Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki met with local government officials in Jasienica Rosielna (Podkarpackie Province). The Prime Minister communicated good news during the meeting: the government will allocate almost PLN 13.7 billion to support local government budgets. We will pay out additional funds later this year. The money will help cover the expenses of local governments related to lowering heat prices for consumers and improving energy efficiency in the region. Local governments can also use the funds for current expenditure and local investments. The bill on additional support for local governments has already been submitted to the Polish Parliament and will be discussed at a special session in September.

Today, on August 25, the disbursement of the 14th pension began. This is one of the elements of the fight against inflation. We want seniors to be financially secure. This year, about 9 million seniors will receive the 14th pension. We will allocate over PLN 11 billion for the payment of this benefit. The head of the Polish government met with seniors in Siennica. He stressed that the essence of the government’s policy is to ensure a decent life for pensioners. The Prime Minister also visited the Fire Brigade in Siennica, where he met with firefighters.

On the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's declaration of independence, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki recalled that Poland was the first country to recognize this fact. In a special recording, the head of the Polish government wished Ukrainian soldiers to celebrate in their homes and with their families next year, after they are victorious in the war against the Russian invaders.

Investing in infrastructure is not an unnecessary expense, but the best investment in the comfort of life of residents and improving safety. It is also an increase in tourism and economic development opportunities. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki participated in the grand opening of the ring road road in Smolajny on the national road No. 51 in the Warmian-Masurian Province. This is the first investment from the 100 Ring Road Construction Program that has been handed over and open to drivers. It provides for the construction of 100 ring roads with a total length of approximately 820 km throughout Poland. The government will allocate PLN 28 billion for the implementation of this program.

Today's meeting of the Government Crisis Management Team, chaired by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, saw discussion of current topics related to the situation in Poland. During the meeting, team members discussed the environmental crisis on the Oder River. The issue of energy security was also raised and the situation in Ukraine was discussed. The meeting also discussed the epidemic situation.

We are going to continue our activities to support Ukraine. We have succeeded in fundamentally increasing the capacity of the Korczowa-Krakowiec border crossing - especially for trucks. Enabling the crossing of the western border is extremely important for Ukraine. It also has an important economic dimension for Poland. Minister Michał Dworczyk stressed that we do not stop with these activities. Another border crossing - Malhowice–Niżankowice - will open as early as 2023.

Every year on 15 August, we celebrate the Polish Armed Forces Day. This date commemorates the Battle of Warsaw, also known as the Miracle on the Vistula. In 1920, the Polish army stopped Soviet troops, preventing their aggression against Europe. On the anniversary of the decisive battle of the Polish-Bolshevik war, the head of the Polish government took part in the Ceremonial Guard Briefing in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Polish Armed Forces Day and the 102nd anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw are an opportunity to thank not only great heroes and commanders. The head of the Polish government also drew attention to the quiet heroes who fought for our freedom. It is also an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the work of all officers: soldiers, firefighters, but also volunteers working in the area of the Oder River.

One of the government's priorities is the safety of citizens, including safety on the road. Good infrastructure is a part of road safety. The government allocated PLN 3 billion to additional traffic lights, roundabouts, lanes, pavements and lighting for pedestrian crossings. A roadworthy vehicle is also an important aspect. That is why the prime minister commissioned the Road Transport Inspection to carry out detailed checks of vehicles on the roads, in particular coaches throughout Poland. The tragic accident of the Polish coach on 6 August 2022 in Croatia reminds us of the importance of safety when traveling. The head of the Polish government appealed to all drivers - please drive safely.

High inflation affects high interest rates on loans - so loan installments go up. This is a serious burden on many household budgets. The government has not been idle. We have adopted a package of various solutions to support borrowers. More than 500,000 borrowers have already benefited from mortgage payment holidays, which can be applied for since 29 July! This shows how important this solution is.