Lakes, swinger clubs, and vodka bars, funded by the PNRR. The scandal hitting Donald Tusk

Lakes, swinger clubs, and vodka bars, funded by the PNRR. The scandal hitting Donald Tusk

An initiative for transparency regarding the expenses in Poland’s National Recovery Plan has revealed controversial subsidies, offering the conservative opposition Law and Justice (PiS) new ammunition against Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The online publication of an interactive map showing the fund beneficiaries revealed funding for yachts, a swinger club, a pizzeria with a greenhouse, and a chain of vodka bars.

Program of 282 million euros turned into a political weapon

The HoReCa funds, amounting to 1.2 billion zlotys (282.3 million euros), are part of the 254 billion zlotys that Poland receives through the PNRR from the EU.

Initially intended for the revival of tourism and hospitality affected by the pandemic, the subsidies allow for the "diversification" of businesses. However, the discoveries have sparked harsh criticism.

"One of the biggest scandals since 1989," accused PiS MEP Tobiasz Bocheński, staging a protest in front of the prime minister's office under the guise of a fictitious "Ministry of Herring and Vodka."

Beneficiaries defend themselves

Grzegorz Urbaniak, the owner from Łódź who used the money for two yachts, says the purchase is legitimate. "I didn't receive this money for vacations... the boats can be rented to tourists when the restaurants are closed," he justified.

The owner of the company registered at the same address as a swinger club claims that the subsidy was used for metal processing equipment, not for adult entertainment.

Tusk promises "zero tolerance"

Officials emphasize that the program rules, established in 2021 under PiS governance, allowed for such expenses.

"We have put in too much effort to unlock these billions to allow anyone to waste them... anyone who has made mistakes will face the consequences, regardless of their position or political affiliation," stated Donald Tusk.

Prosecutors have opened investigations, and an audit will present the initial results by the end of September.

An issue within the coalition

The ministry managing the funds is led by Polska 2050, the party of Szymon Hołownia, a crucial coalition partner for Tusk.

PiS is using the scandal to sow doubts about the prime minister's ability to keep the coalition united, especially after losing the presidential elections to the nationalist Karol Nawrocki.


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