KO Leadership Shake-up in Silesia Following Corruption Investigations

The Civic Coalition’s regional council in Silesia dismissed Wojciech Król as deputy chairman on Monday, June 15, amidst European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigations into local infrastructure projects and campaign financing.

Leadership Changes and Political Accountability

Maciej Gramatyka, Mayor of Tychy, has been appointed as the new deputy chairman of the Civic Coalition (KO) in the Silesian Voivodeship. MP Maciej Tomczykiewicz has assumed Król’s former seat on the regional board.

Wojciech Saługa, regional chair and voivodeship marshal, stated that these decisions are intended to protect the formation’s credibility. He emphasized that the moves serve as an expression of political responsibility rather than a verdict on legal guilt.

Deputy chair Monika Rosa noted that public officials must be held to both legal and social standards. She asserted that the party remains committed to transparency, regardless of the presumption of innocence in ongoing proceedings.

European Public Prosecutor’s Office Investigation

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating allegations of paid influence peddling involving Wojciech Król regarding the modernization of tram infrastructure in the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. A motion to waive his parliamentary immunity was submitted to the Sejm in early May.

Separately, former Chorzów deputy mayor Marcin M. has resigned as the KO regional treasurer. Although Marcin M. denied allegations of corruption related to tram projects, he confirmed facing charges linked to irregularities in local election campaign financing. Marek Wójcik, the Silesian Voivode, has been appointed as the new treasurer.

Tramwajów Śląskich Investigation

The EPPO investigation focuses on fraud and corruption during tenders for tram infrastructure upgrades, supported by EU funds totaling 1.9 billion PLN. Four suspects were detained in December 2025, and an additional six were detained in April 2026.

Bolesław K., president of Tramwaje Śląskie, and board member Marcin M. were both charged and subsequently removed from their positions. The company maintains that it is a victim in the case and continues to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.