Stories from Poland

Polish authorities are revising a legislative project regarding antisemitism and racism following criticism from left-wing groups. The previous draft, which included penalties for calls to destroy the state of Israel, was withdrawn. Officials plan to consult with leaders of all political groups to reach a compromise on penalties for modern forms of antisemitism. The new version aims to find a compromise through consultations with leaders of all political groups.

The University Clinical Children's Hospital in Białystok is implementing a system for one-day diagnostic stays. The program aims to allow small patients to undergo examinations within a single day instead of facing multi-day hospitalizations or months of specialist consultations. Director Anna Wasilewska noted that patients staying for 7 to 8 hours can also receive psychological consultations. The University Children's Clinical Hospital in Białystok is implementing a one-day diagnostic stay system, one of the first in Poland. The process may include psychologist consultations lasting between seven and eight hours. This initiative aims to streamline the diagnostic process for small patients in northeastern Poland.

Councilor Patryk Białaz stated that a new zone is being formalized for Katowice and the Upper Silesian metropolitan area. The area will have limited boundaries and initial regulations described as mild to allow residents time to adapt. Filip Jarmakowski from the Polish Smog Alarm criticized the plan, referring to the area as a micro-zone rather than a full zone. Councilor Patryk Białaz stated that the proposed clean air zone provides a foundation for future environmental actions. Environmentalists argue the rules are too lenient to address the city's problems. City authorities stated they designed the zone to be as mild as possible to avoid the protests seen in Warsaw and Krakow. While drivers and residents have not protested, ecologists and social activists have criticized the plan as a farce.

The coalition argues that children have a right to seek families rather than being placed in care homes. Luberacka said the ongoing need for foster parents and support for children with disabilities. The coalition maintains that care homes remain necessary for some teenagers with disabilities.

A speed camera is being installed on Grochowska Street in Warsaw following a tragic accident three months ago. According to research by the Municipal Roads Authority, drivers exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h on this street. Local residents expressed that while the installation is welcomed, the intervention is late. A speed camera began monitoring the intersection of Grochowska and Zamieniecka streets in Warsaw starting today. The installation follows a January accident where two cars collided, resulting in the death of a 6-year-old boy. Maciej Dziubiński from the municipal roads authority confirmed the camera was placed at the exact corner where the tragedy occurred. Jakub Debaltski from the Municipal Roads Authority stated the relocation is the fastest solution to address resident demands for safety. The city also plans to install section speed control on the Poniatowski Bridge.

The Polish energy minister set maximum fuel prices for tomorrow. Benzene 95 is capped at 6.23 PLN, while benzene 98.6 is also subject to pricing limits. The government stated the fuel support program will be maintained as long as necessary. This comes as the national budget deficit is expected to exceed 270 billion PLN this year. Poland's energy minister established maximum fuel prices effective tomorrow. Benzene 95 is set to cost no more than 6.23 PLN, while benzene 98 will cost 6.6 PLN. Gasoline 95 is priced at 6.23 PLN per liter, while 98 octane is 6.673 PLN per liter. Diesel is set at 7.22 PLN per liter. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management issued first-degree frost warnings for all of Poland. Ground temperatures are expected to drop overnight in several locations. These rates are higher than the current prices in effect today.

The Katowice Metallurgy Museum will host a digital reconstruction of volcanic events based on archaeological research and descriptions by Roman writer Pliny the Younger. The exhibit details how people fleeing volcanic eruptions attempted to protect themselves using items like pillows tied to their heads. The event is scheduled for Friday. The museum site attracts 4 million visitors annually.

The Polish Council of Ministers is considering a draft resolution regarding a support program for the hard coal mining sector. The strategic government document aims to provide instruments such as mining leave and one-time severance payments for workers. The plan includes a target to eliminate excessive deficits by 2028. This initiative is intended to allow Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa to be covered by mining law provisions. The Polish Sejm is currently working on amendments to the social assistance act. The project proposes that individuals who have acquired apartments from seniors through life annuity contracts will be held primarily responsible for paying the seniors' care home fees. According to Wyborcza, nearly 20,000 life annuity contracts were signed last year as the elderly population increases.

Polish border guards deported a man, identified as Wladislaw Obsył, to the Ukrainian border. The man is currently subject to an active 10-year entry ban for the Schengen Area. He was originally detained in late November 2024 following a request from the Internal Security Agency (ABW).

A social media account belonging to a Ukrainian patostreamer has become active again. The man was expelled from Poland nearly two years ago following a request from the Internal Security Agency. The report regarding the situation is classified as top secret, meaning disclosure could cause serious harm to the Republic of Poland. The RMF FM reporter noted the case involves information currently under high security classification.