Polish minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz has called for the repayment of PLN 4.365 million to the Voivodeship Marshal, citing a conflict‑of‑interest in grant allocation.
Regarding the case involving Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship Marshal
Minister of Regional Development Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz publicly urged Marshal Renata Janik to return PLN 4.365 million of publicly funded EU investment money, citing a conflict of interest. The Marshal had signed a grant agreement for a firm linked to her daughter’s business partner and failed to disclose the relationship, defying EU funding rules.
Świętokrzyskie must repay EU subsidies – “The audit outcome is clear”
Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz noted that before demanding the refund, the Ministry carried out thorough investigations, including oversight by the EU’s Financial Anti‑Fraud Agency. “Every illicit euro taken from EU investments is reclaimed and redirected to legitimate projects,” she added.
No “Ziobryzm” to be imposed
The minister reassured honest businesses and investors that no arbitrary, politically motivated sanctions—“Ziobryzm”—would affect them. She echoed the approach of the former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, warning against random enforcement based on rumors or online slanders.
Renata Janik signed contract addenda regarding grants
In 2019, then‑Vice Marshal Renata Janik added two amendments extending the settlement of EU grant funds awarded to a company connected to her daughter’s partner. She claimed the grant decision was made by the previous administration under Marshal Adam Jarubas and that she had no influence over the grant’s evaluation. Janik became Marshal on 6 May 2024.
