Polish MPs housing subsidies in Warsaw under scrutiny

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Reports indicate that Kinga Gajewska receives 4,000 PLN from the Chancellery of the Sejm to rent a Warsaw apartment, with Arkadiusz Myrcha, a Deputy Minister of Justice and her spouse, receiving 3,750 PLN for the same arrangement. The combined monthly housing subsidy totals 7,750 PLN. The couple, who are married, have lived publicly as a family for several years. Gajewska later addressed the issue in an interview, sharing her side of the story.

Before the 2023 parliamentary elections, Gajewska explained that she resides in Błonie, from which the train ride to the Sejm takes about an hour by rail, according to public travel data.

Officials clarified that the figures come from the Chancellery of the Sejm as of August 31.

Parliamentary inquiries seeking comment were submitted, but at the time of reporting no response had been received.

“We subsidize the rental

How does the KO MP respond to the questions surrounding this issue?

The MP explained that she and her husband rent a two‑room apartment in Warsaw, situated near the Sejm, a daycare center, and a kindergarten. They pay additional rent to accommodate their family needs. A separate note indicated that they are preparing to move into a house being built nearby, with the plan to relocate once construction is complete.

Under current regulations, MPs who are not registered in the capital and do not have a Warsaw address can be entitled to housing in the Parliament’s accommodations. If this option is not feasible, MPs may also rent a private apartment.

The cost of private housing funded by the Chancellery cannot exceed the municipal standard for the Parliament, which is 4,000 PLN per month.

“You’re doing damage.”

A commentator wondered how supporters of the ruling coalition reconcile the topic of Kinga Gajewska and Arkadiusz Myrcha with wider financial concerns within the party. The view expressed suggested that if a benefit were available, it would make sense to align with the coalition. The remark highlighted that the platform in that faction has faced long-term continuity challenges, and it called for broader public understanding rather than partisan explanations.

Arkadiusz Myrcha offered a response to the discussion, stressing the importance of public information and signaling that the debate should remain focused on policy rather than sensationalism.

The discussion continued with a critique that years of parliamentary benefits, such as lodging allowances or lump sums, were singled out by presenting individuals’ photos and names. Critics argued that such selective presentation could obscure the core intent of transparent information, while supporters wished the conversation to stay constructive.

“You collect kilometers”

A spokesperson for the critics expressed that the public is increasingly uncomfortable with the scale of benefits, noting that substantial apartment subsidies can be perceived as misaligned with the daily realities of most citizens. The argument stressed that while MPs may travel within the city to fulfill duties, many ordinary workers face long commutes and limited options to secure center-city housing funded by an employer. The critique also pointed to significant daily travel by the MP and a partner, highlighting the broader family responsibilities involved.

Kinga Gajewska and Arkadiusz Myrcha are seen in discussions about housing policy through the lens of programs such as Mieszkanie Plus and Rodzina na Swoim, suggesting a different interpretation of public housing and family assistance schemes.

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