The Sejm received a request from the prosecution to waive the immunity of Mateusz Morawiecki, which resulted in preparations for the 2020 envelope election, which yet did not take place. The cost of preparations estimated at over PLN 70 million and the decisions taken against the regulations origin further controversy. In his interview with the media, justice Igor Tuley powerfully commented on the situation, referring to the words of Jarosław Kaczyński in 2011: “We may have “Warsaw in Budapest”.”
Envelope Election Cases
The 2020 presidential election, originally planned as correspondence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was never organized in this form. Preparations, which cost over PLN 70 million, rise questions about the legitimacy of public spending and the legal and administrative work of decision-makers. Morawiecki himself publically expressed his willingness to renounce immunity, claiming he had nothing to hide. On social media, he was besides ironic about the prosecution's allegations: "Falstart, Mr. Bodnar, an election run can only be conducted after registration of the committee".
“The case is simple,” says Tuley
Judge Igor Tuley, a associate of the Iustitia association, stated in an interview with Onet that the case was based on clear evidence: “We have the individual responsible, we have its signature, we have regulations that have been violated. Provedly, this is not complicated, especially as the author of the signature does not dispute that specified a signature has been filed." Tuleya stressed that violations of the law should have consequences, recalling examples of leaders specified as Berlusconi, Sarkozy or the erstwhile president of South Korea.
Warsaw like Budapest?
Judge Tuley ironically referred to the words of Jarosław Kaczyński from 2011 on "Budapest in Warsaw", suggesting that current events may lead to a reversal of this metaphor. “We may have Warsaw in Budapest in a moment. The honest have nothing to fear," he said, referring to the words of Zbigniew Ziobra.
Tuley besides pointed to the case of Marcin Romanowski, who obtained asylum in Hungary. In his opinion, PiS-related persons may in the future search refuge abroad. Ironically, he referred to Hungary's geography: "Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, but it is the shallow waters and the water in it is rapidly heating up".
What about the work for the envelope election?
According to Tulei, the case of Mateusz Morawiecki may only be the beginning of a wider accounting process. The justice expressed his belief that further people would be liable for decisions related to the envelope elections. The Public Prosecutor's Office besides declares further action on this matter, which could be a sign of a long-term political and legal process.
Summary
The settlement of the costs of the envelope elections and the legal work for the decisions taken is an crucial subject in the Polish public debate. Tulea's words, a reminder of past statements by politicians and analogues with another countries give the issue a supranational dimension. Will Warsaw truly become Budapest? Time will show what the legal and political consequences of current events will be.
More here:
Tuleya: Will Budapest shortly welcome Morawiecki?
