Poland: controversy over the use of EU funds
In Poland, media reports on the use of EU funds from the country's National Recovery Plan (NRP) have sparked a scandal. Evidence has emerged that in the hospitality sector NRP funds were used to purchase yachts, saunas and solariums. Critics see this as a misuse of the programme, which was put in place to bolster the country's economy after the pandemic. The NRP was considered the greatest success of Tusk's coalition government.
NRP nevertheless a success
For Rzeczpospolita, the scandal is mainly a PR debacle:
“The government still hasn't learned how to extinguish such fires. It's no wonder the opposition is launching ruthless attacks at every opportunity. It's high time the government hired professionals, even if it costs a lot of money, to help clean up the mess every day, from morning till night. After all, the NRP is actually a success - a programme that is changing the face of our country. It is making our lives better, more comfortable and safer. And it is precisely this image that Poles must have in mind, it must be presented to them and they must be convinced of it.”
Image of EU funding programme takes a hit
Polityka calls for a thorough investigation:
“The whole affair is destroying the image of the National Recovery Plan as the largest pro-development programme in Poland's history (despite the fact that the item at issue accounts for just 0.6 percent of the total NRP). So if it wants to restore its credibility, the ministry should go further and review all programmes under which funding can be applied for.”
Will more heads roll?
There will be further consequences, hvg predicts:
“The uproar has become so loud that even the prime minister has personally undertaken to sort out the matter, which means that more heads could roll. Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz, the regional policy minister responsible for the funds, is likely to remain in office because she represents the smaller governing party, Poland 2050. And Tusk was careful to maintain the delicate balance between the four parties in the coalition during the recent government reshuffle.”