The District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw has confirmed the receipt of two notifications concerning the real estate dealings of presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki, as reported by RMF FM. The notifications relate to allegations of unlawful acquisition of property in Gdańsk by Nawrocki, a candidate backed by the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS).
Last week, Onet revealed that Nawrocki, contrary to his statements during a presidential debate, actually owns two apartments instead of one. This revelation has sparked significant scrutiny, especially given his previous claims about his real estate holdings.
In 2017, a studio apartment was transferred to Nawrocki and his wife by Jerzy Ż., who was in need of care. Following this transfer, Ż. ended up in a nursing home, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the apartment. Nawrocki later declared in a 2021 asset statement that he owned two apartments and held a 50% co-ownership of a third with his sister.
Anna Kanigowska, a social worker who cared for Jerzy Ż. from spring 2022 to spring 2023, stated that he lived in poverty, lacking basic necessities. She expressed concern over Nawrocki's failure to assist Ż. after taking over his apartment in exchange for care, and even sent him a letter seeking clarification on the matter. Nawrocki defended his actions, asserting that the acquisition of the studio apartment was fully legal and that he does not consider the apartment inhabited by Ż. as his property.
During a recent internet program, Nawrocki maintained that his statements in the debate were not misleading, claiming he only referred to the apartments he personally occupies. He emphasized that he committed to helping Jerzy Ż. and that the situation regarding the studio apartment is separate.
Legal expert Michał Drozdowicz weighed in on the controversy, asserting that Nawrocki did not break any laws in acquiring the apartment. He explained that the transaction was consistent with legal practices that allowed tenants to purchase communal apartments, a practice that has been common in Poland for years. Drozdowicz described the narrative surrounding the incident as exaggerated, arguing that it reflects a misunderstanding of the legal framework governing such transactions.
On the political front, Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of PiS, accused special services of engaging in a smear campaign against Nawrocki. He suggested that notifications should be filed with the prosecutor's office and that a commission on special services should be convened to investigate the matter. Kaczyński expressed concern about the integrity of the electoral process, emphasizing that the state apparatus should remain neutral during elections.
Responding to accusations from Donald Tusk, Kaczyński dismissed claims that he was aware of Nawrocki's alleged scandals, stating, "I do not usually respond to questions from people who do not address me by name." He further criticized Tusk for making unfounded allegations about Nawrocki, particularly regarding insinuations about his character.
In a statement, the PiS campaign spokeswoman claimed that the ongoing media coverage of Nawrocki's apartment acquisition is indicative of a dirty campaign orchestrated by special services. She alleged that a group is actively working to leak information from Nawrocki's personal security questionnaire to the media.
Meanwhile, Magdalena Biejat, a candidate from the leftist party, has accused Nawrocki of exploiting the vulnerabilities of an elderly man to acquire the apartment. At a press conference, she introduced a bill titled "Safe Senior," which aims to prevent such abuses in the future. The proposed legislation seeks to ban the sale of communal apartments at discounted rates starting in 2027, highlighting the absurdity of municipalities selling valuable resources for a fraction of their worth.
Biejat further explained that the bill would allow elderly individuals to enter into agreements with municipalities, ensuring they receive part of their apartment's value upfront while retaining the right to live in their homes for the rest of their lives.
As the allegations against Nawrocki continue to unfold, the political ramifications are becoming increasingly significant. The accusations not only raise questions about Nawrocki's integrity but also about the broader implications for the upcoming presidential election.
In light of the ongoing investigations and public scrutiny, it remains to be seen how these developments will affect Nawrocki's candidacy and the overall political landscape in Poland. The involvement of various political figures and the media's role in shaping public perception will undoubtedly play a crucial part in the unfolding narrative.
With the electoral campaign heating up, the stakes are high for all candidates involved. As voters prepare to head to the polls, the integrity and transparency of the electoral process will be under intense scrutiny, making it imperative for all parties to address these issues head-on.
