The political landscape in Poland has been rocked by the controversy surrounding Karol Nawrocki, a candidate for president supported by the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS). Recent revelations about his acquisition of a studio apartment from an elderly man have raised serious ethical and legal questions, prompting investigations and widespread public scrutiny.
According to a document published by Interia, shortly after being elected as the president of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) on July 23, 2021, Nawrocki signed a commitment to provide lifelong care for Jerzy Ż., an 80-year-old man from whom he had taken over an apartment in Gdańsk. The document included a declaration by Nawrocki stating, "I, the undersigned Karol Nawrocki, declare that I have committed myself to the lifelong maintenance of Jerzy Ż. by providing him with food, clothing, an apartment located in Gdańsk at ul. [...], light and heating, ensuring appropriate assistance and nursing in sickness, and arranging a funeral at my own expense in accordance with local customs." This commitment has come under fire as Nawrocki admitted that since moving to Warsaw for his new role, the intensity of his contact with Jerzy has significantly decreased.
Adding to the controversy, it was revealed that Nawrocki owns not one, but two apartments, contradicting his earlier claims during a presidential debate. Some members of the PiS party have pointed out that Nawrocki purchased the Gdańsk apartment and that there was no mention of care in the agreement. Meanwhile, Jerzy Ż. has been residing in a social welfare home since 2022, raising questions about the nature of the arrangement between him and Nawrocki.
The situation escalated when Anna Kanigowska, a social worker who cared for Jerzy from spring 2022 to spring 2023, commented on the dire conditions in which Jerzy lived. She stated, "Mr. Jerzy lived in poverty, had practically nothing, and without my purchases, he would not have food." Kanigowska attempted to reach out to Nawrocki for assistance, but her efforts went unanswered.
In light of these developments, the city of Gdańsk has announced that it will notify the prosecutor's office regarding Nawrocki's actions. Daniel Stenzel, the spokesperson for the mayor of Gdańsk, confirmed that the city would also submit a notification to the Notary Chamber regarding the circumstances surrounding the apartment acquisition. MP Roman Giertych has joined the call for a thorough investigation, suggesting that Nawrocki's actions could amount to fraud and negligence, putting Jerzy's health and life at risk.
Giertych stated, "Our team is filing a notification that pertains not only to fraud but also to exposing Mr. Jerzy to the risk of losing his health and life due to Nawrocki's actions." He further asserted that Nawrocki and his staff have been dishonest about the nature of the care commitment made to Jerzy.
In response to the allegations, Nawrocki has maintained that his acquisition of the studio apartment was lawful and that he has no obligation to provide care for Jerzy, claiming that the issues of assistance and property ownership are separate matters. However, this assertion has done little to quell public outrage, with many questioning the morality of his actions.
Public opinion appears to be largely skeptical of Nawrocki's explanations. A recent survey by United Surveys indicated that only 26.6 percent of respondents found Nawrocki's explanations credible, while nearly half (49.7 percent) deemed them unreliable. This growing distrust could have significant implications for Nawrocki's presidential campaign.
Neighbors of Jerzy Ż. have expressed mixed feelings about Nawrocki's intentions. Some view him as a benefactor who acted out of kindness, while others suspect that he exploited Jerzy's vulnerable situation. Reports suggest that Jerzy was not the quiet, lonely old man he is often portrayed as; he had a history of aggression and had been known to drink alcohol in public spaces.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the legal ramifications for Nawrocki could be severe. The prosecutor's office is now faced with the task of determining whether Nawrocki's actions constitute a crime, particularly in light of his alleged misrepresentation during the notarial process.
In conclusion, the case of Karol Nawrocki serves as a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with public office and the potential consequences of failing to uphold them. As investigations proceed, the political landscape in Poland remains tense, with many watching closely to see how this situation will impact the upcoming presidential elections.
