Opposition keeps blocking parliament in standoff

Polish opposition leaders said on Saturday they would maintain their blockade of parliament's main hall and called for popular protests against a government that has accused it of trying to seize power.

Poland's biggest political standoff in years began on Friday when opposition lawmakers objected to plans by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party to curb media access to parliament, and blocked the plenary hall podium ahead of a budget vote.

About two dozen members of the Civic Platform (PO) party have taken turns to occupy the podium and the party's leader said they would remain there for the next few days.