KO Official Stripped of Post After Altercation with Ukrainian Taxi Driver

Piotr Matan, a local official and aide to a Polish MP, was dismissed from his role as an advisor to the Świętokrzyski Voivode following a heated dispute with a taxi driver.

Political Consequences for Piotr Matan

Piotr Matan served as an advisor to the Świętokrzyski Voivode and was a recently elected member of the Jędrzejów County Council for the Civic Coalition (KO). He also worked as an assistant to MP Artur Gierada, the head of the party’s regional structures.

The Świętokrzyski Voivodeship Office announced Matan’s dismissal on Wednesday evening, citing his unacceptable behavior. MP Gierada subsequently suspended Matan from his duties, stating that the incident requires further investigation.

Details of the Taxi Confrontation

The controversy stems from a viral social media video showing Matan and a female passenger arguing with a Ukrainian taxi driver. The conflict began when the driver requested that the woman pack away a kebab before entering the vehicle.

In the recording, Matan is heard using profanity and threatening the driver’s professional license while identifying himself by his government titles. The driver eventually refused to complete the trip, citing the passenger’s aggressive conduct.

Matan’s Defense and Resignation

Matan issued a statement defending his actions, claiming he invoked his social status in a desperate attempt to ensure the ride was completed. He accused the driver of being a “pathostreamer” who provokes passengers to create content for social media.

The politician noted that the recording was edited and claimed he was not informed he was being filmed. Matan has since announced the suspension of his membership in the Civic Coalition until the matter is fully clarified.