The director of the National Freedom Institute, Wojciech Kaczmarczyk, has been dismissed. He described the move as part of a broader effort to politicize the NIW, saying the decision echoes a wish by Minister Agnieszka Buczyńska that is now taking shape in practice, in an interview with the portal wPolityce.pl.
The most recent dismissal fits into a wider purge affecting institutions that promote patriotism, Polish history, traditional values, and personal freedoms. Kaczmarczyk is a co-founder and, since 2017, the head of the National Institute of Freedom – Center for Society Development. He notes that the change came after an inspection led by the Chair of the Public Benefit Committee, the Minister of Civil Society, Agnieszka Buczyńska, and that the results prompted the decision.
Control tainted by religious bias
The audit was alarming not for the errors inside the NIW, but for the intensity of the inspectors and the minister’s involvement.
– according to Kaczmarczyk.
One finding cited that a long-time expert with extensive experience in church groups and Catholic associations did not meet the required qualifications to evaluate applications.
– he explains.
The expert in question had coordinated Epiphany processions and numerous papal competitions. The audit suggested that this activity, conducted in collaboration with NIW on church initiatives, posed a challenge for the ministerial reviewers.
– the former NIW director notes.
Following the inspection and its conclusions, Kaczmarczyk alleged indirect discrimination on religious grounds, suggesting this was a major factor in his immediate resignation as NIW director.
– he adds, acknowledging that this issue has persisted for some time.
Groundless accusations
The dismissal decision referenced alleged dishonest conduct and legal violations, citing Art. 6 point 3, section 3 of the law and the National Institute of Freedom statute which covers actions contrary to law, reliability, economy, and expediency.
In his view and that of the NIW, there was no basis for applying these provisions. The organization says it has always acted with care and within the bounds of the law. No one has previously, or currently, put forward such substantiated allegations.
– he states, noting that Minister Buczyńska intends to appeal the ruling, arguing it is adverse and based on false conclusions.
– he adds, describing the move as a wish to politicize the institute’s operations.
– he also notes that Michał Braun has become the new NIW director.
From Kaczmarczyk to a political figure
Described as a Civic Platform politician and long-time Kielce councilor who has served as civil society envoy in the PO government, Kaczmarczyk points to Braun’s political stance. He recalls that Braun published a letter soon after the last elections urging a pause in all NIW competitions until a new government was formed.
The NIW has not received any funding from the Prime Minister’s Chancellery for this year’s competitions, while more than 900 organizations await support. These facts are interpreted as a deliberate shift in how NIW resources may be allocated under the new government.
– the former director states.
Funding priorities and future directions
What might NIW look like under Michał Braun? Earlier, former Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Gliński pressed Buczyńska for the reasons behind withholding NIW funds. Buczyńska said she could not agree that NIW would continue subsidizing only a narrow circle of groups. She emphasized the breadth of NIW’s support, noting more than 6.5 thousand diverse non-governmental organizations, with grants totaling over 1.2 billion PLN. Given recent developments, observers expect at least some redirection of funds toward groups more aligned with the incoming government.
– Kaczmarczyk concludes the interview with the wPolityce.pl portal.
Radosław Molenda contributed to this account, with related discussions highlighting how NIW grants and civil society involvement have become points of political contention.