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Former interior minister Mariusz Kaminski and deputy interior minister Maciej Wasik were arrested inside the presidential palace in Warsaw for abuse of power dating back to 2007. Despite being sentenced to jail last month, they were pardoned by President Andrzej Duda in 2015, who maintains the pardon's validity. The arrests underscore the conflict between the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party and the new pro-EU coalition. Both Kaminski and Wasik, now stripped of their parliamentary mandates, along with President Duda, assert they remain legally elected MPs.

Polish farmers are protesting against the influx of cheap Ukrainian grain and EU regulations on pesticides and fertilizers, blocking motorways and border crossings. Ukrainian President Zelensky and other officials criticize the protests as politically motivated. The EU had allowed tariff-free access for Ukrainian grain, leading to stockpiles in Poland. The Polish government, sympathetic to the farmers, is urging the EU to find a compromise.

Poland's top police officer, General Szymczyk, accidentally detonated a grenade launcher that was a gift from Ukraine. He described the explosion as powerful, causing damage to the floor and ceiling. The BBC has sought confirmation from Polish police but has not received a response. The Interior Ministry of Poland had previously issued a statement about the incident, which occurred after the police chief's working visit to Ukraine on December 11-12. The Ukrainians had claimed the launchers were used and safe to transport, with one even converted into a loudspeaker.

Poland's opposition, led by Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition, has signed a coalition deal with the Third Way party and the New Left, paving the way for a new government following the October parliamentary elections. Despite winning the most seats, the ruling Law and Justice party has little chance of forming a coalition. The opposition's coalition agreement includes goals such as strengthening Poland's position in the EU and Nato, removing political pressure on courts, and liberalizing abortion laws. President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, has tasked incumbent Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki with forming a government, but he is unlikely to succeed. The opposition aims to emphasize their readiness to govern ahead of the new parliament's first sitting on 13 November.

Poland's opposition, led by Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition, has signed a coalition deal with the Third Way party and the New Left, paving the way for a new government following the October parliamentary elections. Despite winning the most seats, the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) is unlikely to form a coalition. President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, has tasked incumbent Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki with forming a government, though he is expected to fail. The opposition aims to strengthen Poland's position in the EU and NATO, and address issues like judicial independence and abortion laws. Significant challenges remain due to differing views within the coalition.

A second exit poll in Poland's election predicts the governing right-wing populist Law and Justice party will lose its majority in parliament. President Andrezj Duda, a former Law and Justice MP, is expected to appoint a new prime minister. The opposition coalition, consisting of Civic Coalition, Third Way, and The Left, appears capable of forming a majority government. However, the coalition faces internal disagreements on issues like abortion and the influence of the Catholic Church. The opposition aims to restore judicial independence and media pluralism, but may face resistance from President Duda and the Constitutional Tribunal, both sympathetic to Law and Justice.

Polish farmers are protesting against the influx of cheap Ukrainian grain and EU regulations on pesticides and fertilizers, blocking major roads and border crossings. Ukrainian President Zelensky and other officials criticize the protests as politically motivated. The EU had allowed tariff-free access for Ukrainian grain, leading to stockpiles in Poland. The European Commission had imposed and later lifted an import ban, prompting Poland to unilaterally reintroduce its own restrictions. The new Polish government is pushing for a compromise with the EU.

Planned concerts in Poland by Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters have been cancelled following backlash over his comments on the Ukraine war. Waters criticized Ukraine's leadership in an open letter, leading to calls for a boycott and a resolution to declare him persona non grata. The Polish government, a strong ally of Ukraine, has supported the cancellation. Waters denied cancelling the concerts himself and accused a Krakow city councillor of censorship. Poland has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, providing military aid and sheltering millions of refugees.

A beatification Mass was held in Poland for the Ulma family, who were executed by Nazis in 1944 for sheltering Jews. The ceremony, attended by Poland's president and over 30,000 pilgrims, marked the first time an entire family has been beatified. Pope Francis' envoy led the service, and the Pope praised the Ulmas as a 'ray of light' during the war. The event highlighted the complex history of Polish-Jewish relations during World War Two, including both acts of heroism and betrayal. The Polish government, represented by leading officials, has faced criticism for allegedly focusing solely on Polish suffering and aid to Jews while downplaying instances of Polish complicity in crimes against Jews.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has warned that Wagner fighters in Belarus could pose as migrants to enter the EU, describing it as 'hybrid warfare.' About 100 Wagner troops have moved near Grodno, close to the Polish and Lithuanian borders. Poland views Wagner's presence in Belarus as a threat and is bolstering its eastern defenses. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko denies provoking a migrant crisis, but Morawiecki claims Wagner mercenaries might help migrants cross into the EU. Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia may shut their borders with Belarus if incidents occur. Poland has reported 16,000 border crossing attempts from Belarus this year.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has warned that Wagner fighters in Belarus could pose as migrants to enter the EU, potentially facilitating illegal migration in what Poland considers 'hybrid warfare'. Approximately 100 Wagner troops are near Grodno, close to the Polish and Lithuanian borders. Warsaw views Wagner's presence as a threat and is reinforcing its eastern flank. Belarusian leader Lukashenko has denied instigating a migrant crisis, while Morawiecki reported over 16,000 border crossing attempts this year, with Frontex recording 2,312 illegal crossings from Belarus to the EU. Poland and Lithuania have erected fences along their borders with Belarus.

