The atmosphere surrounding Friday’s “Trzaskowski debate” in Końskie grows more tense by the hour. Public television, whose duty is to inform citizens impartially, has become a tool in the political games of Rafał Trzaskowski’s campaign team. All signs suggest that Polish taxpayers may have unknowingly footed the bill for this event.
Who Paid for the Debate?
As reported by a TVP journalist during the broadcast, the debate in Końskie was organized by Rafał Trzaskowski’s election committee. However, the lack of clear labeling indicating it was funded by the committee’s budget, along with emerging reports that public media covered the costs, has sparked justified outrage and suspicions. Questions are being raised about the legality of the actions of Trzaskowski’s team and TVP in liquidation.
PiS politicians conducted a parliamentary inspection at TVP today. They sought to verify invoices that would prove who actually paid for the broadcast.
“The Polish taxpayer just financed this entire event with money from neo-TVP” – warned PiS parliamentary leader Mariusz Błaszczak before the inspection.
PKW: Assessment Must Wait
Marcin Chmielnicki, spokesperson for the National Electoral Office, stated that the State Electoral Commission (PKW) will address the issue only after reviewing the financial reports of the election committees. He emphasized that a decision cannot be made based on “fragmentary media reports” and that a full examination of the documents is necessary.
In other words, the body meant to safeguard the integrity of elections is washing its hands of the matter. Officials are likely waiting for the final verdict—who will become Poland’s next president.
“Any information that may impact the assessment of the legality of election committees’ financial management is utilized during the review of financial reports” – Chmielnicki noted.
What does Chmielnicki’s statement mean? Simply that the answer to who paid for the controversial debate will come only months after the election.
KRRiT Alerts: Rules Were Broken
Maciej Świrski, head of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), has also taken an interest in the matter. In his motion to the PKW, he argued that the Końskie debate may have violated regulations, as not all candidates had equal opportunities to participate or prepare.
Świrski noted that the debate was aired earlier than permitted and stressed that if the event is not recognized as a legitimate debate, it should be treated as electoral campaigning—properly labeled and fully paid for by Trzaskowski’s committee.
Trzaskowski’s Team Downplays Allegations
Meanwhile, a member of Rafał Trzaskowski’s campaign team attempted to calm tensions, claiming everything was conducted by the rules and that invoices would be included in the financial report.
“The debate was labeled exactly the same way as Karol Nawrocki’s convention on March 2 and Sławomir Mentzen’s on February 22” – they stated.
The explanations from Trzaskowski’s team defy logic. They contain more lies and half-truths than anything that could be interpreted in their favor.