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Morawiecki of PiS faces charges over 2020 mail-in election decision

27.02.2025 13:11
On Thursday, former Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki appeared before prosecutors in Warsaw, where he was formally charged.
Former Prime Minister and PiS MP Mateusz Morawiecki spoke to the media after being questioned by Warsaw prosecutors over allegations that he exceeded his powers by ordering the 2020 all-mail presidential election without a legal basis, February 27, 2025.
Former Prime Minister and PiS MP Mateusz Morawiecki spoke to the media after being questioned by Warsaw prosecutors over allegations that he exceeded his powers by ordering the 2020 all-mail presidential election without a legal basis, February 27, 2025.Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

A member of the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS), he is accused of overstepping his authority by ordering preparations for a 2020 mail-in presidential election without legal grounds.

Initially scheduled for May 10 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the election was ultimately postponed and held in person on June 28.

Polish courts later ruled that Morawiecki’s decision to instruct the national postal service to proceed with preparations was unlawful.

Morawiecki accused in 2020 election controversy

The politician defended his actions, arguing that ensuring the election took place was his constitutional duty during an unprecedented crisis, emphasizing that the pandemic created chaos worldwide and required bold decision-making.

In January 2025, prosecutors sought to lift his parliamentary immunity, but he voluntarily waived it, calling the charges politically motivated.
A group of supporters, including fellow party members, gathered outside the prosecution office in solidarity.

Polish MEP: PiS tried to rig the 2020 election

MEP Dariusz Joński commented on social media that former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki faces charges because Poland’s right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government unlawfully pushed for a mail-in election to secure victory for its candidate. He accused PiS of attempting to "steal the election," which ultimately never took place.

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Source: PAP/X/@Dariusz_Jonski/@PAPinformacje