The resignation of Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz is “conditionally suspended”. The head of the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy (MFiPR) could lose her position as early as September if her explanations fail to convince public opinion – Niezależna.pl has learned from government and ministry sources. Surveys will be commissioned to assess public reception.
After a massive wave of criticism, Donald Tusk staged a performance and, at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, demanded explanations from Pełczyńska-Nałęcz.
At a press conference following the meeting of the Council of Ministers, her spokesperson Adam Szłapka stated: “All matters will be thoroughly inspected. By mid-September, the results of all inspections will be available.”
Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz also convened a press conference. The Minister of Funds and Regional Policy announced that the government would suspend disbursement of funds for the HoReCa sector until the contracts had been examined and confirmed as compliant with the program.
She took the liberty of criticizing internet users who had exposed the questionable practice. Later, in the media, when asked about the trade in companies “prepared for the HoReCa grant”, she argued: “This is support not for specific individuals, but for the industry. Therefore, ownership history – from the perspective of the experts evaluating the projects – is not important.” Whether such explanations will be convincing enough to clear Pełczyńska-Nałęcz remains doubtful.
Ultimatum and surveys
According to my information, the minister may not last until the inspection results at the end of September. If the reception of her actions and statements proves extremely unfavorable, the chances of her keeping her post are very slim. In fact, this is precisely the ultimatum she has received from the government. The scale of abuses – which will be known soon, certainly before September – will also be decisive, a senior official in the ministry told the portal.
To ensure that the assessment of public reception is “measurable”, special public opinion surveys are to be commissioned.