Controversial Media Bill Passes Sejm. Polish MPs yesterday voted in favour of a highly controversial new media law, which critics say would curtail media freedom in Poland.

If made law, the bill would amend the Radio and Television Broadcasting Act and require all broadcasters in Poland to be owned and controlled from within the European Economic Area.

The government, who introduced the bill, say it is necessary to prevent hostile foreign powers from influencing Polish media. But critics argue the bill targets US-owned broadcaster TVN. TVN, which is owned by New York-based media giant Discovery, is known for its liberal-leaning stance and has been critical of the conservative government.

Under the new bill, Discovery could be forced to sell its Polish subsidiary. Releasing a statement following yesterday’s vote, TVN said the bill „undermines property rights” and could damage investor confidence.

The US State Department has also criticised the bill, saying it threatens media freedom and could „undermine Poland’s strong investment climate”.

Proponents of the bill argue foreign-owned media interfere with Polish political debate and claim the bill is needed to stop Russian and Chinese interests from influencing Polish politics.

Lawmakers in the Sejm – the lower house of the Polish Parliament – voted 228 to 216 in support of the bill, with 10 abstentions.

The bill will now go to the Senate, where the opposition holds a slim majority. Senators could propose changes to the bill or slow down its passage, but under the Polish parliamentary system, the lower house gets the final say and the Senate cannot block the bill entirely.

The vote came just hours after Poland’s ruling coalition lost its parliamentary majority following a dispute between the dominant Law & Justice Party and the Agreement party.

Agreement – sometimes known as 'Accord’ and as 'Porozumienie’ in Polish – on Wednesday formally announced it would no longer be caucusing with the government after the party’s leader, Jaroslaw Gowin, was dismissed from his role as Deputy Prime Minister.

President Duda dismissed Gowin at the request of the Prime Minister on Tuesday, with a government spokesperson citing Gowin’s „weak actions regarding important tax cuts” as the reason.

Gowin and four other Agreement MPs on Wednesday voted against the media bill.

Alternative Fuel Car Sales Surge. Electric and hybrid cars are seeing a surge in sales as Polish consumers return to the market.

According to data from market research giant KPMG and the Polish Automotive Industry Association, registrations of new all-electric and hybrid cars jumped 150% in the first six months of 2021 compared to the same period last year.

The increase is likely thanks in part to a slump in sales during the first months of the pandemic early last year.

Electric and hybrid vans, trucks, and buses also saw significant jumps in sales.

According to the same data, the number of charging stations in Poland is also increasing with nearly 3,000 public chargers nationwide. Warsaw had the most charging points, followed by Katowice.

The Martwa Wisla tunnel is to be partially closed from 10 pm, as filmmakers take over for the night.

Shooting for the HBO series Trauma will take place from 10 pm tonight through 6 am tomorrow, with the eastbound tunnel towards Stogi closed to traffic.

Telemark Studios, which is also behind popular Polish shows including Londynczycy, Nielegalny, and Teen Mom Poland, has been filming across the city in recent days.

Weather

Remaining mostly sunny and mild today with highs of 22C, 72F.

No rain expected this afternoon and a clear, cool night on the way.

A little warmer and cloudier tomorrow.

TAH