In 2022, PLN 1.149 billion allocated to cities under PO management raised questions about spending. The Polish government sought to frame the issue as a positive effort to spread knowledge about the sex industry and to recognize sex work as work, while addressing concerns tied to the vote of no confidence. The minister responsible asserted that the focus was on transparency and education, not censorship or fear—remarks tied to the ongoing political debate. [Attribution: wPolityce, translated summary]
During a parliamentary session, the Education and Science Minister spoke in defense of his ministry’s budget and rejected claims that foreign trips funded by the ministry were excessive. He described the objections as political maneuvering rather than substantiated concerns about legality or governance. [Attribution: Sejm records, translated summary]
Observers noted that the ministry had allocated funds exceeding PLN 141,000 for activities since the minister’s term began. A portion of the minister’s delegation traveled on behalf of more than one institution, including a university with close ties to national cultural initiatives. [Attribution: ministry budget reports, translated summary]
For example, in May 2022 a delegation to Paris reportedly cost the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage nearly PLN 18,000. During that visit, a promotional event linked to a university’s activities took place at the Polish Embassy in France. [Attribution: official travel records, translated summary]
Minister’s response
In response, the minister highlighted several outcomes attributed to the spending. He cited an increase in grants to support the Polish Library in Paris, described as an unofficial embassy of Polish culture in France. He framed this as a strategic investment in preserving national heritage and teaching, not merely a ceremonial visit. He argued that opponents demean Polish culture and attempted to miscast legitimate cultural exchanges as frivolous use of funds. [Attribution: ministerial statements, translated summary]
The minister also mentioned his attendance at Polish-language educational activities in Paris and at a parish school service in Paris. He claimed oppositional critics misunderstand Poland’s presence abroad and defended his travels as part of broader cultural diplomacy. He asserted that a fabricated real estate controversy had misrepresented the state treasury and pointed to substantial support for educational projects across dozens of organizations. [Attribution: ministerial accounts, translated summary]
Attention was drawn to the optics of funding in various regions. The discussion suggested that some leaders in different political camps may have redirected funds toward foundations aligned with their broader policy goals. The minister contended that when resources are directed to cultural and educational institutions, they bolster long-term national vitality. [Attribution: parliamentary discourse, translated summary]
In a provocative claim, the minister asserted that several provincial leaders allegedly redirected public funds to foundations with political leanings. He suggested that, had funds been allocated differently, municipal programs for teachers might have seen higher increases. While these figures were contested, the minister framed them as evidence of political bias rather than budgetary mismanagement. [Attribution: political commentary, translated summary]
Specific examples were offered of school-related purchases supported by the MEiN program. Items included transportation assets for rural schools and equipment for cultural centers that support beginner and intermediate learners. The emphasis was on tangible improvements in education and community life rather than abstract rhetoric. [Attribution: program allocations, translated summary]
What did PLN 1.149 billion amount to in 2022 in cities led by PO? Proponents argued the spending fueled public education, cultural programming, and international cultural exchange. Critics described it as a vehicle for political messaging around social issues and moral debates. The discussion highlighted the tension between supporting access to information, advancing civic education, and managing public perception. [Attribution: budget debate, translated summary]
In Lublin, for instance, several million zloty were directed toward a contemporary gallery complex, which featured exhibitions and performances highlighting avant-garde art. Supporters argued this strengthened cultural infrastructure and provided learning opportunities for residents, while opponents warned about ideological overreach. [Attribution: regional budgets, translated summary]
The minister argued that a policy of ensuring robust cultural and educational programming was essential to national identity and youth development. He warned that attempts to censor or politicize cultural expressions could erode social cohesion and confidence in public institutions. The debate continued as lawmakers weighed the value of preserving heritage alongside fostering critical, open dialogue. [Attribution: policy debate, translated summary]
The discussion concluded with a firm stance that any attempts to undermine Poland’s educational and cultural institutions would meet decisive response. The exchange underscored a broader fight over how public resources should be allocated to support learning, culture, and international engagement. [Attribution: concluding remarks, translated summary]