Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has been charged with exceeding his authority for attempting to conduct the 2020 presidential election exclusively through postal voting amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Prosecutors argue that there was no legal basis for this decision, which ultimately cost taxpayers 70 million Zlotys ($17.5 million). Morawiecki, who left office in late 2023, waived his parliamentary immunity and claims the case against him is politically motivated.

Election Controversy and Legal Consequences

On Thursday, Morawiecki appeared at the district prosecutor's office in Warsaw for questioning but refused to testify. The Prosecutor's office spokesperson Piotr Skiba confirmed that the former prime minister was formally charged with overstepping his authority and failing to fulfill official duties.

In 2020, Morawiecki ordered the presidential election to be conducted solely via postal voting due to pandemic-related concerns. However, the election was eventually postponed and held at polling stations several weeks later. A court later ruled that the decision to involve the national postal service in the election process had violated legal provisions.

Morawiecki Defends His Actions

Speaking to his supporters before his interrogation, Morawiecki defended his actions, stating that he was fulfilling his constitutional obligation to ensure the election took place within the required timeframe. He emphasised the unprecedented nature of the Covid-19 crisis, asserting that no country was fully prepared to handle such an emergency.

"The Covid-19 pandemic was a great challenge for the entire world. The world froze, the world had no procedures. No one was prepared, no country, neither in Europe nor other continents," Morawiecki said.

He claimed the charges were a form of political persecution by the new government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Several dozen supporters gathered at the prosecutor's office, chanting his name in solidarity.

Broader Political Implications

The charges against Morawiecki come as Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government seeks to hold members of the previous conservative administration accountable for alleged violations of the rule of law and corruption. Morawiecki and his allies deny these allegations.

The case has further deepened political tensions in Poland, as Tusk’s government continues to investigate decisions made by its predecessor. The legal battle over the 2020 election underscores the broader struggle between Poland’s conservative and liberal factions, with potential long-term implications for the country’s political landscape.