The recent housing scandal involving Karol Nawrocki, a candidate from the Law and Justice party (PiS), has ignited significant public interest and concern in Poland. A new survey conducted by Opinia24 for "Faktów" TVN and TVN24 reveals that a majority of Poles do not trust Nawrocki's explanations regarding the allegations surrounding his housing affairs.
According to the survey, when asked whether Nawrocki convincingly explained the allegations concerning the apartment case, only 29% of respondents answered "yes." In contrast, 54% found his explanations unconvincing, while 17% opted for "I don't know/hard to say/refusal." This lack of confidence in Nawrocki's narrative has raised questions about the integrity of his claims.
Moreover, the survey indicates that 56% of respondents support further investigation into the housing affair, while 33% oppose it, and 11% remained uncertain. Notably, the survey was conducted before Nawrocki announced his decision to donate an apartment to charity, a gesture that could not have influenced the survey results.
Media reports have revealed that Nawrocki owns at least two apartments, contradicting his earlier claims that he possessed only one. The second apartment, acquired from an elderly man under unclear circumstances, has drawn scrutiny. Emilia Wierzbicki, Nawrocki's spokesperson, stated that the elderly individual, Jerzy Ż., was supposed to transfer the apartment in exchange for care. However, it has come to light that the 80-year-old has been residing in a nursing home for over a year, raising questions about the nature of the care Nawrocki purportedly provided.
In a recent asset declaration published by Wierzbicki, it was revealed that Nawrocki and his wife own two apartments measuring 57 square meters and approximately 30 square meters, as well as a 50% share in another apartment owned by his mother. This declaration, dated April 1, 2025, has further fueled public interest in Nawrocki's financial dealings.
In a statement to the media on May 7, 2025, Nawrocki announced his decision, made with his wife Marta, to donate the contested apartment to charity. He expressed hope that the apartment would serve elderly individuals and those in need for many years to come. He mentioned that the donation agreement would include a provision allowing Mr. Jerzy to continue using the apartment until his death.
President Andrzej Duda has also weighed in on the situation. During a press conference in Bulgaria, he expressed solidarity with Nawrocki, recalling his own experiences of being unfairly maligned during election campaigns. Duda officially endorsed Nawrocki on April 26, 2025, despite the growing controversy.
The media's investigation into Nawrocki's housing dealings has revealed further unsettling details. Journalists from "Gazeta Wyborcza" and Onet published documents related to the purchase of Jerzy Ż.'s apartment from the city and the preliminary sales agreement with the Nawrockis. It was disclosed that Nawrocki himself transferred the funds (12,000 PLN) to buy the apartment, subsequently handing over the confirmation to Mr. Jerzy. This arrangement, where the Nawrockis effectively sold the apartment to themselves, has raised eyebrows and prompted criticism.
Critics have not held back in their condemnation. Sławomir Mentzen, a fellow politician, described Nawrocki's actions as "completely disgusting," accusing him of exploiting an elderly and ill individual. Mentzen's remarks reflect a growing discontent among political peers regarding Nawrocki's handling of the situation.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk weighed in, stating that the matter "smells bad," and called for accountability from Nawrocki. He suggested that Nawrocki should clarify his financial dealings before the parliamentary committee on justice and human rights. Szymon Hołownia, the Speaker of the Sejm, echoed this sentiment, urging Nawrocki to explain his asset declarations before the committee, scheduled for May 9, 2025.
In a surprising twist, Nawrocki's relationship with Mr. Jerzy has come under scrutiny. In interviews, Nawrocki claimed that he began helping Jerzy in 2007 or 2008, but a caretaker who looked after Jerzy stated that she never met Nawrocki and that he showed little interest in Jerzy's well-being. This discrepancy raises questions about the authenticity of Nawrocki's claims regarding his care for the elderly man.
Adding to the intrigue, a handwritten statement from Nawrocki and his wife was found in Jerzy's apartment, indicating that the elderly man was transferring the property to them in exchange for care. However, the caretaker emphasized that Jerzy had very little to his name, relying solely on social assistance for his livelihood.
As the scandal unfolds, the public is left grappling with the implications of Nawrocki's actions. The controversy surrounding his housing dealings has not only shaken public trust but also raised critical questions about accountability and transparency among political candidates.
In the context of the upcoming presidential elections, candidates are under increasing scrutiny regarding their asset declarations and financial dealings. The revelations surrounding Nawrocki's housing affairs serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency in politics and the need for candidates to uphold ethical standards.
As the investigation continues, the public awaits further developments, hoping for clarity and accountability in a situation that has sparked widespread debate and concern across Poland.
