In the wake of a press briefing by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the National Institute for the Preservation of Monuments issued a statement. It expressed confidence that the audit findings would clear any doubts about the finances and transparency of the NIKZ’s operations and noted that the results were awaited with patience.
The National Institute for the Conservation of Monuments was founded in 2022 as a forward looking administrator aimed at elevating the quality of nature conservation work and guiding reforms across distinct segments of the monument protection system.
The institute announced these words on Thursday after the ministry’s press conference.
From the outset, it has maintained openness in all activities, and every project has complied with the Public Procurement Act. The Institute has not issued grants, subsidies, or redirected resources, and the facility remains under scrutiny by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The institute believes the forthcoming results will dispel doubts about its finances and transparency, and it awaits them with patience.
The National Institute for the Conservation of Monuments reported the stance.
Accusations from the Deputy Minister of Culture
During a Thursday conference at the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Deputy Minister Bożena Żelazowska described an ongoing inspection of monuments protection bodies with the aim of linking them into a cohesive network. She suggested that one agency was used as a channel to move government funds into private accounts.
Alongside the National Heritage Institute, which has operated for years, the National Institute for Monument Care was established in 2022.
She noted that in the early days the organization employed five full-time staff and had a budget of PLN 6 million. In the following year the numbers grew to PLN 36 million and 37 full-time positions.
Żelazowska also provided a behind the scenes look at the National Institute for the Conservation of Monuments, stating that money must flow through a proper channel to support the people involved.
There is oversight in both institutions, and the deputy hopes this will eventually lead to a merger.
The protection of monuments is entrusted to the National Heritage Institute, operating under the supervision of the Inspector General for the Protection of Monuments. Żelazowska added that changes in provincial conservators positions are ongoing and that when vacancies are filled, the substantive qualifications of candidates matter most: well trained and prepared individuals have opportunities.