Stories from Warsaw · Poland

Services dismantled a cocaine gang operating near Warsaw, resulting in the arrest of three Polish nationals and a 30-year-old Venezuelan woman. The criminals were allegedly involved in the smuggling and sale of nearly seven tons of narcotics within the European Union.

Farmers in Poland have harvested 18% more potatoes than in previous years. The increase is attributed to favorable weather conditions and a larger cultivation area. The report was broadcast on Radio ZET.

The Rada Przedsiębiorców, an employers' organization, has submitted a special letter to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk requesting the suspension of the national deposit-return system. The system is also reportedly causing higher CO2 emissions, which contradicts its primary environmental objective. Abramowicz noted that the system is burdensome for consumers and negatively impacts waste management companies. Entrepreneurs in Poland are requesting a suspension of the current deposit system, claiming it has functioned poorly six months after implementation. According to the source, the system requires consumers to carry uncrushed bottles, which contradicts its primary environmental goals. Deputy Minister of Digitalization Michał Gramatyka met with a club to discuss including small glass bottles, known as 'małpki', in a deposit system.

Zbigniew El, a lawyer involved in the wild reprivatization of properties in Warsaw, is awaiting a sentencing verdict. He is currently acting as an advisor to General Jarosław Strużyk, the head of the Military Intelligence Service.

The Speaker of the Sejm, Włodzimierz Mierzejewski, announced that the procedure for nominating candidates for the Commissioner for Human Rights has begun. Candidates must be submitted by June 23, 2026. The current term for Ombudsman Professor Marcin Wiącka expires on June 20.

VAT and excise tax rates for gasoline and diesel will remain in effect until May 15. The reduction of VAT on fuels from 23% to 8% is a temporary measure under the 'Lower Fuel Prices' program. According to regulations published in the Journal of Laws, the action was also reduced to the minimum permissible levels. MP Janusz Cieszyński revealed a letter from the Ministry of Health regarding related budget costs for medication subsidies. The foundation for the program is reportedly generating high costs for the national budget. The program aims to mitigate rising energy costs, with current prices cited at 1.70 Euro. While two-thirds of the population support the measure, economic experts criticize the extension for reducing state tax revenue and increasing the national budget deficit. Experts suggest Europe should focus on strategic responses rather than tax-based consumption measures.

Marek Lipiński, the husband of radio journalist Maria Szabłowska, has died at the age of 84.

Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek stated that the president should immediately accept the oaths of all new Constitutional Court judges. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Sejm in the presence of the Marshal of the Sejm.

Grzegorz Braun has had his parliamentary immunity revoked for the fifth time. The revocation follows an incident where he blocked a road during a silk ceremony.

Polish parliamentarians did not recognize the need for an investigation into the broad activities of a Member of the European Parliament. The Justice and Human Rights Committee in Poland is seeking a resolution to allow the Constitutional Court to function. Currently, four judges elected by the judges themselves are unable to work in the court. Committee Chairman Paweł Ślis of Polska 2050 called for a solution that transcends political divisions. Meanwhile, Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the President's Chancellery, stated that the revocation of the oath from four new judges was unlawful. The effort aims to facilitate cooperation across political divisions.