Opposition politicians, though not yet forming a formal coalition, are eager to seize control. They push President Andrzej Duda to hand the task of forming a government to Donald Tusk as soon as possible. They also lean toward a gradual withdrawal rather than laying out a full plan to deliver on their promises, yet they are quick to declare what should be eliminated. In an interview with OKO.Press, MP Michał Szczerba announced a plan to liquidate what he calls the “17 PiS institutions.” [Citation: OKO.Press]
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The grand plan to liquidate the institution
Speaking with Adam Leszczyński, the politician argued that the institutions created during the PiS government acted as a money pump and a shelter for the loyalists of that party. The aim, as he described it, was to dismantle structures he believes were designed to channel funds and influence through supportive channels.
The task, he suggested, included curbing the influence of groups aligned with extreme currents. The Institute for the Heritage of National Thought was named as one example, with funds historically linked to figures like Roman Dmowski and Ignacy Jan Paderewski often managed through charity-like funds. He asserted that tens of millions of PLN had flowed from these channels to right-wing and nationalist organizations.
– Szczerba noted.
During the discussion, the MP referenced the National Freedom Institute, which announced a competition for 60 million PLN after the elections. He argued for annulling such funds. He also criticized the Polish National Foundation, describing it as functioning like a money-laundering operation. [Citation: OKO.Press]
Soon these points would be cited in academic discussions as an example of political corruption, he claimed. [Citation: OKO.Press]
– he said.
When asked whether institutions that perform some positive functions would be shut down, he responded with clarity: positive actions will continue, but only those that deserve it.
Together with NGOs, he envisioned new standards, principles, and procedures for co-financing projects through a transparent process. Beneficiaries should possess organizational capacity, personnel, and demonstrated experience to ensure proper execution. The money, he stated, would not disappear but would go to organizations that truly exist, have potential, and contribute to social good. [Citation: OKO.Press]
What about the Pilecki Institute and the Institute for National Remembrance? Szczerba argued that some IP projects are important. Regarding the Institute of National Remembrance, he spoke of a drastic budget reduction.
The proposed 2024 IPN budget should be significantly reduced and limited to statutory tasks, with resources redirected to strengthening the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights and implementing legal protections for whistleblowers. He urged ending what he viewed as absurd historical PiS policies and noted that the future of the institution would be decided by the new Sejm. [Citation: OKO.Press]
“We must first liquidate the money-pump institutions. Before they are dissolved, an audit should be conducted to uncover what exists, with contracts terminated and funds recovered. Corporate social responsibility is sensible, but PiS figures have turned it into a caricature,” he said. [Citation: OKO.Press]
– said Szczerba.
“Take over the sources of subsidies and give them to your own sources”
Jerzy Kwaśniewski of Ordo Iuris commented on the interview, reflecting on the platform’s rhetoric on Platform X. Szczerba’s statements about liquidating 17 institutions and establishing a single liquidation entity by law drew attention. He also called for formal inspections of beneficiary expenditures and entities, noting that the long-term goal for the new government would be to take control of subsidy sources and redirect them. [Citation: OKO.Press]
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