English Section
Polskie Radio English Section Business

Political storm in Poland over alleged NBP advisory role for former first lady

22.10.2025 17:45
On Tuesday morning, TVN24 reported that Agata Kornhauser-Duda was set to take a position as an advisor to the president of Poland’s central bank, Adam Glapiński. Although the NBP spokesperson later denied the reports, the matter sparked a major political uproar in Poland.
Agata Kornhauser-Duda at the centre of a political controversy in Poland over reports linked her to a potential advisory role at the National Bank, despite having no prior experience in finance. In the photo, her husband, Andrzej Duda, is visible at centre right, and NBP president Adam Glapiński is at left.
Agata Kornhauser-Duda at the centre of a political controversy in Poland over reports linked her to a potential advisory role at the National Bank, despite having no prior experience in finance. In the photo, her husband, Andrzej Duda, is visible at centre right, and NBP president Adam Glapiński is at left.Photo: Stefan Maszewski/REPORTER/East News

TVN24 and other media, including money.pl, had confirmed that her name appeared in the NBP email database as an advisor, but subsequent screenshots no longer showed her on the list.

In the afternoon, the NBP spokesperson confirmed that Kornhauser-Duda is neither employed by nor advising the bank, but could not explain why her name had appeared in the screenshots.


A screenshot published by TVN24 Biznes briefly showed Agata Kornhauser-Duda listed as an advisor to Poland’s central bank, though the bank later confirmed she holds no such position. A screenshot published by TVN24 Biznes briefly showed Agata Kornhauser-Duda listed as an advisor to Poland’s central bank, though the bank later confirmed she holds no such position.

Politicians have speculated that, although she is not officially on staff at the NBP, personnel associated with the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party might have sought alternative ways to finance her.

Questions over Kornhauser-Duda’s experience for Poland's National Bank advisory role

Kornhauser-Duda holds a degree in German studies and previously worked as a high school teacher in Kraków before her husband’s presidency.

After the end of his second term, the school where she had worked did not allow her to return. She has no prior experience in business or finance, prompting further questions about her potential advisory duties at the central bank.

Agata Kornhauser-Duda. Photo: Courtesy of the Chancellery of the President of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda. Photo: Courtesy of the Chancellery of the President of Poland

According to Polskie Radio 24, the advisor-to-the-president role is highly paid, with a monthly salary estimated between 29,000 PLN (€6,865) and 39,000 PLN (€9,233) gross.

The NBP currently has five advisors, all highly qualified academics - three professors and two PhDs in economics - working across four full-time positions, meaning at least one serves part-time.

The statement also highlighted the contrast between the qualified advisors and alleged new appointees, while denying any media speculation regarding the former first lady.

An example of a political nominee from PiS at the NBP is Andrzej Dera, a former secretary of state in President Andrzej Duda’s office, who took a role in the bank’s Legal Department.

(mp)

Source: Radio Poland/PR24/TVN24 Biznes/NBP/money.pl