Stories from Poland

The statement was made during ongoing proceedings regarding alleged irregularities. The testimony addresses claims that the foundation's actions were politically motivated. The source confirmed the investigation is continuing. Dubajko characterized the allegations as politically motivated.

Polish fruit growers are reporting losses following recent temperature drops below zero across much of the country. The frost has most heavily impacted pear, apple, cherry, currant, strawberry, and raspberry crops. In some regions, growers report losses reaching up to 100%, according to currant and gooseberry grower Michał Kuflewski. They requested more than symbolic de minimis aid from the Ministry of Agriculture. Minister Stefan Krajewski stated the situation is under investigation and promised assistance. Fruit growers in the Lubelskie region of Poland report total crop losses following negative temperatures at the end of April. Some orchardists claim 100 percent of their yields, including apples, plums, and cherries, have been destroyed. The losses follow previous instances of crop damage in the area.

Przemysław Czarnek, a PiS candidate for Prime Minister, stated that the state should promote family formation rather than facilitating divorces. He made these comments during a press conference regarding President Karol Nawrocki's veto of a new law.

UFO researcher Max Spears died in Warsaw, Poland, on July 16, 2016, while visiting a friend. Spears was a known figure in UFO research circles and claimed to have been a government super soldier.

As of today, employees in the private sector in Poland can request that employers include periods of other professional activities, such as mandate contracts, in their total length of service. This follows a similar rule implemented for the public sector in January. Certificates confirming these periods of work will be issued by ZUS. New legislation in Poland requires employers to include mandate contracts and business activities when calculating seniority for benefits. These benefits include vacation length, notice periods, seniority bonuses, and jubilee awards. The law applied to the public sector starting January 1, and applies to the private sector as of May 1. Workers in private companies are encouraged to request certificates from the Social Insurance Institution to verify past work. This change allows workers to qualify for higher levels of paid vacation time.

Warsaw Vice President Michał Banacki announced that the City Center Paid Parking Zone will now require payment seven days a week. The first hour of parking in the zone costs 9.50 PLN, the second hour costs 11 PLN, and the third hour costs 13 PLN. Rates return to the base rate of 9.50 PLN for the fourth hour and subsequent periods. This zone replaces the previous parking area and will be active seven days a week, including weekends. The update also includes an expansion of the paid parking area and the addition of new parking locations. The change also includes price increases for car parking in the city center. The announcement was discussed by Professor Miklos Mitrowic from Kazimierz University.

A neon sign for Zonda Krypto, the main sponsor of the Polish Olympic Committee, has disappeared from the Olympic Center in Warsaw. Robert Korzeniowski reported the removal of the sign on social media. The cryptocurrency exchange has recently been in the news regarding insolvency.

The Polish ministry is attempting to find funds to support farmers who suffered losses due to frost. This marks the third consecutive year of difficult conditions for growers caused by frost.

Karol Nawrocki appointed 12 officers of the Polish Armed Forces to general and admiral ranks. The promotions include the elevation of five brigade commanders to the rank of division general. Specifically, commanders of the 12th and 20th Mechanized Brigades, the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade, and the 21st Podhale Rifles Brigade were promoted. Additionally, Przemysław Karaś, deputy commander of the Maritime Operations Center, is set to be appointed Rear Admiral. General Michał Strzelecki was promoted to commander of the Special Forces component. In the Navy, Przemysław Karaś was promoted to Commodore and is set to be appointed Rear Admiral.

Polish leadership stated that Europe must build energy security without Russian involvement. Media reports suggest the Polish oil company Orlen previously expressed interest in acquiring assets in Schwedt.