Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Monday called on people protesting against the court ruling effectively banning nearly all abortion in Poland to engage in a discussion. "I'm asking for us to sit down and talk" - he said in a video. He also reassured business owners who had counted losses due to closed cemeteries that the government would help them financially.
Since October 22, Poland has seen a wave of protests against a ruling made by the Constitutional Tribunal that effectively bans abortion due to foetal defects.
In a short video published on Facebook, the head of the Polish government stressed that everyone should responsibly face the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'd like to particularly address those participating in the recent protests and the opposition. I'm asking for us to sit down and talk. Let's take our disputes off the streets, so they don't lead to further infections" - Morawiecki appealed.
He also said the epidemic situation was difficult and as government decisions might seem unclear, he would be explaining them in social media.
PM Morawiecki also apologised to business owners affected by the decision to close cemeteries for the All Saints' Day. "I'm aware that this decision has affected mostly flower and candle sellers. The epidemic hasn't left us any other choice, but I'd still like to apologise to all those who have been mostly affected" - he said.
The prime minister reiterated his promise that the government would compensate the business owners, and thanked local governments for initiating the buying up of flowers.
Finally, Morawiecki said the coronavirus was spreading fast and the epidemiological situation would depend largely on social attitude.
"Therefore, if you can, please stay at home. Let's bear in mind those who had passed away, especially the victims of the coronavirus epidemic" - said the prime minister. "Although we cannot be close to each other, let's stay united" - he added.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: Facebook/Mateusz Morawiecki