic Church in Poland is released. No major TV wanted to produce it, so the journalist Tomasz Sekielski and his brother collected the necessary resources via crowd founding site and released the documentary on YouTube. 16 May 2019, the documentary "Tell … Continue reading Aftershocks of the Tell No One documentary
The Church debate
There is no separation between Church and state in Poland. Since 1989 every Polish government is pro-Church. Different governments differ only by the degree of how pro-Church their leaders are. Even agnostic or non-believing leaders hide their religious beliefs. So why now the Church debate? Leszek Jażdżewski on 3 May 2019 3 May 2019, Leszek … Continue reading The Church debate
Rebranded European Coalition: 100 billion more!
The European Coalition (EC) campaign is changing. So far, the leifmotif of the Coalition is to warn the Poles of a risk of "Polexit", even if unintended. For that reason the EC has a hashtag #WielkiWybor, a #GreatChoice, for it tries to turn the 26 May elections into a referendum "in or out of the … Continue reading Rebranded European Coalition: 100 billion more!
Donald Tusk defends the Constitution and Europe
Tusk delivers an important speech at Warsaw University 3 May 2019. He talks Poland, Europe and global challenges. #Gimme5EU
Andrzej Duda: Europe it’s us
Poland's EU accession in 2004 is a success story. As such, it has many fathers. Today PiS politicians no longer talk of "imaginary community" or "ruined Poland". Today they are pro-European. Just listen to the Polish head of state talk. The EU enlargement of 2004 was the Union's biggest: 10 new countries joined on 1 … Continue reading Andrzej Duda: Europe it’s us
Rostowski: Brexit is the worst event in Western Europe since WW2
Brexit puts the details of the European elections in limbo. It looked like there will be 705 MEPs. Now it seems we will see the same number of MEPs as before: 751. With Britain or not, for the Polish MEPs it makes a difference of one mandate: with Britain in the EU there will be … Continue reading Rostowski: Brexit is the worst event in Western Europe since WW2
Only 6 Committees to run in EP elections in Poland
The Electoral Commission registered all the electoral lists and only six of them are registered in the entire country, hence are entitled to mandates, should they meet the 5% threshold in Poland. They are (with the list numbers next to them): Confederacy KORWiN Braun Liroy NationalistsSpring of BiedrońEuropean Coalition - PO, PSL, SLD, .N and … Continue reading Only 6 Committees to run in EP elections in Poland
Marek Jurek has a problem
Marek Jurek is a conservative MEP. In 2014 he is elected to the EP from the Law and Justice list and leaves the party a few weeks later. He is the most recognisable face of a small right-wing party, the Right Wing of the Republic (RWP, Prawica Rzeczypospolitej). Once, he was the Speaker of the … Continue reading Marek Jurek has a problem
PiS Europe Strategy
"For us, Moscow’s financing is a red line that cannot be crossed” says Zdzisław Krasnodębski, vice-president of the European Parliament, MEP with ECR/PiS After elections, there will be more than one group right-of-the-EPPECR has a Spitzenkandidat, too! The Polish ruling party Law and Justice (PiS) is a large party in a populous EU member state. … Continue reading PiS Europe Strategy
The Euro question…
Poland is outside of the Eurozone, together with Sweden, Denmark, Czechia and Hungary. Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia joined the EU later and are on their way to the Eurozone, at least this is what one hears... "Should Poland join the Eurozone?" is not the question on people's minds this elections. At least, not until Saturday, … Continue reading The Euro question…
Poland on strike
Since Monday, 8 April, Polish schools and pre-schools are on strike. Classes are cancelled throughout the country. Teachers are demanding increases of salary. The government reached an agreement with one of three of the trade unions, the educational branch of "Solidarność", but most teachers continue to strike. Many of "Solidarność" members defy their union. Many … Continue reading Poland on strike
Timmermans has a shot
Frans Timmermans comes to Warsaw as a leading candidate of the European Social Democrats for the position of President of the European Commission. Frans Timmermans comes to Warsaw at the Commission's First Vice President in charge, inter alia, for the rule of law in member states. Frans Timmermans comes to Warsaw when the Brexit chaos … Continue reading Timmermans has a shot
The Scare v. The Big Lie
The campaign to the European Parliament in Poland revolves around the weekends, when all the major political blocks try to impose a new narrative. This weekend is no different. In the recent weeks PiS run an anti-LGBT campaign (failed) and a series of proposals with new spending programme (party successful). The European Coalition response so … Continue reading The Scare v. The Big Lie
The Group of Souverenists in the making
Remember the Salvini visit in Warsaw in January? That's past. On Wednesday, PiS Chairman Jarosław Kaczyński met with the delegation of Brothers of Italy, a ECR party from Italy with no MEPs yet. https://twitter.com/pisorgpl/status/1113414507731329024 The Brothers of Italy joined the ECR back in November. This seems to be a pattern: PiS looks for sovereignist partners … Continue reading The Group of Souverenists in the making
