First couple wish Poles happy Christmas

Poland’s president and first lady have issued a festive message to compatriots at home and abroad, wishing everyone a „happy Christmas,” as well as „health, peace and harmony.” Andrzej Duda and Agata Kornhauser-Duda extended their Christmas wishes in a video message released on Sunday morning. The president encouraged Poles to ensure that „everyone finds a place for themselves around the Christmas Eve supper table,” and that Christmas gives a „feeling of community” to those who are lonely and „support” to those who are in need. Duda called on compatriots to „sing carols together,” „share happy memories” and „hopes for the new year.”

Source – Polskie Radio

Religious and spiritual leaders call for peace on Christmas Day

Spiritual and religious leaders called for peace on the occasion of Christmas Day yesterday, in particular because Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is today in the West Bank at the heart of a conflict. At his midday „Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the Vatican, Pope Francis called for peace in the world and especially in the Middle East, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. In the United Kingdom, the Archbishop of Canterbury also invoked Bethlehem, saying that today, “the skies of Bethlehem are full of fear rather than angels and glory”. One of India’s most prominent spiritual leaders gave his Christmas address in France. He said that „Love not hatred is the way to overcome fear. More than 20 000 people have now died in Gaza. Because ignorant people have done a terrible thing, you now want to take revenge – then you join them in the same basket… Look how support for Hamas is growing – isn’t it foolish to encourage that?”

Source – Polskie Radio

Iga Świątek loses to Sabalenka

Iga Świątek has lost to arch-rival Aryna Sabalenka 4:6. However, 2023 still belongs to Świątek – the World No. 1. ga Świątek has lost 4:6 to Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus in a demonstration competition in Abu Zabi – the World Tennis League. This competition has matches of one set only, shortening matches in a similar way to one-day cricket – in its attempt to make the sport more exciting for a wider audience. However, Świątek remains No. 1 and Sabalenka No. 2 and Świątek has set her goals high for 2024 saying, „I want to win every grand slam”.

Source – Polskie Radio

Gdańsk man injured in Christmas Day brawl

And finally, a man was injured during a brawl in front of one of the premises in the center of Gdańsk in the early hours of Christmas Day. The incident took place at Elektryków Street. The victim was probably attacked with a knife. He is in hospital, but his life is not in danger. The 28-year-old man was injured during a brawl between party participants at one of the clubs in the post-shipyard area. Police investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have yet been made.

Source – Radio Gdańsk

Weather

Today will be a rainy day in strong winds with temperatures of 8 degree centigrade (46 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and 3 degrees overnight. Tomorrow will turn sunny in moderate winds and temperatures of 5 degrees during the day and -1 degrees overnight.
That was the Radio Gdańsk English news and weather.

Martin Caren/vn