Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki raised concerns that the tender process for selecting the general contractor for the CPK (Central Communication Port) passenger terminal has effectively been closed off to Polish companies. The company responded to his post, stating that he “either does not know the facts or is deliberately misleading the public.” The politician countered: “Clearly, the truth hurt – hence the reaction.”
Morawiecki Raises Alarm over CPK
Mateusz Morawiecki criticised the tender for the construction of the CPK passenger terminal on X, calling it an example of “pathological repolonization,” as the first stage of the process requires proof of PLN 4 billion (approx. EUR 900 million) in revenue over the past four years. According to Morawiecki, none of the largest Polish companies meet this threshold, while foreign firms such as Budimex, Strabag, and PORR do.
Although the formation of consortia is allowed, the second stage of the selection process will leave only the five largest entities, selected based on their experience in multi-million-scale construction and airport terminal projects, which automatically excludes smaller, domestic contractors. Morawiecki added that the matter has reached the National Appeals Chamber (KIO), where a CPK representative allegedly suggested that Polish companies would only be considered as subcontractors, while promises of “repolonizing” the economy remain vague.
“The Truth Hurt”
The CPK company responded to the former Prime Minister’s post, asserting that Morawiecki “either does not know the facts or is deliberately misleading the public,” and addressed specific points raised by the PiS (Law and Justice) MP.
Morawiecki replied to the company’s statement.
“Clearly, the truth hurt – hence such a reaction. So, dear folks at CPK: I’m placing a bottle of exquisite Polish wine in the fridge. If this contract goes to Polish companies, I’ll gladly gift it to you. For now, you’re confirming all the claims I made in my post,” he wrote.
He further emphasised that “you still need PLN 4 billion in turnover to apply individually” and underlined that “no Polish company has that kind of turnover.”
“I’ll leave the evaluation of the requirement to speak Polish as a criterion of ‘repolonization’ to satirists; it doesn’t deserve a serious comment. Unless it’s out of fear of an influx of ‘engineers’ who might have a problem with it,” he concluded.