Polish government’s coal import program under Morawiecki results in nearly 1 billion złoty losses, with report filed to prosecutor’s office.
Government Response to Coal Crisis
In February 2022, Poland faced a coal crisis due to Russian embargo, with prices skyrocketing and citizens unable to afford coal for winter. Despite all mines being available, the government was unprepared for the embargo, allowing the crisis to become an opportunity for fraud and state budget theft, according to Jan Grabiec.
Prime Minister Morawiecki’s decision involved state companies importing coal from around the world. The Rządowa Agencja Rezerw Strategicznych was tasked with importing 750,000 tons of coal in 2022, but it turned out to be unsuitable for individual use.
Massive Financial Losses Revealed
The involvement of state companies, including PKP Cargo, in the government’s coal import program resulted in PKP Cargo estimating losses of over 1.5 billion złoty. The state budget suffered losses of nearly 1 billion złoty, according to Marcin Kierwiński.
The previous government was aware of serious doubts about the intermediaries through whom coal was purchased, with even services led by nominees of the previous team raising concerns. This represents enormous waste of state money that cannot be considered an accident, Kierwiński added.
Criminal Investigation Initiated
Marcin Kierwiński confirmed that “the coal affair of the Morawiecki government is a fact.” Last week, the Rządowa Agencja Rezerw Strategiczies decided to file a report about the possibility of a criminal offense.
The coal was not purchased from Polish enterprises but imported from countries such as Kazakhstan, Australia, and Colombia. The investigation follows revelations about the scandalous nature of the government’s coal import program.
