In recent days, a storm has erupted in Polish politics following a controversial article from Gazeta Wyborcza regarding Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna. The publication has sparked intense discussions within the political sphere, especially among members of the Left party. Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Deputy Speaker of the Sejm, deemed the article ‘disgusting,’ criticizing it for relying on anonymous sources that he argued lowered the standards of journalistic integrity to that of tabloid press.
During a radio interview on March 20, 2025, Czarzasty expressed his disapproval further: "Gazeta Wyborcza wrote an article, referring to four people who did not comment either by first or last name. This is the level of really tabloid press,” he stated. He stood firmly in defense of Szejna, affirming having known him for two decades without ever witnessing him intoxicated. “I have known Mr. Szejna for 20 years and have never seen him drunk,” he insisted.
Despite these assertions, the article claimed serious allegations against Szejna, including potential financial misconduct related to the settlement of costs for his parliamentary office and business trips. The Kielce prosecutor's office has initiated an investigation based on an anonymous tip suggesting these travels may have been fictitious.
Witness accounts suggest that issues surrounding Szejna extend beyond mere finances. The same anonymous source cited by Gazeta Wyborcza shared troubling insights on Szejna’s alleged behavior at public gatherings. "He often smelled of alcohol at events with activists and voters. I almost always smelled alcohol coming from him," claimed the source. This paints a stark contrast to Czarzasty's portrayal of an unimpaired politician.
Beata Maciejewska, a former Left politician, has also entered the conversation, challenging Czarzasty's defense with her own experiences. In a recent social media post, she stated, “It’s a disgusting matter. Szejna was constantly drunk and most MPs and employees of the Left Parliamentary Club knew it.” She also recounted an incident where Szejna was unable to attend a crucial vote due to his inebriated condition, which subsequently led to a media ban against him.
Maciejewska further elaborated on Szejna’s conduct, detailing his erratic behavior: “I have never seen Szejna at the wheel. A parliamentary club driver took him to our meeting, and before getting into my car, he disappeared into a gas station toilet for several minutes.” This admission raises significant questions about Szejna’s professionalism and duties as a public servant.
Alongside the allegations of alcohol abuse, troubling actions from Szejna's past have come to light. Maciejewska mentioned a past incident in which Szejna allegedly assaulted a party activist, who then blackmailed him with threats of going public with the story if he didn’t cover her living expenses in Warsaw. “This has been going on for years... it even got worse,” she remarked, underscoring a long pattern of problematic behavior.
The ongoing investigation by the Kielce prosecutor's office includes not just the financial allegations but the broader implications of Szejna’s alleged misconduct and the impact these revelations may have on his political career. As the public awaits further developments, the situation remains tense.
In the coming weeks, the scrutiny on Szejna is expected to intensify, forcing him to address the charges against him directly. Will he be able to defend his reputation, or will the anonymous sources cited by the media ultimately emerge to complicate matters further? These unanswered questions continue to loom over the political landscape as Szejna's future hangs in the balance.
As Poland watches closely how this controversy unfolds, the interplay between anonymous allegations and public accountability will certainly spark further discussions on ethical standards in politics and the role of media in investigating them.
