During a press conference on Tuesday, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki “strongly condemn[ed]” the “aggressive, hooliganistic behavior” on display at the Equality March in Białystok over the weekend. Counter-demonstrators reportedly threw firecrackers, stones, bottles, and eggs and shouted verbal abuse at participants, forcing police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd and leading to the arrest of more than 30 individuals. In his comments, Morawiecki emphasized that “everyone has the right to demonstrate” and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all Poles. “There is a place for everyone in Poland,” stated Morawiecki, “but there is certainly no place…for such barbaric treatment of another person.”
His comments echoed those of Elżbieta Witek, the head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, who stated on Monday that those who broke the law during the march would be caught and severely punished. “All citizens are supposed to feel safe in Poland,” she emphasized.
Boris Johnson Confirmed as New UK Prime Minister
In a decisive win against fellow Tory Jeremy Hunt, Boris Johnson has been chosen as the new UK Prime Minister by members of the Conservative party. In his victory speech on Tuesday, the former London mayor stressed the need to “unite” and “energise the country,” reiterating his pledge to “get Brexit done” by the end of October with or without an exit deal in place.
Mr. Johnson is expected to announce his new cabinet today, though the BBC reports that the position of chief parliamentary whip, the person who enforces party discipline in the Commons, has already been given to Mark Spencer, the current MP for Sherwood in Nottinghamshire.
A number of key figures from the previous administration, including Education Minister Anne Milton, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, Justice Secretary David Gauke, Foreign Office minister Sir Alan Duncan, Culture Minister Margot James, and Chancellor Philip Hammond have already resigned their positions in opposition to Mr. Johnson’s “do or die” stance on Brexit.
The mood of the Tories is reportedly upbeat and optimistic, with one MP telling the BBC’s Nick Eardley that “the BoJo show is up and running.”
Polish version of Poundland set to expand in Poland and Spain
Dealz, the Polish variant of popular British discount retail store Poundland, is set to open 60 new stores across Poland and Spain over the next 12 months.
Dealz and its parent company, Steinhoff, already boast 25 stores in Poland, one of which is located at CH Manhattan in Gdańsk. Similar to Poundland, Dealz sells many items for 5 złoty (roughly 1 pound or 1.50 Euro). If Poles think the wares at Dealz look familiar, it may be due to the fact that Steinhoff also owns PEPKOR, the parent company of the Pepco stores, a chain already well-established in Poland and elsewhere in Central Europe..
Similar to Pepco, Dealz stores carry a line of general merchandise, including household items, snacks and beverages, health and beauty products, and housewares. At present it is unclear how Steinhoff plans to manage the relationship between the two sister stores, though goods at the CH Manhattan Dealz, unlike Pepco, appear targeted toward the expat market, featuring UK favorites like Heinz soups, Cadbury’s chocolate, Jaffacakes, McVities Digestives, Weetabix, and Walkers crisps.
Tennis Star Rafael Nadal Commissions Luxury Polish Yacht
After winning one of his first professional tournaments as a teenager some 15 years ago in Sopot, the top-ranked Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has returned to Trojmiasto, this time to commission a luxury catamaran from Sunreef Yachts in Gdańsk.
At a cost of 3 million Euro, the luxury 24-meter-long Sunreef 80 Power yacht will be able to accommodate 12 passengers and four crew members, and reach speeds of up to 20 knots. Nadal’s customized vessel will be built over the next year, with the company set to unveil the standard model in September at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
According to company founder and president Francis Lapp, Sunreef is more than happy to welcome Nadal into their yachting family, as “the personality, energy, and skills of Mr. Nadal are a true inspiration for us.”
Polish films under the stars every Wednesday
For those looking to take advantage of Polish outdoor cinema offerings, Kino Letnie will be screening the Polish film Bogowie (Gods) tonight at the Sopot Pier. Bogowie is based on the real-life story of cardiac surgeon Zbigniew Religa, who successfully conducted the first human heart transplant in Poland in 1987.
Kino Letnie at the Sopot Pier showcases a different Polish film every Wednesday night at 10 pm as part of their “Made in Poland” series; all films are shown with English subtitles and admission is free with the purchase of a ticket to the pier.
