Trzaskowski Dismisses Two Deputies Amid Warsaw Hospital Scandal

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski has accepted the resignations of deputies Renata Kaznowska and Aldona Machnowska-Góra as the city administration faces intense scrutiny over mounting irregularities at the Southern Hospital.

Political Shake-up at City Hall

The political crisis in Warsaw has reached a new peak, forcing the departure of two key figures in the mayor’s administration. While Trzaskowski did not assign direct blame to the departing officials, he emphasized that public service requires higher standards of oversight and institutional accountability.

The resignations are directly tied to an unfolding scandal at the Southern Hospital, which involves alleged organizational, financial, and supervisory failures. Public reports have surfaced regarding issues with the emergency department, the morgue, and physician scheduling, prompting calls for a thorough investigation.

Ongoing Investigations and Oversight

The Southern Hospital is now subject to scrutiny by the prosecutor’s office, the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA), and municipal auditors. Investigations are examining claims of mismanagement, fraudulent billing, and professional negligence involving hospital staff and city officials.

In response, Trzaskowski has mandated that leaders of the city’s eleven hospitals strictly adhere to Warsaw’s 2024 anti-corruption policies. The city has also announced comprehensive audits of emergency departments and morgues to prevent further lapses in patient care and institutional transparency.

Depoliticizing Municipal Companies

Beyond the health sector, the mayor has expanded his policy of de-politicization to all municipal companies. Executives and board members serving in city-owned entities now have until the end of July to choose between their corporate roles and political party memberships.

This initiative aims to eliminate conflicts of interest and reduce the influence of political patronage on public funds and services. The administration intends to implement these changes gradually to ensure that essential city functions, such as public transport and infrastructure maintenance, remain uninterrupted.

Political Responsibility and Public Pressure

The scandal has become a significant test for the Warsaw administration, with opposition figures demanding accountability for the oversight of municipal facilities. By initiating these staff changes and stricter audits, Trzaskowski seeks to regain control of the narrative and mitigate political fallout.

Aldona Machnowska-Góra stated on social media that the situation is shocking, acknowledging a sense of responsibility despite denying personal wrongdoing. The effectiveness of these measures will ultimately be determined by whether they lead to genuine systemic reform or remain merely corrective political declarations.