Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłoński announced plans to file a report with the prosecutor’s office on Friday, alleging possible wrongdoing by KO MP Garbiela Lenartowicz. The case centers on her tenure as chair of the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection in Katowice and the financial decisions made during that period.
Questions about motives behind Katowice Environmental Protection Fund support
During a Friday press briefing in Racibórz, Jabłoński said that in a Tuesday public debate with Lenartowicz he asked about the time she led the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection in Katowice. He noted that, while Lenartowicz was president, the fund provided state aid to the company Baterpol totaling over PLN 4 million.
Additional 6 million for Baterpol and Lenartowicz’s possible involvement
Jabłoński added that a few months later the fund’s president joined the supervisory board of the same company while continuing to lead the fund. In 2013, under Lenartowicz’s chairmanship, the fund again supported Baterpol with a nominal amount of PLN 6 million. He asked in the public debate whether Lenartowicz had received funds from Baterpol during her time as fund head. Lenartowicz did not respond to the inquiry.
According to the deputy minister, based on publicly available information, there is a possibility of various irregularities, though he stressed that he is not filing charges at this time.
Potential conflicts of interest
At minimum, a conflict of interest could be suspected. Questions remain about the nature of relationships and the appointment to the company’s supervisory board. Jabłoński argued that a formal investigation should be conducted to determine whether bribery or passive bribery occurred, whether officials benefited personally or financially, and whether the fund faced any adverse regulatory moves related to its assets.
He also criticized Lenartowicz’s explanation that her activities were subject to different inspections, saying there is no evidence that any inquiry into the presented issues has been opened. The aim is to clear up the matter and establish the facts beyond doubt.
Poland’s arms assistance to Ukraine and international cooperation
Jabłoński was asked to comment on Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s remarks about ending new weapon deliveries to Ukraine. He responded that speaking frankly about policy does not amount to confrontation. Poland has supplied Ukraine with substantial weapons, equipment, and humanitarian aid, and has hosted millions of Ukrainian refugees. He emphasized a desire for broader international involvement to support Ukraine, including contributions from other countries. The absence of further weapons transfers at the moment is a factual reality, he said.
Jabłoński cautioned against inflammatory statements from Ukrainian officials and urged better mutual understanding. He expressed hope for improvements in Polish-Ukrainian relations and underscored the overall support Poland has provided to Ukraine.
Remarks from the government spokesperson on arms deliveries
In response to questions about arms deliveries, government spokesperson Piotr Müller stated that Poland is carrying out only previously agreed shipments of ammunition and armaments, including contracts tied to Ukraine. He noted the Krab self-propelled howitzer as a notable element of these arrangements and mentioned that an international aid center remains active in Poland.
The discussion highlighted Poland’s continuing role in regional defense and international cooperation, alongside ongoing oversight of all linked programs and contracts.