Unrest at Poland’s central bank prompts political commentary
The board of the National Bank of Poland is functioning normally, according to Wojciech Andrusiewicz, a spokesman for the central bank. His statement, released to PAP on Tuesday, says there are no internal conflicts, and claims that speculation otherwise undermines confidence in public institutions, including the National Bank of Poland.
He stated, in his official response to PAP, that there is no dispute within the board and that the body operates without interruption. He also urged observers to avoid unfounded claims, arguing that political remarks only erode trust in public institutions and could tarnish the nation’s image.
– Andrusiewicz reiterated his position in the exchange with PAP.
Officials have urged a calmer tone, noting that heated rhetoric serves no constructive purpose.
– The spokesperson’s call for restraint was echoed in our coverage.
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Hołownia weighs in on the NBP situation. What does his take reveal?
During a press conference, the speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, referenced an open letter from several NBP directors. The letter argued that bringing the NBP president before the State Tribunal would be a misstep, highlighting that the bank’s actions from 2020 to 2023 helped shield the country from economic harm.
Hołownia acknowledged the position but cautioned about a growing conflict within NBP leadership. He warned that public statements could prompt unsettling signals about the central bank’s governance, noting that the letter was signed by only a subset of directors.
– He questioned the potential impact on the Polish zloty, which President Glapiński has defended in his writings. He suggested that focus should stay on stabilizing the NBP so as not to contribute to currency weakness.
– Hołownia added that the zloty remains a national concern and called for measured actions by all parties involved to prevent market instability.
With Donald Tusk by his side, Hołownia emphasized that no one in their group would deliberately spark moves that could harm the zloty. Their view of Glapiński’s tenure ranges from critical to highly critical, but they believe accountability should be proportionate and focused on policy rather than triggering broader economic harm.
– He noted there is currently no formal State Tribunal case against Adam Glapiński.
Prospects of bringing the NBP president before the State Tribunal
Last week, Donald Tusk, the head of KO, signaled that his political faction would not do anything to destabilize the Polish state in Europe or beyond. The aim is to avoid actions that could undermine stability or reputation while ensuring proper governance at the central bank.
The allegations before the State Tribunal include concerns about how inflation was addressed and questions about asset purchases by the NBP in 2020 and 2021, with claims implying possible constitutional issues related to financing deficits through central bank activities.
Ryszard Petru, chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Economy and Development, stated on TOK FM that a dossier concerning the State Tribunal for the NBP president is prepared, though no political decision has been made yet.
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olnk/PAP
Source: wPolityce