Polish President Andrzej Duda's allies, elected PiS MPs, were arrested despite his pardon, leading to a state crisis and accusations of a dictatorship. Duda, shaken by the arrests, invited them to the Presidential Palace, where they claimed to be political prisoners. Mariusz Kaminski announced a hunger strike, while Deputy Justice Minister denied they were political prisoners. The Supreme Court ruled Duda's pardon invalid, and Donald Tusk suggested a new pardon. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki criticized Tusk's government for attacking the rule of law, likening it to communist tactics.

Szymon Marciniak will remain the referee for the Champions League final after apologizing for attending an event organized by Polish far-right leader Slawomir Mentzen. UEFA investigated and accepted Marciniak's apology, with the Never Again anti-racism association supporting his continued role to promote anti-discrimination. Marciniak expressed regret and emphasized his unawareness of the event's affiliations. The Polish sports minister and deputy foreign minister defended Marciniak, stating the conference was non-political. The Confederation party, linked to the event, has a controversial history and significant support among young men in Poland.

The Kremlin has expressed strong disapproval after a Polish government body recommended renaming Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad to its traditional name, Królewiec. The decision is partly influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the move as a hostile act and an expression of historical hatred towards Russians. The region, historically known as Königsberg, was renamed Kaliningrad after World War Two when it came under Soviet administration.

The Kremlin has reacted strongly against a recommendation by a Polish government body to rename Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad to Królewiec, citing historical and cultural reasons. The decision is partly influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the negative connotations associated with the name Kaliningrad in Poland. The recommendation, though not binding, is expected to be adopted by Polish state bodies. The move has been met with harsh criticism from Russia, which views it as a hostile act.

Poland has charged six foreign citizens with espionage and sabotage for Russia, aiming to disrupt military and aid supplies to Ukraine. The Internal Security Agency (ABW) found evidence of the group's activities, including monitoring railway lines and preparing sabotage actions. The group was also involved in propaganda to incite hostility towards Poland among NATO members. The operation underscores the intensified spy conflict between Russia and the West since the Ukraine war, with Poland being a key ally of Ukraine. Several individuals have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia since the invasion.

Polish authorities have arrested a group of foreign citizens suspected of spying for Russia, reportedly installing secret cameras to film transport infrastructure used for delivering aid to Ukraine. The arrests are part of an intensified espionage conflict between Russia and the West, exacerbated by the Ukraine war. The suspects had installed cameras near critical transport routes and a sensitive airport in Poland's Podkarpackie province. Poland's Interior Minister, Mariusz Kaminski, is expected to address the media regarding the arrests. Previous espionage arrests in Poland include a Russian citizen and a Spanish national of Russian origin, both accused of spying for Russia.

A spy network working for Russia has been dismantled in Poland, with six individuals arrested for allegedly installing secret cameras near transport infrastructure aiding Ukraine. The network reportedly planned sabotage and was active in Podkarpackie province, near the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, a key logistics hub for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The airport, protected by US Patriot air defense systems, is a critical site with heightened security. Poland's Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski is expected to address the media regarding the arrests. This follows a series of arrests for espionage in Poland, including a Russian citizen charged last month for spying from 2015 to 2022.

A Polish activist, Justyna Wydrzynska, has been sentenced to eight months of community service for providing abortion pills to a woman in an abusive relationship. Poland's strict abortion laws have led to this landmark case, with Wydrzynska being the first activist tried for aiding a pregnant woman. Despite appeals from UN officials, gynaecologists, and human rights groups, the court found her guilty. Wydrzynska plans to appeal, arguing that she acted out of a desire to help when no one else could. The case underscores the severe restrictions on abortion in Poland and the challenges faced by women seeking reproductive health services.

Poland has proposed sending doctors to Georgia to examine jailed former President Mikheil Saakashvili due to concerns about his health. Saakashvili, serving a six-year sentence for abuse of power, claims his trial was politically motivated and alleges he was poisoned in prison. He has staged hunger strikes and reports significant weight loss, raising fears of multiple organ failure. Supporters accuse Georgian authorities of denying him proper treatment, while officials claim he is feigning his condition. Poland's government is awaiting Georgia's agreement to send a humanitarian aid team to assess his situation.

Poland has offered to send doctors to Georgia to examine the jailed former President Mikheil Saakashvili, amid concerns about his deteriorating health. Saakashvili, who is serving a six-year sentence for abuse of power, claims his trial was politically motivated and alleges he was poisoned in prison. The Polish government has expressed doubts about the adequacy of his medical care and is awaiting approval from Georgian authorities to send a humanitarian aid team. Saakashvili's supporters and international figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have called for his release, citing serious health concerns.

