Deputy Infrastructure Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka accused a PiS member of the European Parliament of what he called an “absolute scandal” at the Szczecin-Świnoujście port authority. He cited preliminary inspection results suggesting a professional associate of PiS leader Joachim Brudziński earned millions through the port. He claimed a pizzeria owner had been sending monthly invoices to the state-owned company totaling more than PLN 4 million. Brudziński responded with a detailed article, noting that having an economist with an MBA and private sector experience from the same university and faculty should not automatically disqualify someone if they are brought into the board. Marek Gróbarczyk, a former minister, also spoke on the matter.
Deputy Minister Marchewka attacks Brudziński
Arkadiusz Marchewka, a KO member of parliament and state secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure responsible for maritime economy, water management, and inland navigation, directed criticism at Joachim Brudziński, a PiS Member of the European Parliament who, like Marchewka, has been linked to Szczecin.
You hear me say it rarely, but the situation at the Szczecin-Świnoujście Port Authority appears to be a significant concern. Preliminary results indicate that a colleague of Brudziński earned millions at the port. There are claims that the head of a pizzeria issued monthly invoices to the port that surpassed PLN 4 million. After PiS lost the elections, the port reportedly signed agreements guaranteeing hundreds of thousands more zlotys.
— Marchewka wrote on X.
The accusations did not end there.
Marchewka argued that promises were made about investments in the maritime economy, but, in his view, the outcomes were disappointing and costly for the public. He said he would ask the new port authorities to thoroughly examine the justification for each expenditure and consider submitting a report to the Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding potential mismanagement and the company’s exposure to losses.
– adds the Deputy Minister in his post.
A strong response from the PiS MEP
The PiS MEP answered Marchewka with a lengthy and forceful response.
Brudziński urged Marchewka to explain the purpose and amount of incomes for management staff in companies under his oversight. He stated that he did not object to transparency about the salaries of directors and management of ZPSŚ.
– Brudziński began, addressing the deputy head of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The PiS member suggested that Marchewka should compare these salaries with the port’s financial results and investments over recent years. He asked for clarity about the allocation and progress of EU funds and any increases in the value of state assets managed by the responsible individuals. He also called for information about the qualifications and records of former port presidents during the previous government.
– we read.
Brudziński added that if it is troublesome that an economist trained at the same university and faculty as Marchewka, with an MBA and private sector experience, was hired by the prior board, perhaps only Harvard graduates would be fit for the job this time. He also questioned the accuracy of the income figures for a port management member who has been employed by Marchewka for eight years.
– he continued.
Regarding personal remarks toward him and the label “Baron PIS,” Brudziński expressed hope that the Tusk government would achieve as much for the region and Szczecin as his party’s MPs had secured in recent years.
– concluded Joachim Brudziński.
A PiS MP also replied to Marchewka, referencing Marek Grobarczyk, the former Minister of Maritime Economy and Inland Shipping.
“Mr. Marchewka, today the port’s asset value stands at PLN 3.5 billion. That marks nearly a threefold rise since your tenure. The years 2015-2023 mark a period of the port’s greatest development, achieved thanks to this board and its employees,”
he wrote.
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Source: wPolityce