Trzaskowski Accepts Resignations of Two Deputy Mayors Amid Hospital Scandal

Following reports of grave irregularities at Southern Hospital, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski has accepted the resignations of his two deputy mayors while mandating a city-wide purge of party members from municipal company boards.

Resignations and Political Accountability

Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski announced the resignation of his two deputies during a Friday morning press conference. While stating he is not pre-judging guilt, Trzaskowski emphasized that public officials are held to higher standards of responsibility, noting that the move is essential for maintaining public trust.

The outgoing deputy mayors, Aldona Machnowska-Góra and Renata Kaznowska, both commented on the departures. Machnowska-Góra cited a sense of responsibility regarding the Southern Hospital affair, while Kaznowska described the resignation as one of the most difficult decisions of her career, expressing pride in her three decades of service.

Ban on Party Affiliation in City Companies

Trzaskowski declared that effective August, no members of political parties will be permitted to serve on the management or supervisory boards of any municipal companies. Previously limited to medical facilities, this standard is now being expanded across the entire city administration.

The Mayor clarified that this policy is not intended to stigmatize individual professionals, but to ensure that those overseeing city funds are chosen solely for their competence and loyalty to Warsaw. Officials have until the end of July to choose between their political membership and their corporate roles.

Irregularities at Southern Hospital

The shake-up follows investigations into alleged misconduct at the Southern Hospital morgue, where reports suggest the manager promoted a private funeral business, misused human remains, and allowed the facility to be used as a film set. Further allegations involve illegal trading of bodies and funeral services.

Additional controversy surrounds Dr. Dawid Kacprzyk, an anesthesiologist and local politician accused of earning 1.6 million PLN last year while allegedly providing preferential, priority treatment to party colleagues. Trzaskowski has ordered a comprehensive audit of all 11 hospitals in Warsaw to address these claims.

Opposition Demands Further Investigation

Law and Justice (PiS) parliamentarian Sebastian Kaleta has criticized the administration’s response, claiming the scandal is being covered up. The party has formally requested an extraordinary session of the city council to demand further information on hospital inspections and the ongoing investigations.

Councilor Dariusz Figura noted that the opposition’s motion seeks a detailed review of the Southern Hospital morgue situation as well as separate allegations regarding the Bródnowski Hospital. Trzaskowski has pledged full cooperation and immediate action to eliminate conflicts of interest.