Biznes Fakty
Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure, on problems with KPO
„This issue certainly requires clarification, as there is no doubt that not a single złoty of European funds, including from the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO), will be squandered. This is particularly pertinent given the significant efforts our government has undertaken to secure this funding. Funding that was obstructed by the actions of our predecessors from the Law and Justice party,” stated Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak on TVN24’s „Fakty po Faktach” (Facts after Facts) when queried about the contentious subsidies from the KPO.
The government’s KPO website displayed an interactive map detailing which investments private entrepreneurs could apply for KPO subsidies. Some of these initiatives, especially those tied to the HoReCa (hospitality and catering) sector, stirred up controversy. Such investments encompassed corporate yachts, saunas, tanning beds, furniture upgrades, the acquisition of a virtual shooting range, and the establishment of a pizzeria by a quarry.
The Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw declared on Friday that it has officially commenced an investigation into media allegations of irregularities concerning the allocation of subsidies from the National Public Prosecutor’s Office. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that he anticipates prompt actions and the retraction of funds in instances of misuse.
Further details on this matter can be found in: „Closing the KPO Case.” The Minister’s response.
Minister Klimczak’s remarks
Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, when asked on „Fakty po Faktach” about KPO subsidies for entrepreneurs, remarked that „this issue undoubtedly requires clarification.”
„There is no scenario in which even a single złoty of European funds, including those from the National Reform Programme (KPO), will be wasted. This is especially significant since our government has exerted considerable effort to secure these resources. Resources that were hindered by the policies of our predecessors in the Law and Justice party,” the minister emphasized.
– The funds that have been secured with such diligence for Poland, for farmers, for infrastructure, and also for entrepreneurs—who should benefit from it—cannot be allocated to contentious projects,” he insisted.
Every case must be examined
Minister Klimczak emphasized that each case needs to be examined, but cautioned that „we cannot let ourselves go overboard.”
„I am aware that an inspection has been dispatched regarding these types of projects. We must patiently yet thoroughly evaluate all associated concerns because, as I stress, we have already lost too much sanity trying to secure this funding for the Polish economy to let its success be overshadowed by a few controversial matters,” he stated.
The government representative highlighted that today’s declaration by Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz „clearly signals that they intend to clarify this matter.”
„They demonstrate that this is a tiny fraction of the overall KPO, as the majority of this funding was directed towards genuinely beneficial projects. We are acquiring new trains, executing investments, and supporting entrepreneurs. That’s why it is even more disheartening to learn that someone has indeed overlooked the issue and permitted the funding of truly contentious projects,” he remarked.
Klimczak asserted that „on one hand, we must uphold rationality, and on the other, the interests of entrepreneurs.” „Let’s not forget that our neighbors in the Czech Republic and Slovakia have been reaping the benefits of the KPO from the outset. Consider the plight of a Polish entrepreneur who has been affected not only by COVID but also by the imprudent tax policies of the Law and Justice party (PiS). They have had to compete for the same tourists. In southern Poland, in Lower Silesia, one entrepreneur was subsidized by the KPO, reinforcing their business, while ours, impacted by COVID and struggling financially, were overlooked. Back then, they needed assistance. PiS was incapable of generating these funds. Our government has successfully secured these resources and is providing subsidies,” he pointed out.
However, the minister stressed that „rationality must be a constant presence.” „Individuals in specialized agencies responsible for distributing these funds cannot simply adhere blindly to various procedures to ensure that formal requirements are satisfied and everything is in order,” Klimczak stated.
„Sometimes, simple sensitivity and an understanding of the subject are required. If you notice someone submitting a contentious project, it is worth suggesting to your supervisor to consider it from a different viewpoint. Conversely, let’s keep in mind that these were competitions for the hotel, restaurant, and tourism sectors. If someone purchased a rowboat, would it be regarded as controversial? I don’t believe so. Because it is utilized for lake tourism and similar purposes. However, the term „yacht” is invariably linked to luxury and affluence, and projects of this nature should not receive state support,” he remarked.
When questioned about Jarosław Kaczyński’s criticism regarding the funds, who asserted that „there was supposed to be funding for investments, innovation, and drug safety, but there isn’t any” and that there is no money for the energy shield, tax-exempt quotas, or investments in local governments, the minister responded that „PiS is notorious for its inclination to criticize others.” ”
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