The European Parliament received a request on Monday to waive the immunity of Polish MEP Mariusz Kamiński, initiating a formal procedure that could last several months.
Kamiński’s Immunity Under Threat
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced on Monday, April 27th, that a request to waive the immunity of PiS MEP Mariusz Kamiński had been received. The request has been referred to the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI).
This marks the beginning of a formal process, typically lasting several months, culminating in a vote by the entire chamber. It is the second such request regarding Kamiński to be considered by the European Parliament.
Investigation into Alleged Abuse of Power
The request to waive Kamiński’s immunity was submitted to the EP on March 31st by Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek. The case concerns actions taken by Kamiński between 2007 and 2009 while he headed the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA).
The investigation, conducted by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Lublin, centers on suspicions that Kamiński exceeded his authority by ordering operational-reconnaissance activities without a factual or legal basis.
The Kwaśniewski Villa Case
The case revolves around the controversial “villa in Kazimierz” and allegations that Jolanta and Aleksander Kwaśniewski purchased a house in Kazimierz Dolny through a proxy. This was one of the most prominent cases during the early days of the CBA.
Mariusz Kamiński was the first head of the Bureau after its establishment in 2006.
Kamiński’s Response: A 20-Year Vendetta
Kamiński responded to the developments, stating on social media that the request pertains to the Kwaśniewski villa case. He argued that verifying the sources of wealth of those in power was a statutory duty of the CBA.
“A request to waive my immunity has just been submitted to the European Parliament in the case of the Kwaśniewski villa. Verifying the sources of wealth of those in power is a statutory duty of the CBA,” Kamiński wrote.
Kamiński also claimed the actions against him were politically motivated, accusing a “liberal-communist establishment” of seeking impunity and alleging financial improprieties by Prosecutor Żurek. He decried a “rotten system!”
Previous Immunity Waivers and Pending Cases
In April 2024, the European Parliament already waived the immunity of Mariusz Kamiński and fellow PiS MEP Maciej Wąsik. That request concerned a different proceeding related to their failure to comply with a legally binding court ruling from December 20, 2023, which imposed a five-year ban on holding public office and a two-year prison sentence.
Four Other Polish MEPs Face Immunity Votes
Roberta Metsola announced that the European Parliament would conclude proceedings on requests concerning four other Polish MEPs on Tuesday, April 28th: Daniel Obajtek, Patryk Jaki, Grzegorz Braun, and Tomasz Buczek.
Details of Cases Against Other MEPs
Patryk Jaki’s case involves criminal proceedings and a private indictment filed by Judge Igor Tuleya. Daniel Obajtek’s case concerns his actions as CEO of Orlen, specifically blocking the distribution of the “NIE” weekly magazine at company gas stations after a cover featuring Pope John Paul II was published.
Grzegorz Braun’s immunity is set to be waived for the fourth time, this time regarding the blocking of a road in Jedwabne on July 10, 2024, during the 84th anniversary commemoration of the massacre of the Jewish population. Tomasz Buczek’s case concerns the violation of bodily integrity of a participant in a demonstration.
The Procedure in the European Parliament
Each request to waive the immunity of an MEP is first referred to the JURI committee. This committee prepares a report for the entire European Parliament.
The committee does not have a strict deadline, so the procedure usually takes several months. The final decision is made at a plenary session. The European Parliament waives immunity by a simple majority vote. Waiving immunity does not equate to a conviction, but opens the door to investigations or proceedings by national authorities.
