A training session for judges of the District Court in Warsaw recently took place. Over three days, discussions were held – in a luxury hotel in Sopot – including on the latest rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the rule of law in Poland. The Niezalezna.pl portal reviewed the procurement documentation published on the E-zamówienia platform. Some of the information there is striking. Although seven companies submitted bids, the winning offer exceeded the amount allocated for the contract. Four cheaper bids were rejected, and one of the criteria was… the “number of stars awarded to the hotel”! When journalists called a representative of the winning company, he declared: “I don’t like journalists”, and hung up.
From Warsaw to Sopot
Journalists from the Niezalezna.pl portal learned that a training session organized by the District Court in Warsaw took place two weeks ago. This was officially confirmed.
“It was intended for judges, court referendaries and judicial assistants,” said Aneta Obszyńska-Małocha, Vice-President of the District Court in Warsaw. “It took place on April 13-15 this year in Sopot.”
Where exactly? This question was asked twice, not only to the court, but no precise answer was provided. Unofficially, however, it was established that the venue was the luxury five-star Hotel Haffner.
“It was created for guests seeking relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in comfortable interiors and close to the Sopot pier. It is the best place for a comfortable seaside holiday in Sopot, an unforgettable weekend getaway or a few days in a peaceful SPA,” the Haffner hotel advertises itself.
On the CJEU and the rule of law
What did the Warsaw judges discuss over three days by the sea?
“The main focus of the training was human rights and the rule of law – in relation to EU case law and Strasbourg case law,” informed Vice-President Obszyńska-Małocha, who also listed specific topics, including:
- The latest rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding the rule of law in Poland and their consequences for the Polish judiciary.
- Can we rise to the level of the rule of law? On dialogue between judges and European courts
Knowing the nature of such training sessions, a question was asked whether there had been an integration dinner or a dance event.
“During the training there was a dinner, there was no dance event,” the Vice-President assured.
How much did it cost?
And now the financial aspect. How much was paid for the trip of Warsaw judges to Sopot?
“The cost of the conference package was PLN 132,335.70,” replied Obszyńska-Małocha. “The Court also organized transport to the training – a coach (total cost PLN 5,500.00).”
How was the training venue selected?
“A public procurement procedure was conducted for the provision of hotel, conference and catering services for the District Court in Warsaw,” explained the Vice-President, also providing the reference number of the procedure ZP/K/1/26.
Surprising figures
The Niezalezna.pl portal then reviewed the documents available on the E-zamówienia platform. Among them is a letter dated March 6 addressed to all contractors participating in the procedure.
“The contracting authority allocated PLN 114,985.61 including VAT for the execution of this contract,” the document states.
Also from the same day is the “information from the opening of bids”. It turns out that seven companies from different regions of Poland were interested in organizing the training and submitted price offers. The table shows that only three of them fell within the limit set by the District Court in Warsaw. However, they were not selected.
On March 18, a document titled “information on the selection of the most advantageous offer” was prepared. The winner was Firma Handlowo-Usługowa “KaJa” Jacek Przybylski.
“It received the highest number of points among the submitted offers,” we read.
This is surprising because the offer was neither the cheapest nor within the price set by the District Court in Warsaw. What determined the outcome? It turned out that the decisive factor was the second criterion: “the number of stars awarded to the hotel – category.”
“It is absolutely astonishing that the stars on a hotel sign effectively determined the selection of the offer. Judges’ training does not require a spa or beach walks,” one lawyer commented.
“I don’t like journalists”
Journalists also attempted to speak with representatives of the KaJa company about the implementation of the training. On Saturday, they contacted Michał Wojnarowski, a conference organization specialist. He asked for the questions to be sent by email, which was done.
The second conversation (on Monday) turned out to be bizarre. First, Wojnarowski claimed that the email had not arrived, and then…
“To be honest, please don’t take this personally, but I don’t particularly like journalists. I will not speak with you,” he said, clearly irritated. An attempt was made to point out that the matter concerned cooperation with a state institution, but the sentence was not even finished before he interrupted. “Sir, please do not call me, I wanted to end the conversation. Goodbye.” And he hung up.