Częstochowa Mayor Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk was detained on corruption charges in February, but a city council vote to hold a recall referendum failed to pass.
Mayor Detained, Investigation Underway
Częstochowa Mayor Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk was detained by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) on February 25th as part of an investigation by the National Prosecutor’s Office – Śląsk Department. Several other local government officials from Częstochowa have already received charges in the case.
The prosecutor’s office has accused Matyjaszczyk of accepting at least 40,000 zł in exchange for amending the city budget to benefit a public contract awarded to a specific company, and of accepting property benefits totaling at least 129,000 zł from multiple individuals.
Recall Referendum Attempt Fails
A city council resolution to hold a referendum on recalling Matyjaszczyk did not pass. The resolution did not require signature collection, but needed a qualified majority of 3/5 of the votes.
The ruling PiS party holds 9 seats in the 25-member council and appealed to councilors from the Civic Coalition (which governs with the New Left) to support the resolution. On Thursday, 11 councilors voted for the resolution, 7 against, and 6 abstained, failing to reach the required threshold.
Pre-Trial Measures and Suspension
The court rejected the prosecutor’s request for Matyjaszczyk’s arrest. Pre-trial measures were imposed, including a 200,000 zł bail, a ban from entering the Częstochowa City Hall, and a suspension from performing official duties. His first deputy, Zdzisław Wolski, has assumed his responsibilities.
Matyjaszczyk’s defense counsel has appealed the pre-trial measures, and the Katowice court will review the case on April 27th.
Mayor’s Statement and Party Response
On March 4th, Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk released a statement on Facebook claiming he was wrongly accused of crimes and is confident the matter will be resolved in his favor. He promised to provide further details when possible.
Following his detention, Matyjaszczyk was suspended from his functions within the New Left party pending the investigation’s outcome.
City Hall Assures Continued Operations
The Częstochowa City Hall stated it hopes for a swift, thorough, and objective investigation into the allegations against the mayor. City Hall and its units continue to operate normally, serving residents and fulfilling their public duties.