Biznes Fakty
Government reshuffle. Wojciech Balczun appointed as the new Minister of State Assets
Wojciech Balczun is set to be the new Minister of State Assets, as announced by Donald Tusk. In the context of the cabinet reshuffle, Balczun will succeed Jakub Jaworowski as the head of the Ministry of State Assets (MAP).
„I engaged in an extensive discussion with the new Minister of State Assets. I fully recognize that the state’s involvement in state-owned enterprises is not meant for political parties to propose candidates. (…) However, it is essential that this is characterized by neutrality and the high competence of these individuals,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated at a press briefing.
„Mr. Wojciech Balczun, the incoming Minister of State Assets, has accepted this responsibility to directly implement reforms in State Treasury companies with significant state stakes. This is especially relevant for energy corporations,” the Prime Minister revealed.
He highlighted that „the focus is not on maximizing profits but on enhancing the welfare of Polish citizens and increasing the competitiveness of our enterprises. With the current high energy prices, they won’t effectively compete with companies from other parts of Europe or the globe. Thus, this is the primary objective.”
Who is the new Minister of Assets?
Wojciech Balczun has been serving as the President of the Industrial Development Agency (ARP) since March of this year. As per the Agency’s website, he oversees the strategic growth of the organization, with a focus on executing essential initiatives, optimizing the operations of the Capital Group, and bolstering its market standing. Previously, Balczun held the position of President at PKP Cargo (2008–2013) and led the Ukrainian railway company Ukrzaliznytsia (2016–2017). He also served as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of LOT Polish Airlines from 2012 to 2015.
As noted on the Employers of Poland website, Balczun was also a vice-president of the organization, as well as a vice-president of the European Organization of Public Sector Employers (CEEP).
Additionally, he has chaired the supervisory boards of PKP SA and Inteligo Financial Services. His experience includes roles such as managing director of retail marketing at PKO Bank Polski, director of the Office of Physical Culture and Tourism, director of marketing and promotion at Poczta Polska, and a member of the supervisory board of Totalizator Sportowy.
The forthcoming head of MAP has also been an entrepreneur and investor. He is a guitarist in the rock band Chemia. Balczun holds a degree in political science from the University of Silesia in Katowice and has an MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University.
Reconstruction of the government
While announcing details of the government reshuffle on Wednesday, Tusk expressed optimism that – in line with agreements made with President Andrzej Duda – the new ministers would be sworn in on Thursday.
„The initial meeting of the new cabinet is scheduled for Friday,” Tusk disclosed. He assured reporters that the new members of the Council of Ministers „will be available” starting Monday.
He mentioned, „There are pivotal moments in the history of every nation when it is necessary to regroup after events that shake the political landscape, hold firm, manage emotions, and return to work with renewed vigor and confidence.” „This often entails necessary changes, including personnel adjustments,” the Prime Minister pointed out.
Jaworowski on MAP’s activities
Jakub Jaworowski has been leading MAP since May 13, 2024. Last week, on July 17, Jaworowski addressed the state of affairs in state-owned companies. This was in response to a report released on Wednesday by PiS MPs titled „Balance of Losses and Lost Benefits 2024-2025 on the Situation in Companies with State Treasury Shareholding.”
The authors assert that „most projects critical to state interests, initiated before December 13, 2023, have been either abandoned or their implementation has significantly slowed.” They also accuse the government of breaching corporate governance principles by changing company management.
„I believe citizens deserve clarity regarding the actual state of affairs,” Jaworowski stated at the conference. He added that he was „astonished by the extent of falsehood and manipulation underpinning the claims made by opposition representatives.”
He emphasized that his approach to overseeing companies with state participation is „fundamentally different from how the opposition perceives it.”
As he elaborated, the objective is to enhance the value of these companies, also for Polish citizens, ensuring there is as much capital as possible, particularly for future pensioners, and enabling these companies to contribute to the implementation of the state’s economic policies.
Minister of State Assets Jakub Jaworowski during the Źródło
