Stories from Warsaw · Poland

The Polish leasing market grew by 11 percent year-on-year in the first quarter. This finding comes from a report by the Polish Leasing Association. The report follows government decisions to extend fuel excise tax reductions until May 15. The government's excise tax reduction from March 30 to May 15 is estimated to cost the state budget over 1.1 billion zloty. The Polish government is preparing a new approach to regulating the cryptocurrency market despite a double veto. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his ministers are accused of attempting to shift responsibility for law enforcement and prosecutorial actions onto the President and the opposition. The move follows ongoing political tension regarding the oversight of services and police actions.

A university clinical center reported that approximately 7,500 people are currently waiting for CT scans. The hospital decided to postpone appointments for 38% of these patients, which equates to roughly 2,700 individuals. These delays are expected to range from 3 to 6 months.

The Environmental Protection Commission issued a negative opinion regarding the motion to remove Paulina Heningk-Kloski from her position. The motion was submitted by the Konfederacja and Prawo i Sprawiedliwość parties.

Poland is planning a sovereign project to produce 155mm ammunition to ensure full control over every stage of the manufacturing process. The project involves 43.7 billion euros, with most of the funds intended for Polish industry. The goal is to ensure all elements of the ammunition are produced within Poland. The initiative aims to utilize both state-owned and private Polish defense sectors. This production is intended to create jobs and generate tax revenue within the country.

The head of Ames Zetura, Sławomir Korski, stated that European Union unity remains the priority regarding Belarus. The discussion included potential negotiations for the release of political prisoner and Sakharov Prize laureate Andrzej Poczobut.

A prosecutor has submitted a request to the District Court in Warsaw for a European arrest warrant against Zbigniew Ziobro. The application was filed in early February of this year. The request process has taken several months because the suspect is currently residing abroad. Authorities have not yet approached the court to expedite a decision due to the suspect's location. The proceedings involve the Justice Fund and are described as ongoing. The source noted that the investigation aims to present specific charges before the current government's term ends. The source noted that Ziobro appears to be evading the Polish justice system. A prosecutor commented on the suspect, noting that they are accustomed to the types of statements made by suspects directed at them. The announcement will include the justification for the suspected crimes.

The Polish Ministry of Education signed an agreement with the Polish Buddhist Union at the end of last month. The agreement regulates the preparation of Buddhist religious teachers in Poland. The Buddhist Education Council will decide who is authorized to teach children on behalf of the Polish Buddhist Union. Expert Dr. Andrzej Mazan expressed concerns that this move aims to marginalize certain groups. The Polish Ministry of Education plans to implement a single, free, and intuitive digital system for all schools in Poland. The ministry aims to address parental complaints regarding technical issues and paid additional services currently provided by various third-party applications. Some parents expressed concern that the transition could cause increased chaos during the implementation process. The ministry claims the system is intended to protect schools against hacker attacks.

Total losses from crypto asset-related incidents in Poland have reached approximately 350 million zloty. President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a law regarding these assets, citing potential threats and the failure to consider legislative amendments. Hundreds of victims have reported these issues to prosecutors. The reported issues with crypto media were first noted earlier this month.

The Polish leader stated that discussions regarding a detained Polish citizen began in September 2025 following his inauguration. He requested that President Donald Trump raise the issue of Andrzej Poczobuta during negotiations with the Belarusian regime.

The Sejm Presidium has penalized MPs Dariusz Matecki and Michał Woś following the Kłodzka affair. The punishment involves a suspension of half their salary for three months.