Poland’s PiS faces fallout from ex-MEP’s travel scandal

Ryszard Czarnecki, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Poland, is embroiled in a scandal involving alleged falsification of travel documents to evade charges of embezzling EU funds. Prosecutors claim he submitted 243 travel claims between 2009 and 2013 for trips to Brussels and Strasbourg using various vehicles, some of which had fake number plates. Many vehicle owners stated they had no connection to Czarnecki, with some cars reportedly scrapped at the time of the alleged claims. Czarnecki's alleged residence in Jasło is also under scrutiny, as it appears to be fabricated to inflate travel distances for higher reimbursements. His claims, if verified, suggest he would have circled the Earth multiple times based on the reported journeys. Following media reports, Czarnecki has denied wrongdoing, asserting he did not fill out the travel applications and plans to prove his innocence in court. The case has significant implications for the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), with party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski acknowledging the potential fallout. He stated that consequences would follow if the allegations are confirmed, emphasizing the need for accountability within the party. Former education minister Przemysław Czarnek also condemned Czarnecki's actions, labeling them as scandalous. Czarnecki, who served as an MEP from 2004 until 2024, faces serious charges that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years. His recent defeat in the European elections has removed his immunity, allowing prosecutors to pursue the case more aggressively. The situation remains fluid as investigations continue and the political ramifications unfold.