A recent survey by United Surveys for Wp.pl indicates strong public support for Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz’s resignation amid allegations of misuse of funds from the Polish Recovery and Resilience Program (KPO), with 41.8% of respondents calling for her to step down.
Poll Findings on Pełczyńska-Nałęcz’s Resignation
The United Surveys poll for Wp.pl asked participants whether Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz should resigned due to the KPO scandal. A decisive “yes” was chosen by 41.8%, while “probably yes” garnered 26.9%. Conversely, 18.2% answered “probably not,” and 5.3% said “definitely not.” A final 7.8% remained undecided. The survey further revealed that 38% of ruling coalition voters support her resignation, compared to 90% of opposition supporters.
Pełczyńska-Nałęcz Rules Out Resignation
During a recent interview with TVP Info, Pełczyńska-Nałęcz stated that political responsibility would apply only if anyone on the ministry leadership had gained private benefits from coordinating the KPO. She emphasized that there is no evidence of legal violations by the leadership, adding, “I do not see any signs of such actions.”
Suspicions Regarding KPO Funding
In August, media reports raised doubts about the proper allocation of KPO funds, citing data shared by the ministry that revealed some hospitality companies redirected money for yachts, saunas, and espresso machines. The Warsaw Regional Prosecutor’s Office initiated checks into potential irregularities, with the European Prosecutor’s Office later taking over the case. A comprehensive report on the use of KPO funds is expected by September.
Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy’s Position
“The goal of the HoReCa investment under the KPO was to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in hotels, gastronomy, tourism, and culture – sectors hardest hit by the pandemic in Poland. (…) The HoReCa funds were allocated to expand or change business profiles to strengthen companies’ resilience to future crises,” the ministry stated. It also noted that businesses used the funds to introduce new products or services, and that all applications were evaluated for project coherence and cost justification. To date, 3,005 contracts totaling 1.2 billion zł have been signed, with 110 million zł (less than 10%) disbursed. Payments are made only after verifying applications and costs, and no advance payments are allowed.
Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on “Scandal-Mongers”
“Some citizens responsibly used the transparency tools provided through the KPO initiative. They highlighted concerning projects, and I thank them. We verify these claims. If irregularities exist, we will hold them accountable and reclaim the funds,” Pełczyńska-Nałęcz stated on X in August. She also criticized “scandal-mongers,” accusing them of cherry-picking data, spreading misleading tweets about entrepreneurs, and damaging the government’s reputation through baseless attacks targeting those who signed KPO agreements.
Source: Gazeta, – United Surveys poll for Wp.pl (August 13–16, 1, 000 participants, CATI and CAWI methods), – Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy statement, – X (formerly Twitter) comments by Pełczyńska-Nałęcz
