Poland Penalizes Law and Justice Party for Misused Funds

Poland's Law and Justice party (PiS), the main opposition force after losing power in October 2023, has been penalized for misusing public funds during the elections. The State Electoral Commission found that PiS improperly spent 3.6 million zlotys ($930,000) and has mandated repayment, along with cutting the party's annual subsidies by about 10 million zlotys ($2.59 million) until 2027. The penalty could severely limit PiS's resources for the upcoming 2025 presidential election, which they aim to contest vigorously. Party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski claims the ruling is politically motivated, asserting it is a tactic by the current pro-European government to undermine opposition. PiS intends to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, where they still hold some influence. The electoral commission's ruling has heightened tensions in Poland's political landscape, especially as the Civic Coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk may benefit from PiS's weakened position.