Jerzy Owsiak’s foundation is becoming a symbol of financial immunity and privilege in the new political landscape. Tens of millions of złotys flow from the state budget to WOŚP, while other charitable organizations are overlooked. At today’s press conference, Law and Justice (PiS) politicians emphasized that the funding mechanisms for this single organization raise serious concerns about the transparency of public money distribution.
Political Support and Multi-Million Grants
Former Minister of Justice Zbigniew Ziobro highlighted questionable financial decisions made by Donald Tusk’s government. He pointed out that the government arbitrarily allocated tens of millions of złotys from budget reserves to the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP) instead of supporting well-established humanitarian organizations such as the Polish Red Cross or Caritas.
“Our parliamentary oversight has already partially confirmed serious irregularities within the current government regarding the arbitrary allocation of funds to a single foundation while ignoring others (…). Poles have the right to know exactly how much money Owsiak’s foundation has received and how it has been spent.”
Ziobro also criticized the lack of transparency in WOŚP’s financial reports. Despite repeated inquiries from PiS politicians and independent journalists regarding the breakdown of public funding, no clear answers have been provided.
Close Ties to the Government
During the conference, further concerns were raised regarding Owsiak’s political involvement and ties to Donald Tusk’s administration.
Alleged evidence includes photographs of Owsiak attending meetings at the Ministry of Justice and his personal relationships with key government officials. These connections fuel suspicions that his organization receives financial support at the expense of other, equally deserving charities.
“The photos clearly show that Jerzy Owsiak is not just in contact with those in power—he benefits from their favoritism at a level that raises serious concerns (…). This is a situation where a politically engaged foundation becomes a privileged recipient of state funds,” Ziobro noted.
Double Standards in the Justice System
Member of the European Parliament Jacek Ozdoba pointed out the government’s double standards in handling criticism and protection of certain individuals. He emphasized that while Owsiak enjoys a special layer of protection, opposition politicians face threats and hostile rhetoric without any legal response.
“I’ve received threats saying I should be ‘taken out.’ To this day, I haven’t even been questioned. This shows the true intentions of this coalition—it’s clear that the government applies selective justice and only protects its own people,” said Ozdoba.
The Social Consequences of Political Manipulation
PiS politicians also warned about the broader impact of Owsiak’s political activism on society. His rhetoric and approach to public debate, they argue, contribute to deepening social divisions and fueling hostility.
During the conference, they presented a video showing young people at a WOŚP event chanting anti-PiS slogans, including “F* PiS”**.
“This is the kind of language Owsiak is teaching the youth,” Ziobro concluded.
He stressed that if such language were directed at his political camp, the media and state institutions would immediately intervene.
“He encourages aggression and hatred against people with different views. If someone used such rhetoric against his supporters, the reaction would be swift,” he added.
The Need for Full Accountability
Given the serious concerns raised—especially regarding WOŚP’s finances—PiS lawmakers are calling for a full audit of Owsiak’s foundation.
“We demand that Jerzy Owsiak show the same level of civic courage that he claims to have and disclose all state subsidies received since Donald Tusk’s return to power,” Ziobro urged.
Poles deserve full transparency on this issue and equal treatment of all charitable organizations, regardless of their political affiliations.