Polish opposition protests against government, new media regulations

MPs from a number of opposition groupings, as well as thousands of protesters across the country, protested against the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) government and its recent proposals to curb media access to the Parliament. MPs organized a sit-in at the Sejm, blocking the podium. In return, PiS MPs gathered in one of the different rooms of the Sejm and voted, among other bills, on next year’s budget. The opposition claims it was done illegally. This sparked protests outside of the Parliament building where thousands gathered and blocked PiS MPs from leaving the building. Police had to intervene. No one was injured. The protests, both in the Parliament and in various Polish cities, continued throughout the weekend. "The situation ... has nothing in common with the real condition of our country," Prime Minister Beata Szydło said in a televised address. "On the contrary, it reflects a sense of helplessness and frustration on the part of those who lost power and don't have nay ideas how to attract Poles to their views." European Union Council President Donald Tusk, the former head of Civic Platform (PO), one of the biggest opposition parties, urged the government to "respect and regard the people, constitutional principles and morals." "Those who undermine the European model of democracy (and) attack the constitution and good customs, expose all of us to strategic risks. By throwing away the spirit of freedom and community, they write the next act of Poland's solitude," Tusk, said. PiS ally President Andrzej Duda met several opposition leaders on Sunday in a bid to find a resolution. The speaker of the Senat, Poland’s upper house of parliament, Stanisław Karczewski, is due to meet media representatives on Monday to discuss concrete proposals and solve the crisis.