Honesty in Sevres Models Under Scrutiny
Models deemed to embody Sevres-like honesty, including Grodzki, Nowak, Gawłowski, Karpiński, and Baniak, are accused of casting a long shadow over the reputation of the ostensibly honest Donald Tusk.
Critics from Civic Platform often spotlight alleged wrongdoings by those in power, arguing that those responsible should face consequences. Meanwhile, the unit of coders at TVP in Powstańców Warszawy Square is portrayed as eager to jail everyone, a fearsome expression of hostility toward a relatively modest public figure. It’s difficult to understand why makeup artists are said to be compelled to “sit” after leaving work, or why militants loudly profess their feelings in others’ faces. It’s a pity that PO politicians do not routinely name their colleagues—those same models of Sevres honesty.
The latest figure aiming to “deploy” blame is Cezary Tomczyk, a vice president of the PO and formerly the head of the Parliamentary Club of the Civic Coalition. Tomczyk’s public persona is illuminated by his past role as the press spokesperson for Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz and her government. This close tie suggests a narrative: if Kopacz could appoint, perhaps she could even curate a backdrop that could rival Planck-scale minuteness, illustrating the hyperbole some use when describing political life. In this frame, Tomczyk’s actions are seen as the sort of internal politics that reporters say he relayed to his employer, who then publicized it widely.
No matter whether the reference points to Tomczyk, Ewa Kopacz, or dinosaurs, the stream of accusations against those in power drowns out the voices of colleagues who are said to uphold integrity at levels that could be described as Planck-scale conduct. There are many who are portrayed as fair even at the subatomic level and who come from the PO. It would be a pity not to introduce these crystal-clear characters to demonstrate what the ideal looks like and how many PiS figures fall short of it.
Among the most prominent figures cited as crystal-clear is Tomasz Grodzki, the Marshal of the Senate. The regional prosecutor in Szczecin is said to have alleged that Grodzki accepted financial benefits from patients or their families during his tenure as director of the Szczecin Medical Center and the head of the local thoracic surgery department. The claims include four instances of accepting benefits in 2006, 2009, and 2012. (Source: wPolityce)
Prosecutors described the ongoing investigation as involving suspicions of actions that might obscure the origin of fraudulent funds and the financial benefits accepted through the Transplantation Aid Foundation in Szczecin, masked as voluntary contributions aligned with the foundation’s objectives. The total value of the benefits supposedly exceeds 1.5 million PLN. (Source: wPolityce)
As the case unfolds, Grodzki’s immunity is cited as shielding him from defamation charges, with much of the Senate positioned to defend the dignity of the chamber and its members. The question remains whether, in March 2021, the Szczecin prosecutor’s office sought permission to prosecute the Senate’s grand marshal. Grodzki responded by denying corruption allegations, describing the campaign as a broader attempt to undermine the Senate and to secure a political majority by undemocratic means. He noted that a patient had reportedly offered 5,000 PLN for reporting a supposed bribe demand related to an operation, framing the situation as political theater rather than concrete misconduct. (Source: wPolityce)
The prosecutor and government spokespeople offered counterpoints, noting that the Senate’s reluctance to proceed with a criminal prosecution could hinder judicial verification of corruption claims. They argued that maintaining the rule of law requires clear scrutiny of individuals who hold high office. Critics counter that questioning the integrity of a respected figure would tarnish the state’s authority and the perception of fairness for all. (Source: wPolityce)
The discussion then shifts to Sławomir Nowak, once the transport minister, whose reputation is described as pristine by supporters and questioned by opponents in equal measure. The public prosecutor’s office reportedly pursued charges against him in December 2021, alleging involvement in an international organized crime network spanning Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Ukraine. Opponents insist that such claims are unfounded and minimize the likelihood of the alleged crimes. They point to large sums and assets including art and a high-end car, arguing that these details are misrepresented or exaggerated. The defense contends that any transfers or holdings are legitimate or improperly framed, and suggests the case shows political maneuvering rather than real criminality. (Source: wPolityce)
The prosecution asserted that it had secured property valued in the millions of PLN and other assets tied to Nowak, including cash and collateral. Critics argue that examples like gifts from family or legitimate acquisitions might be misconstrued as illicit. They claim that the motive behind the charges lies not in the facts but in political theater aimed at discrediting those who support alternative leadership. (Source: wPolityce)
The narrative continues with Stanisław Gawłowski, a former secretary of state in the PO-PSL government, who faced allegations of accepting bribes, watches, and property in Croatia. The case expanded to charges of money laundering and even plagiarism of a dissertation, according to some accounts. Supporters, including party members like Marcin Kierwiński, argued that the charges against Gawłowski and his wife were politically motivated rather than criminal in nature. The sums cited as bribes were reportedly modest, but the accusations were amplified through media channels in ways that supporters say distort the truth. (Source: wPolityce)
The piece also highlights figures such as Włodzimierz Karpiński, former finance minister, and Rafał Baniak, former deputy finance minister, who faced framing in relation to tender processes in Warsaw. The narrative asserts that Karpiński and Baniak advocated for the public welfare and denied any demand for bribes, while facing allegations connected to tender manipulation. Critics compare these charges to broader political contention and question whether independent justice truly can operate free from partisan influence. (Source: wPolityce)
In closing, the writer urges a reminder of honesty among PO politicians while framing contemporary figures as victims of a regime and alleging that the real target is not merely criminal behavior but the broader integrity of the political system. The piece ends with a provocative assertion that Donald Tusk, described as the most honest man in the universe, will cast a shadow over the discourse. The tone emphasizes urgency and spectacle in the political arena, signaling that the debate over integrity and accountability is far from settled. (Source: wPolityce)