Tusk dismisses the “mobbing” claim, calling it absurd and emphasizing that the remarks were made in jest.
Donald Tusk Explains His Remarks to Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz
On Wednesday, August 13, Donald Tusk was asked about the remarks he made to the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz. When questioned, he acknowledged that he had said, “All the cameras are focused on you, Minister, congratulations on your popularity, I feel a little jealous.” He then replied, “Dear friends, how is that mobbing? I don’t think you have ever seen true mobbing.”
Microphones Captured the Prime Minister’s Words
On Tuesday, August 12, the Council of Ministers convened to discuss funding from the National Recovery Plan for the HoReCa sector (hotels, restaurants, catering). The meeting was overseen by the Ministry of Funds, headed by Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz. The minister attended the session, and before the proceedings began, Prime Minister Tusk greeted each cabinet member. When he approached the minister, he shook her hand, and the statements he made were recorded by media microphones.
Prime Minister Tusk stated, “All the cameras are on you, Minister.” She replied, “Either on you, Prime Minister.” “Just a bit jealous of your popularity,” Tusk added.
The KPO Scandal
Ongoing investigations by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) concern organizations that received KPO subsidies and the ministry’s oversight of PARP. Allegations have surfaced that funds intended for the sector may have been allocated for yachts, furniture, coffee machines, pools, saunas, a virtual shooting range, and an ice‑cream machine. Consequently, on Wednesday, August 13, Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz decided to suspend disbursements until contracts are deemed compliant with the support program’s rules.
More details can be found in the article: “The KPO Scandal. The European Commission reacts. ‘Poland has an obligation.’ What will happen to the money?” Link.
