The housing controversy surrounding Robert Kropiwnicki, a deputy minister of state assets and a member of parliament for the Civic Coalition, has resurfaced. In his wealth declaration he lists twelve residences totaling 642 square meters. Yet this disclosure does not stop him from receiving the parliamentary housing allowance, with taxpayers contributing about 3,500 PLN each month.
Observers have used the term apartment collector to describe him. In a 2021 interview he described himself as more of an investor, noting he once owned nine units. The asset declaration now shows twelve flats, while the housing allowance continues to be paid to support his housing needs as a member of parliament.
Parliamentary rules allow lawmakers who are not registered in Warsaw and who do not own a home or do not live in the Parliament Building to apply for rental subsidies. This policy is intended to aid representatives who do not reside in the capital with housing costs linked to their parliamentary duties.
How much do MP apartments cost?
Exact street addresses are not disclosed in property declarations, so the locations of Kropiwnicki’s flats remain private. Still, the declared values suggest that most properties are unlikely to be in Warsaw. The total declared value of the holdings is 3,654,642 PLN, with the most valuable unit estimated at 550,000 PLN and described as up to 100 square meters in size. This price range would be unusual for a central capital residence, while other flats are listed in the 180,000 to 388,000 PLN range, indicating more affordable market segments outside the capital.
The administrative notes indicate that the housing allowance is 3,500 PLN per month, and that entitlement could be adjusted if a capital residence exists. In practice, the arrangement appears to be structured so that a lawmaker could receive a rent subsidy when the official housing needs are not met by a primary residence in Warsaw.
Not a “collector”, but an “investor”?
That topic has sparked debate for several years. In 2021, when asked about whether he was an apartment collector, the official described himself as more of an investor. He explained that his professional life as a parliamentarian began in 2015, following a long period of prior work in other sectors where earnings were higher than those of a member of parliament.
He pointed to a background in local government work, noting that he spent twelve years in that setting and managed to accumulate savings that helped him acquire several apartments. He also suggested the possibility of receiving an inherited property in the future, which would further influence his housing portfolio.
Reports indicate that a portion of MPs benefit from the housing allowance, with the Sejm Chancellery allocating a substantial annual sum for this purpose. The system has drawn attention and debate from across the political spectrum regarding transparency and fairness in how housing subsidies are allocated to lawmakers with varying housing holdings.
In this broader context, questions persist about how asset declarations translate into policy outcomes and how the housing program aligns with public expectations about accountability and use of taxpayer funds. The discussion continues as lawmakers balance personal assets with public duties and the need for transparent, auditable housing arrangements that reflect the realities of life outside the capital city.