Hübner & Boni still fight for the MEP seat
Two of some of the best politicians in the outgoing European Parliament (judging by the amount of MEP Awards nominations, alone...) have been elected five years before from the Warsaw electoral district. This spring they both faced a non-inclusion threat on the list of candidates' of the otherwise crowded European Coalition. The European Coalition puts … Continue reading Hübner & Boni still fight for the MEP seat
Welcome to the Middle Ages Poland
Over the weekend politicians tried their best to campaign. One of the candidates for the MEP came to Częstochowa... two short stories about some weird incidents taking place in Poland. Let me assure you, not all is rosy, but also not all is black. The next winter will be coming only in eight months. Częstochowa … Continue reading Welcome to the Middle Ages Poland
The Next Polish EU Commissioner
As the European elections come closer the issue of its outcome begins to unfold. The next European Commission, whoever is the next Commission President, will continue to have equal number of Commissioners to that of EU member states: 27, should Brexit truly take place. There are already first speculative names mentioned as potential future Commissioners … Continue reading The Next Polish EU Commissioner
Brexit unexpected fallout in the Court of Justice
All EU institutions have to prepare for the post-Brexit reality. The British Commissioner will lose his position on the day the UK leaves the EU. After the European Council last week the chance there will be British MEPs is reduced to almost 0%. Hence most likely there will be 705 MEPs come July. In the … Continue reading Brexit unexpected fallout in the Court of Justice
“Europe needs Spring”
It is Saturday, 23 March, a theatre in the Warsaw city centre. It is a quarter to 2PM. A crowd is growing with every minute. There are more and more people, they all came here to listen to the leaders of a new Polish party, Wiosna, or Spring. The people around me take selfies, they … Continue reading “Europe needs Spring”
Abascal in Warsaw
Santiago Abascal, leader of the Spanish party Vox arrives in Warsaw for a meeting with Jarosław Kaczyński, the chairman of Law and Justice (PiS). The purpose of the meeting? To meet and study each other, as both actors do not know each other too well. Exploration ahead of the next European Parliament. Vox, after all, … Continue reading Abascal in Warsaw
Children in the middle of the EP campaign
Law and Justice runs a campaign against the LGBT+ community accusing the opposition of an ideological war and "sexualisation of children";Teachers' unions go on strike: derailment of the spring exams in sight and maybe even graduation;The Youth Climate Strikes hit the Polish streets;The Catholic Church in Poland releases its statistics about paedophilia. Law and Justice … Continue reading Children in the middle of the EP campaign
Hübner & Boni out of the European Parliament?
The European Coalition (KE) has presented its leaders in the upcoming European elections. Only a third of the current Civic Platform (PO) MEPs has a real life chance to return to the Strasbourg chamber in July. Some very well known MEPs are not coming back. The lead candidates are: Lewandowski is (almost) sure to return … Continue reading Hübner & Boni out of the European Parliament?
Future MEP seats
Come 26 May there are 705 MEPs. We are used to the same or similar number of MEPs being elected from each of the EU member countries. Yet the changes in the MEPs allocation not only reflect Brexit or EU enlargements. The changes in population also are included in the shifting seats. Degressive proportionality Seats … Continue reading Future MEP seats
One Poland, diversified
As many as 62.1% of Poles and Poles believe that religion should take place in vicarage, while only 37.9% are in favour of religious education in schools. 55.9% prefer to be buried in a traditional coffin, but as many as 44.1% would choose to be cremated. As many as 54.1% think that Nobel Peace Prize … Continue reading One Poland, diversified
PiS EP tactics: buy & scare
23 February, Jarosław Kaczyński, PiS chairman enters the stage to present PiS' new political offer. On the agenda are five key points, which soon are labelled "the Kaczyński Five". In the following days the details come in. Are votes for sale? Or the Kaczyński Five: The most radiant is the extension of the PiS government … Continue reading PiS EP tactics: buy & scare
Trzaskowski: Orbán is EPP’s enfant terrible
The 2019 European elections are important. There are many issues creating its context. High partisanship does not allow for a proper debate to take place in Poland, but there is a great divide in whole of Europe, too. The united opposition accuses the government of breaking the basic principles of democracy in Poland. The anti-Europeans … Continue reading Trzaskowski: Orbán is EPP’s enfant terrible
Orbán’s days in the EPP are…
Early March in Brussels is a cloudy weather for Fidesz, the Hungarian EPP member. Fidesz is a powerful national party in Hungary, ruling alone in Budapest since 2010. Fidesz is also a powerful party within the European People's Party. With 12 MEPs the Hungarian delegation in among the strongest in the EPP group. EPP's chief … Continue reading Orbán’s days in the EPP are…
Is the Spitzenkandidaten system dead?
