Poland’s Willa Plus program faces scrutiny after a manor in Jadwisin was sold for 2.87 million zlotys, prompting Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka to file a complaint and former MP Przemysław Czarnek to defend the sale.
Background: The Manor in Jadwisin
In November 2022, local tourism organisation Inte‑gra received 918,000 zlotys from the Willa Plus grant to purchase a manor in Jadwisin, Serock commune, Masovian Voivodeship. After the acquisition, an escape room opened on the premises, and in November 2023 the property was listed for sale at 2.87 million zlotys.
Willa Plus Program Restrictions
According to ministerial spokesperson Przemysław Czarnek, Willa Plus properties are protected by a mortgage in favour of the State Treasury and cannot be sold or rented for 15 years. They must be used solely for educational purposes during that period; any attempt to sell is illegal.
Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka’s Complaint
Nowacka said the case is a “scandalous story from the beginning” and that the ministry sought a refund from Inte‑gra. She filed an amendment to the prosecutor’s complaint on 4 November following the discovery of the sale attempt.
Central Anti‑Corruption Bureau Investigation
The CBA is investigating Willa Plus, with statements by Czarnek asserting that only one program in Poland is protected to such a degree and that selling a property would be illegal. Deputy Minister Katarzyna Lubnauer counters that the program lacks proper safeguards and that agreements do not clarify the educational activities required of the recipients.