For the first time, a Russian delegation was not invited to the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation ceremony in Poland due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The museum's director compared the Ukraine war to the Holocaust, while Russia accused the museum of rewriting history. Survivors expressed fears over the war's impact, and Russia held its own commemorative events. The Polish nation has shown strong support for Ukraine, housing refugees and offering military aid.

For the first time, Russia was not invited to the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation anniversary due to its invasion of Ukraine. The museum's director compared Russia's actions in Ukraine to the Holocaust, while Russia accused the museum of rewriting history. Survivors and officials expressed their views on the exclusion and the ongoing war. The event marked the 78th anniversary of the Soviet army liberating the camp.

During a New Year's Eve TV special in Poland, the Black Eyed Peas wore rainbow armbands in support of LGBT rights, sparking controversy. Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Warchol criticized the act as 'LGBT promotion,' while Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki refrained from restricting the band's 'artistic expression.' The incident highlights the tension between the junior coalition partner United Poland's stance against LGBTQ rights and the main governing party Law and Justice's position. The band's performance and statements were in favor of unity, love, and tolerance, contrasting with the anti-LGBT rhetoric used by some Polish politicians.

Poland's highest-ranking police officer, Jaroslaw Szymczyk, confirmed he accidentally set off a grenade launcher gifted by Ukraine, resulting in minor injuries to himself and a civilian staff member. The incident has led to criticism from opposition politicians questioning his leadership. The Polish Interior Ministry provided limited details, while Kyiv has not commented. The grenade launchers were reportedly used and deemed safe, with one converted into a loudspeaker. The incident has sparked mocking reactions on social media.

Polish authorities have condemned the sale of a stolen Kandinsky painting by a German auction house, alleging it was taken from Warsaw's National Museum in 1984. Despite Poland's objections and evidence, the auction house proceeded with the sale but later suspended it pending a court review. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Poland and Germany over the restitution of cultural property looted during World War Two, with Polish officials criticizing Germany's legal framework and reluctance to return stolen assets.

Planned concerts in Poland by Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters have been cancelled due to backlash over his comments on the Ukraine war. Waters criticized Ukraine's leadership in an open letter, leading to public and political outrage in Poland. The Polish government, a strong supporter of Ukraine, has facilitated aid and refuge for Ukrainians. Waters denied cancelling the concerts himself and accused a Krakow city councillor of censorship. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the Ukraine conflict.

A bus carrying Polish pilgrims veered off a road in Croatia, resulting in twelve fatalities and 32 injuries, with 19 in serious condition. The trip, organized by the Brotherhood of St Joseph Catholic group, was en route to a Catholic shrine in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Polish Foreign Ministry confirmed all passengers were Polish adults. An investigation into the cause of the accident has been ordered by Poland's justice minister, and two Polish ministers are traveling to Croatia. Croatian officials, including the Interior Minister and Prime Minister, have expressed their condolences and assured that emergency services are providing assistance.

Fidel Ramos, former president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998, is remembered for his efforts to modernize the country following the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Despite his initial support for Marcos, Ramos eventually opposed him and played a key role in the 1986 revolution that led to Cory Aquino's presidency. As president, Ramos implemented economic liberalization policies, achieving significant growth and restoring power amidst economic turmoil. He also signed a peace deal with the Moro National Liberation Front. However, his legacy was marred by the 1997 economic crisis and the subsequent election of Joseph Estrada. Ramos remained active in politics and diplomacy until his death at 94.

The article discusses the significant decline of the Jewish population in Poland due to the Holocaust, where approximately 90% were killed by the Nazis. It highlights the current state of Jewish cemeteries in Poland, numbering around 1,400, which are mostly neglected and in disrepair. With only a few thousand Jews remaining in Poland, the responsibility of maintaining these historical sites is a considerable challenge.

A group of academics has penned an open letter to Poland's culture minister, Piotr Glinski, urging him not to close a significant exhibition that has involved years of preparation and substantial financial investment. The letter, which highlights the potential injustice of shutting down the exhibition, has been published in the Polish language by the liberal newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza.

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski criticized the previous government's approach to public media, describing it as a leftist programme that promoted a Marxist worldview. In his interview with the German newspaper Bild, Waszczykowski portrayed the former government's ideology as one that favored a homogeneous mix of cultures and races, cyclists, vegetarians, renewable energy, and was anti-religious. His comments reflect a broader political discourse on the direction of Poland's societal values and the role of public media.

Medieval knight tournaments and battle re-enactments are particularly popular in Poland, with events occurring nearly every weekend during the summer. Participants dress as knights and engage in jousting, sword fights, and other competitions. BBC Warsaw correspondent Adam Easton visited one of the largest annual gatherings at Malbork Castle to explore the Polish people's interest in this historical period.

A new generation in Poland, unfamiliar with communism except through history books and stories, is experiencing the Catholic Church's adaptation to the freedoms it helped achieve after playing a pivotal role in the fall of the Communist regime. The program, presented by Adam Easton, is the second of two parts.

In April 1989, an agreement between Poland's communist leaders and the Solidarity trade union marked the end of communist rule in the country. The transformation of Polish society began with the 1979 visit of the Polish Pope, John Paul II, as detailed in the first of two programmes presented by Adam Easton.