Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has been formally charged with abuse of power in connection with his efforts to organize the presidential election during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The charges were announced by a spokesperson for the prosecution on Thursday.
Allegations of illegal election preparations
Morawiecki, who currently serves as the deputy leader of the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, is accused of circumventing established election authorities. He allegedly ordered the printing of mail-in ballots without the necessary legal permissions, resulting in a financial burden of 70 million złoty (approximately €17 million) on the government.
Ultimately, the anticipated mail-in election did not occur. Instead, Poland conducted an in-person vote several months later, which saw a narrow victory for the incumbent pro-PiS candidate, Andrzej Duda.
Response and potential consequences
In January, Morawiecki waived his immunity from prosecution, positioning himself to face the charges head-on. He has consistently denied any misconduct and has refrained from engaging with prosecution inquiries.
Morawiecki expressed his sentiments on social media platform X, stating, “I am being persecuted for the will to organize the presidential elections.”
He further asserted, “If I had to make the decision again regarding the preparation of the elections at that time, I would do exactly the same. It was my duty. When the whole world froze because of the pandemic, I acted, for Poland. I continue to do so today. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
If found guilty of the charges against him, Morawiecki could face a prison sentence of up to three years. Recently, he also took on the role of leader of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists party, further complicating his political landscape amidst these legal challenges.