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PM: Polish state interests threatened by 'tape scandal'

PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle 25.06.2014 17:05
PM Donald Tusk has told MPs the 'tape scandal' badly rocking his Civic Platform-led coalition must be seen in the possible context of conflict between Russia and Ukraine and gas and coal industries.

PM
PM Tusk in parliament, Wednesday, watched by leaders of the opposition Law and Justice party: photo - PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Tusk began his speech to a packed chamber in the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, as the government tries to survive its biggest crisis in seven years in power, by apologising for the expletive-laden conversations picked up by the secretly recorded tapes published by the Wprost weekly.

“I have to start by apologizing to the public for the shocking and sometimes outrageous language and inappropriate words that were recorded during the illegal wire-tapping of officials,” he said.

The prime minister made no mention of a possible cabinet reshuffle or the resignation of any ministers during the short speech to MPs on Wednesday but emphasised that Polish interests of state were threatened by the scandal.

Tusk said that evidence shows since the first arrests that the bugging could be guided by “bad intentions” of a “political nature”, implying that the tape recordings made in quality restaurants in Warsaw and published by the magazine were intended to bring down the government.

Donald Tusk said the illegal taping of private talks between politicians has been going on “for at least a year and a half, involving dozens, maybe hundreds of people” and could be connected to the Polish coal trade and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

"There is no reason to say that there is a direct relationship between [these factors] and the wiretaps and disclosure, but there is also no reason not see that connection,” Tusk added without giving detail, as he fought to save his administration.

Police arrested one of Poland's richest men, Marek F., with connections to the coal distribution industry on Tuesday and prosecutors say two people have already been arrested in connection with bugging charges.

“The interests of the Polish state could be at risk in connection with this affair,” Tusk warned.

The prime minister then called for a vote of confidence in his government before he travels to Brussels for the EU energy summit on Thursday, a vote which the speaker of parliament, Ewa Kopacz said would be scheduled to take place at around 9 pm Wednesday evening.

Politicians from the junior coalition partner Polish Peasants Party (PSL) are expected to vote with their senior partner Civic Platform.

“We will not kneel before criminals,” leader of the PSL parliamentary caucus Jan Bury said.

Opposition MPs have called for the government's resignation and early elections. (pg)

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Tape Affair Scandal



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