2014. There are two candidates who compete for the presidency of the European Commission. Jean-Claude Juncker is the candidate of the European People's Party. Martin Schulz is the candidate of the Party of European Socialists. Other Spitzenkandidaten include the Greens' and the Liberals' candidates (Ska Keller and José Bové, Guy Verhofstadt) as well as the … Continue reading Is the Spitzenkandidaten system dead?
European Coalition is a reality now
Some ideas take years to materialise. Some take the world by storm. Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz Early December 2018 Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Poland's former left wing prime minister, foreign minister and for many years an independent senator, appeals: "if the opposition does not unite, it is responsible for the PiS continued rule". Mr Cimoszewicz was the foreign minister … Continue reading European Coalition is a reality now
When the child predator priest monument goes down
The issue of paedophilia in the Catholic Church is a delicate and important matter. The issue of covering up of paedophiles among the Catholic clergy has been a major problem for the leadership of the Catholic Church for years. This week the Vatican summit on clergy sexual abuse takes place. There are two new Polish … Continue reading When the child predator priest monument goes down
Hosting the Middle East Summit was a mistake
The conference on the Middle East peace and security ends in Warsaw on Thursday, 14 February. Some 60+ countries are present. US Vice-president Mike Pence, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo and Poland's minister of foreign affairs Jacek Czaputowicz are the hosts. They sign the final statement. Benjamin Nethanyahu is the key guest. The Americans and … Continue reading Hosting the Middle East Summit was a mistake
SLD and the Polish Greens join the European Coalition
The Polish Social-Democrats Democratic Left Alliance, SLD (members of S&D with 5 MEPs in the current EP) will not compete in the European Parliament elections on their own. In May 2019 they will run in a major pro-European bloc called the European Coalition. The Polish Greens also joined the bloc. Social-Democrats: we need one army … Continue reading SLD and the Polish Greens join the European Coalition
Five Stars fakes a future EP group at a press conference
Leaders of 5 parties from Italy, Poland, Croatia, Finland and Greece met in Rome to sign an electoral manifesto. The block has been in discussion for weeks. Initially 4 parties, today they are 5. M5S is likely to be one of the largest national delegations in the next European Parliament. Today it needs allies. The … Continue reading Five Stars fakes a future EP group at a press conference
PiS leaks front people in EP elections
Yesterday evening the Polish media revealed the leading candidates of Law and Justice in the EP elections. As Poland is divided into 13 electoral districts the candidates who are PiS no.1 choices in each electoral district have very high chances of being elected into the EP. Here are the leaked names: Beata Szydło will be … Continue reading PiS leaks front people in EP elections
Before the Warsaw Middle East Conference begins
Before the Middle East conference in Warsaw starts there is an array of perspectives on why this event takes place now and why in Warsaw. A variety of actors land in the Polish capital with mixed expectations. Some 60 delegations from across the world come to expect something, but what exactly? When the news broke … Continue reading Before the Warsaw Middle East Conference begins
Who Poles like
According to the latest survey of positive and negative feelings towards 22 nations, the Polish citizens hold positive views of 16 of the surveyed nations. The results of the opinion poll: https://twitter.com/CBOS_Info/status/1093481110489743360 The Polish love of Czechs Czech citizens have been among the most-liked nations among the Poles for years. In the top spots of … Continue reading Who Poles like
Poland’s EP elections latest opinion poll
From the mists of chaos the closer we are to 26 May, it seems there will be the following options to vote in the European elections in Poland. The latest figures have been provided by the Ibris polling institution. Law and Justice (PiS/ECR)37.1% and 22 MEPsCivic Platform (PO/EPP) within a likely coalition:SLD (S&D)PSL (EPP).Modern (ALDE)21.8% … Continue reading Poland’s EP elections latest opinion poll
The kind of Europe PiS wants
Everyday news is one thing. The Harrold Macmillan words "Events, dear boy, events" rule the politics and the media attention. What grows underneath in the country is not exactly catchy on a specific day. Yet to know why people say what they say is often as important as what they say. Not only the specific … Continue reading The kind of Europe PiS wants
5x MEP Awards noms for Polish MEPs!
This is another awards season. "Winter is coming" is a motto of the Stark family of the HBO series Game of Thrones. It will be a big hit later this year and definitely a frontrunner for the 2019 TV awards season. A little piece of news for the Starks out there: winter is already here. … Continue reading 5x MEP Awards noms for Polish MEPs!
“Watch out what you share”
What one fake news can do is to seed a mistrust. A mistrust to another human being because of who they are, because of who they believe in, because of how they look like. Here is a piece of fake news like many other fake news out there. 3 February 2019: "A woman in a … Continue reading “Watch out what you share”