Stories from Poland

Bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of death by 40% to 60% depending on the patient. Controlling and reducing body mass through these procedures helps prevent or resolve complications related to obesity.

A total of 7,069 guitarists played Jimi Hendrix's 'Hey Joe' during the 24th annual event. This figure is lower than last year's participation of 8,122 guitarists. The event is a long-standing tradition, marking its 24th occurrence. The attempt was unsuccessful this year, with only a few hundred instruments functioning correctly. A total of 8,123 guitars were needed to set the record.

A referendum to remove the Krakow City Council and Mayor Aleksander Miszalski is scheduled for May 14. Even if over 80% of voters support the removal, the impact depends on the total number of residents participating. Sociologist Jerzy Zurko described the timing as a tactic calculated for propaganda effect. Zurko noted that even if a high percentage of residents, such as 80%, vote for a recall, the impact relative to the total population size remains a factor. While the referendum is described as having a civic character, political parties including Konfederacja and Prawo i Sprawiedliwość have also become involved in the initiative. The initiative includes a list of allegations against the Mayor of Krakow from the Koalicja Obywatelskia party. Commentators suggest the vote should serve as an accountability measure for the current president from the Civic Coalition.

The Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) is working with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage to locate the graves of 350 people. The IPN will request exhumation work and organize formal burials for the victims at the Ostrówki cemetery.

Poland experienced a record number of mass layoffs in 2025, totaling 970,600 employees. The scale of these job losses is impacting the national economy. This follows previous warnings from the Republic regarding the trend of group redundancies.

Economist Professor Wojciech Piątek stated that Poland is losing economic competitiveness due to rising energy costs and EU ETS regulations. He noted that Poland currently has the highest electricity prices in Europe.

Poland's unemployment rate remained stable at 6.1 percent, matching February levels. Economist Professor Wojciech Piątek stated that rising energy costs are forcing entrepreneurs to reduce spending.

Górnik Zabrze football club has begun formal procedures to terminate its sponsorship agreement with Zonda Krypto. The contract had been in effect since August 2025. The club appeared in a Monday Ekstraklasa match against Radomiak without the sponsor's logo.

Karol Nawrodzki signaled intentions to develop a new constitution during his first speech following his swearing-in. The president's chief of staff stated the new constitution would aim to strengthen the role of the president. The announcement was reported by Polskie Radio 1. He stated his intention to open a national discussion regarding the structure of a 2030 Constitution. The proposal was announced to the National Assembly following his inauguration. The new basic law is a primary goal of his presidency. A council for the new constitution has been sworn in. The Polish Constitution established difficult conditions for its amendment, more so than in France. The constitution initially caused controversy, with 35% of votes going to the prosecutor's office. The SLD and PSL parties held a majority, possessing nearly two-thirds of the mandates.

Researchers report a decline in amphibian numbers within Biebrza National Park. A recent survey in Goniądz identified only three toads. Naturalists stated these are some of the lowest numbers recorded since studies began.