Poland’s Electoral Commission rejected the Confederation’s financial report for the 2024 European Parliament elections, raising concerns over improper spending.
Rejected Financial Report
The State Electoral Commission (PKW) rejected the Confederation’s financial report for the 2024 European Parliament elections in March, citing irregularities in spending. The decision follows a March ruling and includes objections to purchases like alcohol and campaign materials.
PKW questioned expenditures such as the purchase of alcohol worth 64 zł, which the Confederation’s financial representative justified as a meeting with contractors. However, the commission deemed these expenses unrelated to the election. Additionally, PKW noted that the committee received unauthorized non-monetary benefits worth at least 28,200 zł and questioned a 18,400 zł reduction in a VAT invoice.
Appeal to the Supreme Court
The Confederation plans to appeal the PKW’s decision to the Supreme Court, citing a previous successful appeal. The party’s representatives express confidence, stating that their finances are not currently at risk.
Historical Context and Political Allegations
This is not the first time the PKW has rejected the Confederation’s financial reports. In 2020, the commission rejected the party’s 2019 report over a banner funded by the committee. The Confederation successfully appealed, and the Supreme Court ruled in their favor after four years.
Confederation politicians argue that the PKW’s decisions are politically motivated, comparing the situation to the freezing of funds for the Law and Justice (PiS) party. They claim the PKW, led by Ryszard Kalisz, acts as a political rather than a judicial body.
Plan B for Financial Security
The Confederation has prepared a backup plan in case the Supreme Court rules against them. They claim to be financially and organizationally ready to operate without state subsidies, potentially seeking support from sympathizers.
One Confederation MP mentioned that the party has 60,000 volunteers from the presidential elections, who contributed significantly to their campaign. The party views this as a viable alternative if funding is disrupted.
