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Politics
18 April 2025

Senator Alleges Spying By Senate Officials Over Health

Michał Kamiński claims driver was asked to report on his private matters by Senate staff

Michał Kamiński, the Deputy Marshal of the Senate from the Third Way party, made shocking revelations during a live interview on TVN24 on April 18, 2025. He claimed that his driver was approached by Senate officials under the direction of Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska and asked to report on his personal matters, including his health, family life, travel, and meetings.

"Today, I encountered something I have never experienced in politics before. My driver was asked to spy on me by officials from the Senate," Kamiński stated during the program. He emphasized that his driver firmly refused to comply with the request, stating, "He said he would not inform them about my illnesses, my family life, where I go, or who I meet." This refusal, however, came with a warning: the driver was told he might lose his job for not providing the requested private information.

In a bold move, Kamiński announced that he would reveal the details of this incident on his YouTube channel later that evening. "I will show all of Poland how under the rule of the Civic Platform, there is an attempt to force drivers to provide private information about my illness in the Senate," he declared. This statement has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the ethical implications of such a request.

During the interview, Kamiński criticized Kidawa-Błońska, saying, "If she wanted to know whether I am healthy or ill, she could have simply asked me instead of sending drivers to spy on my health. This is not in line with European standards, Ms. Kidawa-Błońska." His comments reflect a growing frustration among politicians regarding transparency and privacy in government operations.

Furthermore, Kamiński indicated that similar requests may have been made to the driver of another Deputy Marshal, Magdalena Biejat, suggesting that the issue could be more widespread within the Senate. He expressed his outrage, labeling the behavior as "disgusting" and "abhorrent," and demanded accountability from those responsible.

In response to these allegations, Kidawa-Błońska expressed her disbelief, stating, "I am shocked. I never thought that Mr. Michał Kamiński could react so nervously and accuse us of something that did not happen." She further remarked that she was not particularly interested in the health of senators, asserting, "What do I care about the health of Mr. Michał Kamiński or his driver? Senators come to work, and the Deputy Marshal leads the sessions. Mr. Kamiński is thinking too much of himself."

The Senate Chancellery later issued a statement clarifying its position on the matter. They emphasized that the correspondence in question was intended to improve the organization of work and manage the time of drivers effectively, denying any intent to monitor the activities of Deputy Marshals. The statement read, "We categorically emphasize that there was never any intention to monitor the activities of the Deputy Marshals."

In a document obtained by TVN24, the Senate's communication included instructions to drivers to report any absences of the Deputy Marshals, which has fueled further speculation about the nature of the requests made to Kamiński's driver. The document stated, "Gentlemen, from today, I oblige you to inform me of any absences of the Deputy Marshals. If the Deputy Marshal is flying, driving, going on vacation, is sick, etc., I need to know about it." This directive has raised questions about privacy and the limits of oversight within the Senate.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Senate will address these serious allegations. Kamiński has made it clear that he expects apologies and resignations from those responsible for what he perceives as an invasion of privacy. "I expect nothing less than apologies and resignations from those who forced our drivers to report on us and our private matters," he stated emphatically.

This incident has not only highlighted the tensions within the Senate but also raised broader questions about the ethical standards expected of public officials. As politicians navigate the complexities of governance, the need for transparency and respect for privacy becomes increasingly crucial.

Political observers are closely monitoring the fallout from this incident, as it may have significant implications for the ongoing political landscape in Poland. With the upcoming elections and heightened scrutiny on political conduct, the actions taken by the Senate in response to these allegations could influence public perception and voter sentiment.

In the meantime, Kamiński's health has been a topic of speculation in the past, particularly regarding his significant weight loss. In 2016, he publicly disclosed that he suffers from diabetes, dispelling rumors about more serious health conditions. This personal aspect adds another layer of complexity to the current controversy, as it intertwines with the broader discussions about privacy and the responsibilities of public servants.

As the evening approaches and Kamiński prepares to share his revelations on YouTube, many are left wondering how this situation will evolve and what it means for the future of political accountability in Poland.