Polish parliament passes law on defense of the homeland
The Polish parliament has passed a law on the defense of the country in an unprecedented almost unanimous vote in favour of the bill. The proposed law increases budget spending on defense and increases the size of the Polish Army. The bill will now go to the Senate. 450 deputies voted in favour of the bill, with none against, and five abstentions. The bill will also recreate the reserve system and increase the possibilities of training soldiers and volunteers. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki thanked his fellow parliamentarians across the political spectrum, saying ” I would like to thank the entire political class for voting over divisions and for a substantive discussion”
Source – Radio Gdańsk
Polish doctors to take Ukrainian language courses
The Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists is preparing to offer Ukrainian language courses for Poland’s medics as refugees pour into the country from war-stricken Ukraine. The organisation will soon be offering intensive courses taught by professionals from Poland’s leading language schools. In addition, the organisation is arranging Polish language courses for Ukrainian doctors and their families who have escaped the war in Ukraine.
Source – Polskie Radio
Polish Post Office to issue free SIM card bundles to Ukrainian refugees
Poczta Polska and the Orange network have joined forces to launch a joint initiative to provide Ukrainian refugees with SIM cards and free internet and voice minutes packages to enable them to connect with loved ones back in Ukraine. 110,000 free starter packs with SIM cards have been prepared, which can be picked up by Ukrainian citizens at branches of the Polish Post. Each package includes 100 free minutes to Ukraine, unlimited calls, SMS and MMS to Polish numbers and 30 GB of free Internet. Registration is free and is possible on the basis of a passport or residence card – which is a legal requirement in Poland. Packs are limited to 3 per person.
Source – Radio Gdańsk
Solidarity welcomes refugees at its headquarters in Gdańsk
And finally, the Solidarity trade union has made available 50 places for refugees in its headquarters in Gdańsk. The organisation has made the 50 beds available mainly for people in transit who need short term accommodation and to rest and refresh themselves. One of the main meeting rooms has been set aside with 50 camp beds, linen and towels and food and sanitary products. There will be a doctor and psychologist on hand as well. There will also be a separate room for mothers with small children. As of Friday more than 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine for Poland and there are estimated to be around 50,000 refugees in the Pomeranian region, only 5,000 of whom are officially registered.
Source – Radio Gdańsk
Weather
Today will be a sunny day with a light breeze and temperatures of 8 degrees centigrade (46 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and -4 degrees overnight. Tomorrow will see continued sunny spells in a gentle breeze with temperatures of 9 degree during the day and -2 degrees overnight.
Martin Caren
