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Polish PM urges PiS candidate to take legal action over explosive prostitution claims

27.05.2025 10:00
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called on Karol Nawrocki, the right-wing presidential candidate backed by Law and Justice (PiS), to immediately challenge a bombshell report by news outlet Onet.pl in court, amid allegations of ties to criminal activity during his time as a hotel security guard.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has responded to a bombshell report by major news outlet Onet.pl, which alleges that Law and Justice (PiS) presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki was involved in a prostitution ring while working as a security guard at the Grand Hotel in Sopot, northern Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has responded to a bombshell report by major news outlet Onet.pl, which alleges that Law and Justice (PiS) presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki was involved in a prostitution ring while working as a security guard at the Grand Hotel in Sopot, northern Poland.Photo: PAP/Michał Meissner/Onet Wiadomości/X/Screen

The controversy erupted following an investigation by leading Polish news site Onet.pl, which alleged that Nawrocki - currently the head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) - had been involved in arranging sex workers for guests of the Grand Hotel in Sopot while employed there as a security guard years ago.

Speaking on Polsat News, Prime Minister Tusk said he expects Nawrocki to initiate fast-track electoral court proceedings within 24 hours, a legal mechanism available during Polish election campaigns.

"I want this case to be made clear because the people of Poland need to hear the truth," Tusk said, adding that multiple sources - including some on the record - have described Nawrocki’s alleged ties to serious criminal circles.

Nawrocki has denied the allegations and announced plans to file a civil lawsuit against Onet, along with a private criminal defamation case.

However, legal experts note that resolving such matters through standard civil and criminal procedures could take years.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he dismissed the report as politically motivated, claiming: "The real problem in Poland today is political prostitution - trying to sell the country for foreign money."

The second round of Poland’s presidential election will be held this Sunday, 1 June, with pro-European Civic Coalition candidate and Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski facing off against Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by the opposition Law and Justice party (PiS).

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Source: Onet.pl/PAP/IAR/Polsat News

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