Stories from Warsaw · Poland

President Karol Nawrocki remains the leader in a trust ranking of politicians according to an April survey by UFAM. Nawrocki holds a 49% trust rating among respondents.

European Parliament Member Patryk Jaki stated that Europe possesses its own cheaper energy sources. Jaki suggested that abandoning ETS and ETS II systems would improve the situation for Europeans.

An organization investigating historical thefts reports the discovery of a high-value musical instrument believed to be the Lauterbach violin. The instrument was crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1719.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced a contract to provide 360,000 anti-tank mines to the Polish armed forces. Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed hope that the Sejm will soon consider his proposal to utilize funds from the National Bank of Poland (NBP) for armament purposes. The announcement aims to increase national security. The production aims to build Polish security following the country's exit from the Ottawa Convention. The ministry is implementing a 50/50 strategy, allocating 50% of expenditures to the Polish defense industry and 50% to allies. Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that anti-personnel mines will also be ordered soon. The funds are expected to significantly assist the industry. This production is part of a strategy to build security following Poland's exit from the Ottawa Convention.

The Border Defense Movement has proposed penalties for public officials working to bring migrants into Poland. Robert Bonkiewicz, leader of the movement, stated the initiative aims to block migration into the country.

Member of Parliament Łukasz Mejza is no longer a member of the Law and Justice (PiS) parliamentary club. He expressed a willingness to donate his funds to charitable causes, including animal welfare and helping people. He noted that he has not yet made a final decision regarding a specific proposal. Group spokesperson Rafał Bochanek announced the move on social media, noting Mejza was never a formal party member. The exclusion follows reports regarding Mejza's alleged involvement in fights at a Frick-Fajt gala. Political scientist Anna Pacześniak from the University of Wrocław provided analysis on the decision. The decision follows reports of multiple infractions, including 178 traffic violations and participation in MMA galas. Commentators described the situation as a pattern of misconduct involving the misuse of public office.

Polish Prime Minister Inga Świśniewska is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss resuming contact with Belarus. The discussions follow the recent release of Andrzej Poczobut from a penal colony.

A law is awaiting the president's signature to provide a loan for the continued operation of a coal company. The legislation aims to restructure the Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa company to allow for reduced employment.

Polish technology company Kreotech has been named the leader of a space project during an economic forum. Twelve companies from the space industry signed a letter of intent to cooperate on developing an observational microsatellite constellation for Central Europe.

Polish services are preparing for a potential increase in illegal arms smuggling from the east. The source noted that while current incidents are isolated, the threat remains a concern. No specific quantities or methods of smuggling were detailed in the report. The threat is linked to the eastern border regions. Officials are allocating funds for modern equipment to combat smuggling, specialized training for officers, and operational actions on smuggling routes. Police cited experiences from the Balkan wars as a precedent for potential smuggling surges. Currently, only isolated cases of private individuals attempting to transport weapons into the EU have been detected in relation to the Ukraine conflict. Polish police are undergoing specialized training as part of the Trident project, according to Central Bureau of Investigation Commissioner Paweł Żukiewicz.