During a recent press briefing, it was noted that following the upcoming Council of Ministers meeting, detailed documentation would be shared about financial misconduct and rule violations within several state institutions during the PiS era. The briefing also touched on Szymon Hołownia’s actions regarding the parliamentary mandates of Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik, and included criticisms directed at President Andrzej Duda and PiS President Jarosław Kaczyński. (citation: wPolityce)
Information about abuses and rule violations during the PiS regime
It was stated that after the next Council of Ministers session, there will be a presentation of concrete information on financial fraud and breaches of social conduct in a number of public institutions. (citation: wPolityce)
The Prime Minister commented that the revelations will be disturbing, revealing deeper layers of activity and financial greed that have, step by step, cast a long, troubling shadow over the Polish public sphere. (citation: wPolityce)
He added that the new year should ideally begin with more hopeful news, yet the data emerging about the ethical and organizational deterioration across various public life institutions under the PiS era is unsettling. (citation: wPolityce)
Personal trips to the PiS president
At the briefing, questions arose about Jarosław Kaczyński’s remarks concerning Maciej Wąsik and Mariusz Kamiński. The PiS leader emphasized that politicians were allegedly unjustly convicted in the fight against corruption and argued they retain the right to participate in Sejm sessions and that their pardons remain valid. (citation: wPolityce)
Links to coverage on these claims were noted, alongside the assertion that the strongest safeguard of democracy lies in due process and lawful decisions. (citation: wPolityce)
One correspondent raised hopes that those who committed abuses would one day face justice and receive appropriate penalties, given the gravity of their alleged crimes. (citation: wPolityce)
The Prime Minister replied that those involved had, according to court rulings, abused power in ways that harmed people, including Wąsik and Kamiński. (citation: wPolityce)
He observed that a leader who has held Poland could wish to steer what is deemed good, lawful, or punishable according to personal preference. This, he argued, is no longer a viable model for the state. The idea that governance should bend to individual discretion without accountability was dismissed as over. (citation: wPolityce)
He then asserted that the model must end and that no force will restore it. (citation: wPolityce)
Regarding Hołownia’s decisions about ending the mandates of Kamiński and Wąsik, the Prime Minister expressed support for the move and noted confidence in Hołownia’s approach. He also conveyed a measure of frustration toward the President. (citation: wPolityce)
He explained that there is a clear boundary between executive and legislative or presidential powers, and any attempts to cross that line are harmful to Poland’s system. He anticipated a forthcoming letter from Hołownia to the Supreme Court, with the court’s ruling expected to clarify whether the expiry of the mandates is legally justified. He acknowledged that the path ahead would be challenging and that not all decisions would please everyone. The Prime Minister expressed full confidence in Hołownia’s resolve to make the best possible calls. (citation: wPolityce)
In describing the situation, he called the current environment a difficult one and warned that issues touched by media, judiciary bodies, or presidential decisions were present across the board. He characterized the state of law and order as severely damaged under the current leadership. (citation: wPolityce)
The Prime Minister noted that differing interpretations from institutions and voices allied with the presidency had contributed to this fragmentation, and he urged decisive action that respects the law while acknowledging that not all parties would agree with the outcomes. Hołownia was praised for making tough calls, and confidence was placed in his decisions at this moment. (citation: wPolityce)
During the briefing, it was also mentioned that calls for a vote of no confidence against Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, head of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, were part of the public discourse. The discussion referenced holiday period remarks and upcoming demonstrations, underscoring the tense political climate. (citation: wPolityce)
From the speaker’s perspective, the scene suggested that Jarosław Kaczyński had become increasingly isolated, with the press conference highlighting a widening gap between leadership and the rest of the political ecosystem. The overall mood indicated a belief that the PiS strategy was failing to offer a sustainable path through the current crisis. (citation: wPolityce)
These exchanges signaled evolving norms at Tusk’s briefings and underscored the ongoing political contest involving statements, reactions, and strategic moves. (citation: wPolityce)
Overall, the briefing painted a picture of a contentious political moment in Poland, with accusations, defenses, and procedural questions all vying for attention. (citation: wPolityce)