PiS party leader Jarosław Kaczyński suspended MP Krzysztof Szczucki from party membership on Wednesday, citing alleged attempts to negotiate with the current government.
PiS Announces Szczucki’s Suspension
PiS spokesman Rafał Bochenek announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Szczucki was suspended by decision of party leader Jarosław Kaczyński. The matter has been referred to Professor Karol Karski, the party’s disciplinary official, who confirmed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings.
Szczucki Claims Lack of Information
Szczucki stated he learned of the decision solely through Bochenek’s post on X and is unaware of the reasons for his suspension, stating he can only speculate.
Allegations of “Flattering” the Opposition
Bochenek did not provide a reason for the suspension. Sources within PiS allege Szczucki has been attempting “to curry favor with the other side,” referring to the ruling coalition.
Vote on Presidential Veto as Potential Trigger
Media speculation suggests the suspension may stem from Szczucki’s abstention during a vote on a presidential veto of a comprehensive amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure. The ruling coalition ultimately failed to override the veto, with Szczucki and Paweł Jabłoński abstaining alongside 175 other PiS MPs.
Accusations of Contact with Prosecutor Żurek
A source within PiS’s Political Committee claimed the party has received information about Szczucki attempting “back-channel negotiations” with Prosecutor Marek Żurek and members of the ruling coalition. The source also indicated broader concerns regarding Szczucki’s public statements.
“Clearly on the Other Side”
A PiS parliamentarian stated Szczucki’s recent statements “clearly show he is on the other side, the side of the ruling parties.” They cited Szczucki’s reluctance to support a PiS motion to the Constitutional Tribunal regarding the selection of Constitutional Tribunal judges as an example.
Concerns Over Employment Practices and Academic Ambitions
Sources suggest Szczucki may be attempting to cooperate with the ruling parties to mitigate potential consequences related to investigations into alleged fictitious employment at the Government Legislation Centre during his tenure as its president (2020-2023). It’s also speculated he seeks a professorship at the University of Warsaw.
Jabłoński Defends Szczucki
Paweł Jabłoński, a close associate of Szczucki, described the suspension as a “bad and unfair decision,” arguing there is no justification for suspending a “very good, hardworking MP” based on his words.
Szczucki Denies Allegations
Szczucki dismissed claims of contact with Minister Żurek as absurd, suggesting those making the accusations should focus on holiday preparations. He stated he will issue a full statement after Easter.
Criticism of Szczucki’s Book
A PiS parliamentarian also pointed to Szczucki’s 2025 book, “The Tyranny of the Rule of Law. On the Need for a New Constitution,” stating it was not consulted with the party and that PiS disagrees with many of its proposals.
Investigation into RCL Employment Practices
In May 2024, an audit of the Government Legislation Centre (RCL) revealed irregularities in hiring procedures. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated Szczucki employed six individuals who did not perform any work but were involved in his election campaign, with 900,000 złoty paid to them. A referral was made to the prosecutor’s office.
Criminal Charges Filed
In March 2025, Szczucki was charged with abuse of power during his time as head of the RCL, related to the alleged creation of a department and the hiring of six individuals who engaged in campaign activities rather than official duties. Szczucki denied the charges and requested access to the case file.
