Polish MP Marcelina Zawisza criticizes colleagues’ excessive mileage claims, sparking a heated debate in the Sejm, Poland’s parliament, on September 24.
Controversy Over Mileage Allowances
During a Sejm meeting on September 24, MP Marcelina Zawisza from the Razem party launched a scathing attack on her colleagues’ misuse of mileage allowances. She claimed that despite numerous promises, the issue had not been regulated.
Zawisza highlighted several ministers and MPs who had allegedly abused the system, citing examples of high mileage claims and expensive car rentals.
Confrontation with Sejm Marshal
As Zawisza exceeded her allotted speaking time, Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia intervened, prompting a tense exchange. Hołownia emphasized that as public trustees, MPs were expected to manage public funds responsibly.
However, he refused to act as a “police officer” enforcing stricter controls on mileage allowances, stressing that MPs were accountable to their constituents.
Aftermath and Reaction
Zawisza continued to press for action on mileage allowances, posting a video of her speech on social media and calling for regulation.
She expressed frustration at the lack of progress, citing examples of abuse and the need for greater transparency.
