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Poland’s former PM faces questions in procurement scandal

25.08.2025 09:30
Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, from the previous right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government, may soon be questioned in a corruption probe involving the Government Strategic Reserves Agency (RARS), according to Polish media outlet Onet.
Mateusz Morawiecki, the former prime minister from the previous right-wing PiS government, may be questioned over a scandal in which the state bought overpriced equipment from politically connected firms like Red is Bad.
Mateusz Morawiecki, the former prime minister from the previous right-wing PiS government, may be questioned over a scandal in which the state bought overpriced equipment from politically connected firms like "Red is Bad."Photo: Wojciech Olkusnik/East News

Prosecutors have not yet decided whether he will be treated as a witness or face criminal charges.

The investigation centers on claims that former RARS head Michał Kuczmierowski awarded lucrative contracts to politically connected companies, allegedly acting on orders from above. He is currently in London, fighting extradition to Poland - a process that could take years.

One company, “Red is Bad,” which usually sold nationalist-themed clothing, made millions supplying Poland and Ukraine with medical gear and power generators. Prosecutors say contracts were awarded without market checks, despite repeated warnings from Poland’s anti-corruption agency.

If charged, Morawiecki could face allegations of neglecting his duties and harming the public interest by allowing the deals to continue.

The “Red is Bad” company bought generators in China for 69 million PLN (€16.2m) and resold them to RARS for 350 million PLN (€82.1m). During the Covid-19 pandemic, it also earned 110 million PLN (€25.8m) on protective equipment. Its owner, Paweł Szopa, who was detained in the Dominican Republic, is now seeking leniency as a cooperating witness and currently remains free.

Morawiecki's former chif of staff, Michał Dworczyk, and close adviser, Mariusz Chłopik, are also expected to face questioning.

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Source: Onet.pl/PR24/X/@onetpl