Andrzej Szejna, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, has recently waded into controversy as concerns regarding his mileage reimbursements and personal struggles with alcohol resurface. In a statement made on March 25, 2025, Szejna asserted that his mileage claims, or "kilometrówki," were properly handled and accepted by the Chancellery of the Sejm, Poland’s parliament. Furthermore, he announced that he has been in contact with the Internal Security Agency (ABW), which verified his statement regarding his alcohol therapy.
This revelation comes at a time when the Kielce-Zachód District Prosecutor's Office is actively investigating the mileage claims of members from both the IX and X parliamentary terms, including Szejna. The investigation, sparked by allegations tied to former MP Beata Maciejewska, has shifted the spotlight towards Szejna’s financial dealings. The notification for the prosecutor's office regarding Maciejewska's alleged crime has been prepared by Szejna, who also confirmed that 122,000 PLN (approximately 26,000 USD) received for mileage reimbursements is under scrutiny.
In his response to the media's attention on his past issues, Szejna took to social media to clarify: "I declare: 1. Mileage reimbursements were settled correctly and accepted by the Chancellery of the Sejm. 2. Notification to the Prosecutor's Office for the commission of a crime by B. Maciejewska has been prepared. 3. The statement regarding therapy has been verified by the ABW." These disclosures seem designed to quell mounting suspicions about his financial integrity and uphold his reputation.
The Deputy Minister also addressed his alcohol-related issues in a heartfelt statement, acknowledging his struggles with alcohol abuse. He expressed his gratitude towards his family, friends, and particularly Dr. Bohdan Woronowicz and Dr. Dorota Woronowicz, stating, "I inform you that I faced the problem of alcohol abuse. With the support of family, friends, and the therapy team, I regained control over my health. I apologize to all those affected by my problem. I sincerely thank everyone who supported me."
Despite his efforts to present a composed response, the accusations from Maciejewska present further complications. Maciejewska, a former Deputy Chair of the New Left, revealed her claims on social media, stating that Szejna often appeared inebriated, a concern that sparked conversations among many members of the Left Parliamentary Club. She claimed, "This is a disgusting matter. Szejna was frequently drunk, and most MPs and employees of the Left Parliamentary Club knew it. Once he failed to attend an important vote because he was incapable. He had a 'ban' on attending the media. I never seen him behind the wheel of a car. Once we drove to his district; he was brought by a club driver. Before getting into my car, he disappeared for a few minutes in the gas station bathroom."
The ongoing investigation has raised questions not only about the financial matters at hand but also about Szejna's current position in parliament. With mounting public scrutiny, the future implications for the Deputy Minister role remain murky. As discussions about the investigation continue, others in the political sphere, including Borys Budka, have commented on the matter. Budka mentioned that the ultimate decision regarding Szejna's position will rest with the Prime Minister.
In February, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paweł Wroński, provided an update on the ongoing investigation, underscoring that it remains a matter of inquiry rather than an indictment against any specific individual yet. Wroński stated, "We are awaiting the results of this investigation that concerns the time when Mr. Szejna was an MP, hence it does not influence the scope of his work in the ministry. We await clarifications, hoping they will be positive for the minister. We are counting on clarifying this matter."
As Szejna continues to grapple with both public and legal scrutiny, the political narrative surrounding the allegations complicates his future role in public service. Given that he has been an MP since 2019 and was recently re-elected in 2023, many anticipate how these developments will affect not just his political career but also the broader landscape of Polish politics. It is a critical moment for Szejna, whose challenges reflect deeper issues within political accountability and the personal toll that public scrutiny can extract.
The situation remains dynamic, with public opinion shifting as more evidence emerges and as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to assess the implications of the ongoing investigation. For now, the public and the media closely watch as this story unfolds, looking for accountability in both personal and professional domains in the life of a politician facing serious allegations.
