Former Polish Prime Minister Charged for Overstepping Authority in 2020 Election
Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has been charged with overstepping his authority concerning the execution of a postal vote-only presidential election during the COVID-19 pandemic. His claims of political persecution by the current government accompany these charges, as tensions between political factions intensify over issues of law and governance.
On Thursday, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was charged with exceeding his powers regarding his decision to facilitate a presidential election through postal votes only during the COVID-19 pandemic. Morawiecki, who exited office in late 2023, attended questioning at the District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw but declined to provide testimony.
Piotr Skiba, a spokesperson for the prosecutors, stated that Morawiecki’s charges involve exceeding his authority and failing to meet his official responsibilities. Upon his arrival, Morawiecki expressed to his supporters that he acted out of obligation as prime minister in 2020 to ensure election proceedings amidst the pandemic, during which many lives were at risk.
The former prime minister renounced his legislative immunity to engage with the investigation, asserting that he is a target of political persecution orchestrated by the current administration led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. “The COVID-19 pandemic was a great challenge for the entire world. The world froze… No one was prepared, no country, neither in Europe nor on other continents,” Morawiecki emphasized.
Morawiecki further defended his actions by noting his constitutional duty to organize a presidential election within the stipulated timeframe. A gathering of supporters chanted his name in solidarity, while the current administration actively seeks to hold accountable members of the previous conservative government, accused of violating legal principles and engaging in corrupt practices.
A court had previously determined in 2020 that utilizing the postal service for the presidential election violated numerous legal provisions, casting further scrutiny on Morawiecki’s actions during the pandemic.
In summary, former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki faces charges stemming from his controversial decision to conduct the 2020 presidential election primarily via postal ballots amid the pandemic, believed to be executed beyond his lawful authority. His refusal to testify, claims of political persecution, and assertions of constitutional duty highlight the contentious political climate in Poland. The accusations, coupled with prior legal determinations against his election approach, reflect ongoing tensions between the current and former governments.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
