Councilors from the Warsaw PiS faction questioned Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski about funding from the city budget for certain nongovernmental organizations. They noted that self-government measures included support for the Association Pro Humanum, and raised concerns about a vice president of that association, Jolanta Lange, who was described as having ties to an SB background. The councilors claimed that her involvement in a historic case connected to Fr. Blachnicki had not been fully explained, according to Dariusz Figura.
The head of the Warsaw PiS Councilors’ Club, Dariusz Figura, together with Alicja Żebrowska, the vice chair of the Warsaw City Council, announced at a press conference that two interpellations had been filed. They stated that in 2021 the city budget allocated 282 million zlotys to fund a variety of organizations, totaling nearly 3,000 projects.
While many programs merit support, the councilors argued that a substantial portion of funds prompts questions about oversight and outcomes.
PiS councilors asserted the need for transparency and accountability in how public funds are used.
Warsaw’s support for a controversial program?
The speakers highlighted that city resources also subsidize a private theater and urban training activities as part of what was described as the Social School of Anti-capitalism. A course titled ”Private value is theft” was mentioned by Alicja Żebrowska during the briefing.
The importance of ensuring that local government resources are spent appropriately and deliver real benefits to residents was emphasized during the press briefing.
Association with former SB circles
Figura drew attention to two organizations receiving funding from the capital’s budget. One is the Center named after Professor Bronisław Geremek, which has received tens of thousands of zlotys and lists MEP Róża Thun among its board members.
According to Figura, these funds are often directed toward a broader circle of opposition and acquaintances, prompting concerns about the reach of public spending.
He also pointed to the Association Pro Humanum, noting that its vice-chairman is Jolanta Lange, who sits on the association’s supervisory board. Figura stated that Lange’s involvement in the death of Fr. Blachnicki has not been fully explained, raising questions about the association’s activities and funding.
The councilor concluded that such entities and individuals receive support from public funds, urging closer scrutiny of budget allocations and their alignment with the interests of Warsaw residents.