Poland’s Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek has officially notified the parliament speaker about criminal charges filed against three prominent figures from the previous government of the Law and Justice (PiS) party. The individuals facing these allegations include former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Blaszczak, and Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski, the former Minister of Agriculture.
Details of the allegations
According to the prosecutor’s office, these three politicians are accused of legal violations connected to their public duties. The law mandates that the Prosecutor General must inform the parliament speaker when criminal proceedings are initiated against a member of the Council of Ministers. This notification could serve as the groundwork for determining whether their actions constitute a constitutional tort, which would allow the Sejm to potentially escalate the matter to the State Tribunal.
A constitutional tort refers to actions that violate constitutional provisions by individuals in public office that, while not criminal offences, still represent significant breaches of the Constitution or statutory laws. The State Tribunal is authorized to hear cases against high-ranking officials, including the President, the Prime Minister, and government ministers.
Specific charges against former officials
Former Prime Minister Morawiecki allegedly overstepped his authority and neglected his responsibilities during the controversial postal elections of 2020. The investigation centers on decisions made amid the pandemic, particularly concerning the purported illegal transfer of citizens’ personal data to local government entities.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Blaszczak is also facing grave accusations, including exceeding his powers and leaking state secrets. As the Minister of National Defence, he is accused of permitting the removal of confidential status from sections of defense strategies related to troop movements in case of an eastern attack. This case has already been brought to court, and Blaszczak is recognized as a defendant.
Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski faces financial allegations, including mismanagement and exceeding his authority regarding the provision of banking guarantees to the frozen food producer Eskimos SA. The prosecutor’s office claims that Ardanowski, aware of the company’s dire financial state, improperly facilitated the issuance of guarantees totaling PLN 100 million (approximately €23 million) and an additional PLN 20 million (€4 million) credit guarantee from the National Agricultural Support Centre.
Legal proceedings against all three former ministers commenced following the revocation of their parliamentary immunities earlier this year, with Morawiecki voluntarily relinquishing his protection.
“Mr Żurek is threatening virtually all politicians on the right that he will put them before the State Tribunal,”
In a recent interview with Euronews, Ardanowski characterized the prosecution’s actions as politically motivated, suggesting that it was a strategy to divert scrutiny from the current government’s pressing issues. He remarked, “For me, it is in a way an honour to be mentioned with people like Prime Minister Morawiecki or the President.”
Ardanowski further expressed that the legal proceedings are intended to deflect attention from the government’s difficulties, stating, “It seems to me that bringing up these issues is to divert attention from the actual problems of the current government.” He emphasized that the decisions regarding support for producers were constitutional responsibilities meant to protect the livelihoods of many farms.
“I expect from the prosecutors that if they have any allegations against me, let them take the case to court. I will present witnesses,” he asserted, confidently asserting his position that the contentious loan guarantee was approved by the Attorney General’s Office. He challenged the prosecution to bring the case to court, allowing him to defend himself and present evidence.
Ardanowski concluded by expressing his determination to face the charges, asserting that his actions were in service of the state and aimed at bolstering the economy and supporting vulnerable communities. He stated with conviction, “I would be strongly surprised… that my actions would be considered as actions harmful to the state.”