Hey folks! Let’s dive into the latest from Congress, where today’s session kicked off with remarks from Speaker Stanisław Małachowski. Without getting too flowery, he basically said that the states in Congress got to express their gratitude directly to President Stanisław August Poniatowski yesterday, and reminded the Prez that he made a commitment to improve governance over his long reign.

Małachowski added that the Cardinal Laws are the bedrock of The Union but suggested discussing some concerns raised in yesterday’s proposals first.

President Poniatowski took the floor, humbly acknowledging the nation's appreciation and emphasized his duty to always speak the truth and serve the common good — pretty standard presidential rhetoric.

Representative Mateusz Butrymowicz pointed out that it's been centuries since the followers of the Greek Orthodox Church should have been granted equal privileges as the rest. Thanks to the actions of the President and the Congress, Metropolitan Archbishop Tadeusz Rostocki will now have his rightful place in sessions; a historic decision!

Metropolitan Rostocki himself expressed gratitude, noting the benefits that will flow to the nation from this renewed union of religious practices.

Representative Franciszek Jerzmanowski raised some concerns about past sessions where force was used, causing some members to lose their freedoms. He questioned the agenda pushed by some of the proposals and warned against rushing to mimic France’s descent into disorder following the abolition of titles and privileges.

Representative Ignacy Wybranowski asked for clarification: To which offices does the latest draft refer specifically?

Secretary Jan Łuszczewski read a proposal: The President won't appoint anyone to the offices that are supposed to be abolished.

Representative Wojciech Świętosławski rhetorically asked why the body was discussing matters unrelated to their past declaration on chairs and ministers. He felt they should directly vote on the relevant issue instead of beating around the bush.

Representative Michał Zaleski piped up, stating all offices based on law currently in force are equally important and we should proceed with caution so as not to cripple our own ability to enact laws.

Senator Józef Ankwicz advised dropping certain contentious issues to prevent Congress from tying its own hands.

Representative Wojciech Suchodolski voiced frustration about the endless debates and proposed a straight vote on whether to reduce the number of ministries or not.

After more debate about offices and how they should be filled, the President’s right to appoint ministers came under question.

Prince Sapieha bemoaned the constant shifting of topics and complained about the inefficient leapfrogging from one draft proposal to the next. He pushed for a straight vote: should the number of ministers be reduced, yes or no?

After much fiery debate, a vote was finally called to decide if the number of ministerial positions should be reduced. The verdict? By a majority, Congress decided to maintain the current number of ministries.

The session concluded without a clear resolution on the exact future of specific offices, leaving that topic hanging until Thursday when Congress reconvenes at 10 a.m.

For more juicy political dramas and historic decisions stay tuned with us. And don't forget to check out our generous sponsor, the genealogical encyclopedia of the Great Sejm, for all your 18th-century Polish-Lithuanian historical figures' bios!

Topics: Speech by the Sejm Marshal Stanisław Małachowski; Promise of King Stanisław August Poniatowski's twenty-year reign; Appointments to office; Abolishment of certain offices; State efforts towards systemic reform; Cardinal Laws; Legal equality of the Greek rite with the Roman; Governmental conditions; Discussion on the reduction of the number of ministries; Secret voting in the Sejm proceedings;