Poznań Mayor Attacked with Cake During City Council Session

Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak was struck with a cake by an activist during a Tuesday city council session in Poznań, an incident that prompted calls for a police investigation into the contents.

The Incident and Security Concerns

During a session on Tuesday, June 16, Poznań Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak was attacked by two individuals. The mayor stated he was struck from his left side and, due to a pre-existing vision impairment, was unable to dodge the projectile. His suit was ruined in the incident.

Deputy Mayor Marcin Gołek, who was sitting nearby, attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful. Gołek expressed deep concern, noting that the incident could have been far more dangerous, stating that the next escalation might involve a weapon rather than food.

Activist Protest and Local Context

Videos circulating on social media indicate that the act was carried out by an activist linked to the Rozbrat collective. The group has been supporting residents of the Maltańskie estate, who face eviction after the local archdiocese sold the land to a developer.

Budget Performance and Political Friction

The city council is currently weighing an absolutorium for Mayor Jaśkowiak regarding the 2025 budget. The city reported 6.658 billion PLN in revenue and 6.661 billion PLN in expenditures, with debt decreasing by 11 percent compared to 2024.

Opposition Law and Justice (PiS) councilors, led by Zbigniew Czerwiński, intend to vote against the absolutorium. Czerwiński criticized the administration for missing investment targets and claimed that most major city projects were funded by the previous national PiS government.

Leadership Appointments and Future Votes

Internal tensions have surfaced within the Civic Coalition (KO) following the mayor’s recent appointment of new deputies, including Bartosz Derech. Some members of the KO council faction have questioned the lack of consultation regarding these personnel decisions.

Małgorzata Dudzic-Biskupska, head of the KO councilors, indicated that while the party may have questions about the appointments, the mayor holds full responsibility for his staffing choices. Council members are expected to vote on the confidence motion during the upcoming session.