Stories from Warsaw · Poland

Andrzej Poczobut was invited to the presidential palace to receive the Order of the White Eagle. Szłapka described the news as very joyful and good information during a press conference. The Prime Minister is expected to deliver a speech regarding the event at approximately 16:30 in Warsaw. The arrival is being described by local media as a success for the Polish state. Polish President Karol Nawrodzki expressed joy regarding the release of Andrzej Poczobut while in Dubrovnik. Polish authorities highlighted the role of the United States in the release of Poczobuta. The ceremony will take place at the Royal Castle in Warsaw during the May 3rd national holiday observances. The President's Chief of Staff, Pavel Schefernak, noted that Karol Nawrocki had previously revoked the award from Poczebut on November 11 of last year. The ceremony involved the presentation of the state's highest honor.

Five Belarusian agents were exchanged for three Polish citizens, according to reports. The released Poles include monk Grzegorz Gawę, who was detained in September 2024 on espionage charges related to Zapad military exercises, and an entrepreneur detained in 2000.

A portion of the manifesto belonging to a potential assassin is reportedly indistinguishable from everyday language, according to a report.

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.