Poland's Electoral Commission Reverses Decision on PiS Funding

Poland's electoral commission reversed its decision to reject the nationalist Law and Justice party's 2023 financial report, ensuring it retains state funding for the 2025 presidential election. The change follows an appeal to the Supreme Court, amid debates over judicial appointments and political funding legality.

Poland's Electoral Commission has reversed its earlier decision to reject the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party's 2023 financial report, allowing PiS to retain crucial state funding ahead of the 2025 presidential election.

In August, the commission had ruled that PiS illegally spent 3.6 million zlotys ($880,000) during its 2023 campaign, citing misuse of funds at military recruitment events and advertisements by the Justice Ministry. Though PiS won the 2023 general election, losing its majority forced a coalition of pro-European parties into government later that year.

The reversal followed PiS's appeal to the Supreme Court, a body not recognized by the current government due to issues surrounding the appointment of judges by the previous administration. As a result, the finance ministry is now obligated to release over 17 million zlotys ($4.15 million) owed to PiS.

(With inputs from agencies.)