Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki could face questioning by the National Prosecutor’s Office in connection with an ongoing investigation into the State Strategic Reserves Agency (RARS).
Prosecution Considers Questioning Morawiecki
According to Onet, Morawiecki may be summoned for interrogation in the case involving the RARS, which was overseen by him during his tenure. It remains unclear whether he will be called as a witness or potentially charged with wrongdoing. To charge him, the Sejm would need to waive his parliamentary immunity, which is currently under consideration.
Possible Charges Against Morawiecki
Footage from the National Prosecutor’s Office suggests Morawiecki could face accusations of mishandling duties, potentially acting against public or private interests. This may stem from reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBA) criticized RARS for awarding contracts to affiliated companies, including Pawł Szopa’s “Red is Bad,” without proper market analysis or adherence to public procurement rules.
Kuczmierowski’s Alleged Compliance with Orders
Investigators in Katowice are probing claims by former and current RARS employees that the agency’s director, Michał Kuczmierowski, followed orders without independent judgment when approving contracts. A close associate of Kuczmierowski noted that Morawiecki’s name is strongly linked to the allegations. However, the extent of Morawiecki’s involvement or awareness remains uncertain.
Delays in Kuczmierowski’s Extradition
The questioning of Morawiecki is expected to occur after Kuczmierowski’s return to Poland following his arrest in London. His extradition to Poland is scheduled for a September court hearing, but Polish prosecutors are skeptical about the timeline. British authorities are unlikely to expedite the process, and Kuczmierowski may appeal the ruling, potentially delaying proceedings for up to two years.
Szopa’s Efforts to Secure Limited Witness Status
Authorities found that RARS awarded contracts to favored firms without following public procurement regulations, particularly during the pandemic and after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Szopa’s clothing company, for instance, purchased Chinese generators for 69 million zlotys, reselling them to RARS for 350 million zlotys, while earning over 110 million zlotys from pandemic-related supplies. Szopa, currently under investigation, seeks limited witness status to remain free while cooperating with the prosecution.
Source: Gazeta, Onet, National Prosecutor’s Office
