Poland’s Ruling Party Wins Parliamentary Election, Opposition Gains Majority

Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) has managed to secure a victory in the country’s parliamentary election, but will not hold majority seats. PiS managed to obtain 194 seats in the 460 seat Sejm, while the opposition parties: Civic Coalition, Third Way Alliance, and the Left party have won 157, 65, and 26 seats respectively, well over half of parliamentary seats. This will allow them to form a coalition in order to overrule Law and Justice votes.

The opposition also managed to obtain 66 seats in the 100 seat senate, another clear majority against the ruling party. This term saw a voter turnout of over 74%, the highest since the fall of communism in Poland.

Source: PolskieRadio

NATO Begins Military Exercise in Southern Europe

NATO will officially commence its annual nuclear training drills designated “Steadfast Noon” on Monday. The exercises have gained a new importance since Russia started making threats to withdraw from the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and make use of atomic weapons since the beginning of their armed conflict with Ukraine.

However, NATO has stated that the exercises are “a routine training activity that have been conducted annually for over a decade.” The exercises are set to involve about 60 aircraft including an array of bombers and fighters from 13 allied countries. They will take place over Italy, Croatia, and the Mediterranean Sea. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated: “Our exercise will help to ensure credibility, effectiveness, and security of our nuclear deterrent. It sends a clear message that NATO will protect and defend all allies,” and that “the exercise is not linked to any current world events.”

Source: PolskieRadio

Mine Disposal Underway in Gulf of Gdańsk

There is currently a complete ban on swimming, diving, and fishing from beach entrance 78 in Jelitkowo to entrance 34 in Westerplatte until Wednesday October 18 at 5pm. The ban commenced Tuesday October 17 at 8am due to the neutralization and removal of WWII era sea mines and explosives located at the bottom of the Bay of Puck.

The disarmament is being conducted by a specialized navy unit under the Maritime Office of Gdynia, and a security zone has been established by police, city guard, the 7th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Pomorskie region, and water rescue patrols.

Source: Dziennik Bałtycki

Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz Wins Shanghai Masters

Polish Tennis player Hubert Hurkacz has emerged victorious in the Shanghai Masters against Russia’s Andrey Rublev, gaining his seventh career singles title. Hurkacz, ranked no. 17 by the Association of Tennis Professionals, defeated no. 7 ranked Rublev 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 in the championship match.

Source: PolskieRadio

Weather

Today’s weather will be partly cloudy with sunny conditions predicted around 3pm. There will be mild winds and a temperature range of 7 to 13 degrees Celsius or 44 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of 82%.

Bryce Buren/kł