The key minute in the functioning of the ultimate Audit Office (NIK) is approaching. The word of office of the current president, Marian Banasia, is at the end of 31 August 2025. As a result, the force to find his successor has been expanding in the political spheres for a long time. The first circumstantial names have now appeared – among them, Marcin Kierwiński, the current minister-member of the Council of Ministers in the Donald Tusk government, is peculiarly striking.
Who can take the NIK chief's seat? Unofficial reports from the Chancellery of the Prime Minister
According to information revealed by writer Leszek Krakowski from the portal Reporters Online, shortly it is possible to announce the appointment of Marcin Kierwiński as president of NIK.
“Marcin Kierwiński, a trusted co-worker of Donald Tusk, will replace Marian «Przeczalny» Banasia as president of NIK”, says our informant from the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, wrote Krakowski on platform X.
This message raises large interest in both the political environment and society. Why Kierwiński? Is it a substance of experience or loyalty to the leader of the ruling party?
Kierwiński – a political career full of successes and controversy
Marcin Kierwiński is simply a character known not only to the PO environment, but besides to the broad public. For many years he was active with the Civic Platform, where he gained experience at various levels of power:
- He was Deputy Marshal of Mazovia Voivodeship,
- He served as a associate of the Polish Parliament 4 times,
- Member of the European Parliament of the 10th word of office,
- He was head of the political cabinet of Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz,
- From 2023 to 2024 he was Minister of Home Affairs and Administration,
- He is presently a minister-member of the Council of Ministers in Donald Tusk's office.
His rich CV seems to meet the formal conditions that are set up for the applicant to be president of NIK – i.e. cognition of state mechanisms, management experience and awareness of control activities.
Banaś wants to be – or at least to be protected
Marian Banas, current NIK president, ends his six-year word in August of this year. According to parliamentary sources, he had efforts to stay in office – possibly as vice president of NIK.
In the background of this decision, however, there is speculation about another motive for remaining in power in the NIK – namely the anticipation of maintaining immunity, which has so far protected him from the prosecution's actions.
Although there are no authoritative judicial decisions or indictments straight linked to Banasia's activities in NIK, the legal and media environment has frequently stressed the importance of ensuring the independency of the institution, which would require avoiding conflicts of interest and political influence.
What does the law say? How is the president of NIK elected?
In accordance with Article 208 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, the president of NIK is elected by the Sejm for a word of six years, with the consent of the Senate. This function can be performed erstwhile again. The individual covered by this function must not only be a financial and control expert but besides a trustworthy individual of the full of society.
The ultimate Chamber of Control operates on the basis of collegiateness and is responsible, among others, for the legality, economy, intent and reliability of activities of public authorities, the National Bank of Poland and another entities utilizing public property.
Will changing the NIK head be equivalent to changing course?
If Marcin Kierwiński is actually the fresh head of NIK, this could mean a crucial ideological leap in the approach to state control. Banasia's actions so far have frequently been assessed as very sharp and focused on controlling the opposition and NGOs. The fresh staff could focus more on transparency and cooperation with the EU institutions, especially in the context of Poland's hard relation with the European Commission.
However, it must not be forgotten that any change in the head of the NIK involves the hazard of political perception of the instrumentisation of this institution. It will so be crucial for the fresh president to guarantee its independency and transparency.
Summary
While it was hard to foretell a fewer months ago who would replace Marian Banasia as NIK president, the situation is starting to clear up today. The name of Marcin Kierwiński falls increasingly, and his experience and closeness with Prime Minister Tuski can support his candidacy.
However, it is worth remembering that NIK is an institution which must act independently and fairly, regardless of political change. The election of a fresh president is not only a staff decision, but besides a test for the quality of democracy in Poland.
Continued here:
Marcin Kierwiński, the fresh head of NIK? Speculations are increasing – who will replace Banasia?
