Today’s session of Congress, chaired by Speaker Mr. Stanisław Małachowski, commenced with remarks on the previous day's deliberations about when the right of mercy should be applied. The Speaker then reintroduced the previously tabled Guardianship Project in addition to other essential proposals, requesting that the assembled Representatives swear an oath based on the prescribed text.

Following the oath-taking led by Representative Niemcewicz from Lithuania-Belarus, Congress turned its attention to the crucial task of strengthening the Union of Poland-Ukraine and Lithuania-Belarus, anchored on the recently adopted Constitution of May 3rd. Delegates were keen on putting discussions into the context of ensuring public happiness and securing freedoms protected under the new government framework. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining the rule of law and guarding against internal corruption.

A poignant speech by Representative Seweryn Potocki from Bracław reminded delegates of the hard-fought struggle to shake off the yoke of oppression, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing the Union's internal strength and sovereignty.

Debate also focused on crafting detailed guidelines for the Guardianship Council, ensuring a check on excessive power and safeguarding the efficacy and execution of laws.

Several Representatives, including Mr. Ignacy Krzucki of Wołyń, rolled out serious historical insights, illustrating how past negligence in enforcing laws and prosecuting criminal acts against the state had debilitating effects on public trust and the national spirit. The speeches highlighted the urgent need for a robust system that punishes transgressions to prevent the Union from internal decay.

One of the suggestions directed towards the Union's fiscal responsibilities was made by Senator Jacek Jezierski, arguing that the Union should select the Primate, a position of significant ecclesiastical leadership within Poland-Ukraine and Lithuania-Belarus.

President Stanisław August Poniatowski contributed to the dialogue by assuring that amendments to the Constitution, made under his watch, would not interfere with the established order or underpin the Church's standing, as his dedication to the faith was unwavering.

The Secretary for the Treasury also faced scrutiny regarding alleged misdeeds and lack of transparency, underlining the Representatives' demand for righteous governance and accountability.

Proposals for procedural amendments were made to streamline deliberations, including advice from Representative Stanisław Sołtyk to avoid decision-making by individual articles, which could delay the legislative process and weaken the legislative results.

Speaker Małachowski concluded the day by inviting all Houses of Congress members to submit their thoughts to the local congress in written form. Due to the upcoming holiday, an extraordinary session was announced for the next day.

Today’s proceedings touched upon various concerns, echoing a collective determination to see the Union moving toward a future built on justice, equity, and the tenets of the Constitution of May 3rd. The session adjourned with plans to reconvene and further address these pressing agenda items, all geared to bolster the Union’s framework and respond to the needs of its inhabitants.

Topics: Parliament; parliamentary proceedings; oath of parliamentary judges; Guard project; May 3rd Constitution; civil and political freedom; executive power; enforcement of laws; Parliamentary Guard; power structure; foreign policy; primate election; actions of deputies; relations with the Catholic Church; administrative reforms; officials' salary;

Act on the Mercy for Individuals Sentenced to Death

Big news from the parliamentary front: Our honorable President has been given the power of mercy for those condemned to die, though with some serious exceptions. Think of it like the President won't get to flex his pardon muscles for top-level criminals tried in high-stakes congressional courts or military tribunals. Also off the table: Pardons for anyone sentenced in any supreme court for murder, swiping public funds, or full-on raids. But, for other lesser crimes that still have someone facing the grim reaper, the death sentence can now be swapped for life behind bars. Any member of The Cabinet has the duty to put their John Hancock on this decision following the President's lead, making it all official.

Topics: Right of pardon; Individuals sentenced to death; Exceptions to the right of pardon; Crimes of state; Sejm courts; Military courts; Murders; Theft of public treasury; Invasions; Commutation of death penalty to life imprisonment;