In a year filled with political maneuvering and scrutiny, Rafał Trzaskowski, the re-elected president of Warsaw and a candidate for the Polish presidency, finds himself in the spotlight following the release of his latest asset declaration. According to the tabloid Fakt, Trzaskowski's financial situation appears to have significantly improved in 2024, raising eyebrows among political opponents and the public alike.
Trzaskowski submitted two asset declarations in 2024: the first in June after his re-election and the second at the year's end, which has not yet been publicly disclosed. The details of his financial standing, however, were leaked to Fakt, revealing a considerable increase in his wealth.
According to the report, Trzaskowski's assets include several properties: a 79-square-meter apartment valued at 1.2 million PLN, a 103.5-square-meter apartment worth 1.3 million PLN, and a 38-square-meter apartment belonging to his wife, Małgorzata, estimated at 500,000 PLN. Additionally, he owns a plot of land with a summer house measuring 36.5 square meters, valued at 70,000 PLN.
His savings have also seen a remarkable increase, jumping from over 173,000 PLN at the end of 2023 to 243,369 PLN by the end of 2024, alongside holdings of 2,230 EUR and 3,400 USD. Trzaskowski's income from various sources, including his role as president, lectures at Collegium Civitas, and royalties from the Association of Authors and Composers, totals over 235,000 PLN, bolstered by additional earnings from Polish Radio and the Association of Performing Artists.
Political opponents have been quick to criticize Trzaskowski's asset declarations, particularly focusing on what they perceive as undervalued properties. Tobiasz Bocheński, a member of the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), took to social media, stating, "I’m taking out a loan and buying at the price from Trzaskowski's declaration! The value is undervalued by 0.5 to 1 million PLN!" This accusation highlights the ongoing scrutiny of politicians' financial disclosures in Poland.
Controversy surrounding property valuations has intensified, particularly following revelations regarding Karol Nawrocki, a PiS candidate for president, who allegedly acquired an apartment under questionable circumstances. Nawrocki's case has prompted renewed interest in Trzaskowski's own real estate dealings, with accusations that he, too, acquired property through similar means.
Reports suggest that Trzaskowski’s 79-square-meter apartment was previously valued at 1 million PLN but has now increased to 1.2 million PLN. Meanwhile, his second apartment saw a rise from 1.1 million PLN to 1.3 million PLN, and the smallest apartment's value grew from 350,000 PLN to 500,000 PLN. Notably, the value of the summer house plot has remained unchanged.
In light of these allegations, Trzaskowski has defended his property valuations, asserting that they are based on approximate estimates. "I bought this apartment with a loan, and I estimated it roughly like this. There are absolutely no secrets here," he stated during an interview on Radio ZET. He further claimed that the accusations from PiS are baseless and a desperate attempt to distract from their own campaign challenges.
The scrutiny of Trzaskowski's financial disclosures comes amid broader discussions about politicians' asset declarations in Poland. Many argue that these declarations are often inaccurate and can be manipulated to present a misleading picture of a politician's financial health. The Sejm's Ethics Committee has previously addressed these concerns, suggesting that politicians should provide estimated values that account for renovations and improvements made to properties.
As the election campaign heats up, the focus on property ownership and financial integrity is likely to continue. Trzaskowski's asset declaration will remain a focal point of criticism, especially as he competes against candidates like Nawrocki, who are also under scrutiny for their financial dealings.
In the latest declaration, Trzaskowski reported a total of four properties: the aforementioned 79-square-meter apartment, the larger 103.5-square-meter apartment, the 38-square-meter apartment belonging to his wife, and the summer house plot. The total value of his real estate holdings has raised questions about the accuracy of his previous valuations and whether they reflect the current market conditions.
While Trzaskowski's assets have increased, the political landscape remains fraught with allegations and counter-allegations. As both sides prepare for the upcoming presidential election, the financial disclosures of candidates will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping public perception and influencing voter decisions.
With the election just around the corner, the pressure is on for Trzaskowski to clarify his financial situation and address the concerns raised by his opponents. As he navigates these challenges, the outcome of the election may hinge on how effectively he can manage the narrative surrounding his wealth and property ownership.
As the campaign unfolds, the debate over asset declarations will likely intensify, with both sides seeking to leverage any advantage they can find. For Trzaskowski, the stakes are high, and the scrutiny of his financial dealings will be a critical factor as he seeks to solidify his position as a leading candidate for the presidency.
