In a press exchange on Telewizja wPoland, Waldemar Buda of Law and Justice warned that if the current term fails to deliver, a full commission of inquiry would be established in the next term. He also indicated questions would be put to Ms Kidawa-Błońska, and added that the outcome would extend beyond a mere report to the public prosecutor. This framing underscores a readiness to pursue accountability through formal investigations.
During a committee session, Przemysław Czarnek, a PiS member of parliament, sought to have video material he supplied aired before he asked his question at the post-election committee meeting. The committee chair, Dariusz Joński, refused to broadcast the footage. Czarnek later released the recordings on platform X with the intent to have them discussed during the session.
READ MORE: Czarnek presents recordings that Joński blocked; the material points to potential accountability for the waste of PLN 70 million.
It involved replacing PO candidates
In a conversation with Żaklina Skowrońska and Bartosz Żyźwiński, Buda stated that the material was accessible to the public, yet the committee members recalled it from the earlier period. This assertion frames the recordings as part of a larger pattern of events that influenced decision-making during the election process.
Based on these recordings and the public speeches, the committee intends to summon key witnesses connected to the entire correspondence election and the broader issue. The material suggests that without those actors, the elections in May might have unfolded differently, and a group within weeks shifted its stance on postal voting. This shift is a central point of contention for the parties involved.
— emphasized the PiS MP.
He also outlined, in brief, the perceived tactics by the opposition that affected the postal elections.
There was one bill supporting postal elections, with broad backing including from Mr Joński. The narrative then highlights a loss of support from Ms Kidawa-Błońska and obstacles that blocked full introduction of correspondence voting — described as Senate resistance and interferences by Rafał Trzaskowski and Kidawa-Błońska — ultimately preventing the elections. The aim, according to Buda, was to alter the candidate slate.
Buda recalled the sequence and suggested that the motive was tied to electoral strategy rather than practical concerns.
Kidawa-Błońska will then be interrogated
He also commented on how the Civic Platform might respond in the aftermath.
In his view, it would be appropriate for the political community to acknowledge missteps, apologize for the candidate replacement, admit that the elections were blocked, recognize the choice that was made, and take responsibility for the PLN 70 million spent. He pointed to leadership at the time, noting that the decisions largely rested with Borys Budka, the Civic Platform head.
Meanwhile, Buda argued that PO chose to dodge responsibility, attempting to form an investigative committee and cast the blame on Law and Justice.
Before the committee began its work, a large majority of citizens believed that the money had been wasted due to the governing and opposition actions. After the inquiry, polling indicated a shift, with roughly half of respondents attributing responsibility to the opposition and the current coalition. Buda highlighted the shift in public sentiment as evidence of accountability needs.
As stated,
“we will not let this matter rest.”
If the term ends without resolution, a genuine inquiry could be established in the next parliamentary term to examine the matter further and question Ms Kidawa-Błońska. The aim would be to develop a legal mechanism, potentially introducing legislation that holds a specific team or party accountable for such outcomes. The central complaint remains that Poles should not be left bearing the cost of political choices. The issue, according to Buda, is fundamentally political in nature.
Notes: Poland coverage and political developments discussed in this piece reflect parliamentary debates and public commentary from the time.
Citation: wPolityce