Poland's Government Charges Over 60 Former PiS Officials for Misuse of Funds

The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has charged over 60 officials from the previous Law and Justice (PiS) administration with fund misuse. More than 100 others are under investigation. The accusations include tax irregularities potentially amounting to 100 billion zlotys ($25.23 billion).

The Polish government has filed charges against more than 60 officials from the previous Law and Justice (PiS) administration for alleged misuse of funds while putting over 100 more individuals under investigation, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Friday. Tusk's pro-European coalition government, in power since December, has prioritized accountability for perceived wrongdoings from the former nationalistic regime.

Despite repeated denials of any malfeasance by PiS politicians and no immediate response to an emailed request for comment, Tusk disclosed that 62 officials from the former ruling elite have been indicted. 'This magnitude of charges is unprecedented in our history,' he remarked, withholding specific details about the allegations.

Tusk further revealed ongoing efforts involving 200 tax inspectors scrutinizing 90 units across 17 ministries, with the tax office estimating potential irregularities up to 100 billion zlotys ($25.23 billion). He noted that notifications of possible crimes worth more than 3.2 billion zlotys have already been submitted to the prosecutor's office.

Emphasizing the systemic nature of these alleged irregularities, Tusk described them as part of a 'closed system' established by PiS under the presumption of enduring power. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki countered on platform X, accusing Tusk's administration of attempting to dismantle the strongest opposition party.

Previously, seven individuals were charged in a probe concerning misused justice ministry funds, and the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) reported that Morawiecki might have compromised the public interest by granting subsidies to municipalities.

(With inputs from agencies.)