It was the first time the conservative president was called on to approve legislation passed under the new, more liberal government.
Politics
Decision to disband Ukraine border blockade overturned by Polish court
One of the protest leaders says they now plan to resume the blockade on Monday.
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Ex-finance ministry employees accused of orchestrating VAT fraud
Two ex-finance ministry employees are accused of running an organised criminal group specialising in VAT fraud while working in a department fighting corruption and official misconduct.
A second term for Poland’s ruling United Right. Ten reasons for cautious optimism
Paweł Musiałek
Eight years of rule will force PiS to take responsibility for Poland’s successes and failures, and those more interested in finding solutions to the country’s problems than seeking an end to the party have reasons for optimism.
Polish far-right party to propose anti-LGBT law plus limits on Jewish property restitution and abortion
The far-right Confederation wants an “anti-LGBT law” that would “ban LGBT”, as well as to restrict abortions and Jewish property restitution.
Denmark approves pipeline bringing Norwegian gas to Poland as part of effort to end Russian imports
Denmark gave its approval on Friday for the construction in its waters of a planned pipeline to bring Norwegian gas to Poland, as part of Warsaw’s efforts to end its reliance on imports from Russia.
“Rainbow Friday” in Polish schools faces anti-LGBT backlash
Schoolchildren around Poland have taken part in the annual “Rainbow Friday” (Tęczowy Piątek) initiative to show support for LGBT people. Notes from Poland looks at reactions.
What do the parliamentary election results mean for Polish politics?
Aleks Szczerbiak
Although the ruling party won a decisive victory, the overall balance of support for the government and opposition camps remains evenly divided.
One year on from the “Holocaust law” dispute, Poland’s government has won
Daniel Tilles
The controversial memory law, though amended, is still in place, the Polish government’s historical narrative is stronger than ever, and Israel and the US appear to have accepted it.
Poland’s “anti-immigration” government is overseeing one of Europe’s biggest waves of immigration – but doesn’t want to admit it
Daniel Tilles
Daniel Tilles explains how Poland’s government wants to reap the economic benefits of immigration while persuading its supporters that it remains opposed to it. This is a balancing act that will inevitably collapse.
Poland’s “insult laws” and the threat to free speech
Daniel Tilles
Daniel Tilles analyses Poland’s unusually zealous enforcement of “insult laws” and how they are unequally enforced, creating a threat to free speech.
Law and justice? A brief guide to Poland’s judicial reforms
Stanley Bill
Stanley Bill explains the wide reaching judicial reforms PiS successfully managed to pass. The reforms, which affect many areas of the judiciary system, are a stark power grab that have elicited criticism from the EU and rule of law experts.
Kiełbasa politics: Poland’s government and the European Union
Stanley Bill
Stanley Bill delves into the details of Poland’s evolving populism. He discusses judicial reforms, comparisons to the United States, and the increasing tension with the European Union.
Polish nationalism on the march: the context behind the controversy
Stanley Bill
Stanley Bill looks into the 11 November March of Independence, how it has been covered, the government’s support for it, and the spectre of radical-right wingers in Polish politics.