Jarosław Kaczy Sski talked about PiS money: The law does not apply in Poland

**Jarosław Kaczyński on PiS Money: “The Law Does Not Apply in Poland”**

In a recent statement that has sparked widespread debate, Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of Poland’s ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), made a controversial remark regarding the application of law in Poland. His comments, which were delivered during a speech at a PiS party event, have ignited political discussions and raised questions about the rule of law under his party’s governance.

Kaczyński, who has served as Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister for Security and is often seen as the architect of PiS’s political strategies, was responding to criticism of the government’s handling of state funds and its involvement in various financial and legal matters. He suggested that, in some cases, the strict application of the law in Poland is not always a priority when it comes to matters involving the interests of the state and the ruling party.

### The Context of the Statement

The context of Kaczyński’s comment was related to the ongoing controversies surrounding government spending, particularly the allocation of large sums of money to state-owned companies and the PiS party’s supporters. Critics of PiS have long accused the government of manipulating the legal system and state finances for political gain. The opposition argues that the government has directed significant resources to PiS-friendly companies and organizations, sometimes bypassing legal processes and regulations to ensure that party affiliates benefit from state funds.

Kaczyński’s comment, “The law does not apply in Poland,” was understood by many as an admission that the ruling party is willing to prioritize its own political objectives over adherence to established legal norms. This statement is viewed by some as an attempt to justify the party’s controversial financial practices, including the distribution of funds to key allies and the undermining of judicial independence.

### The Reactions

The response to Kaczyński’s statement has been immediate and sharp. Opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal experts have condemned his remark, viewing it as an open admission of lawlessness in Poland’s political system. In particular, critics have pointed to the PiS government’s efforts to control the judiciary, which has led to clashes with the European Union over concerns about the erosion of democratic standards and the rule of law.

Donald Tusk, leader of the opposition Civic Platform (PO) party, expressed outrage, accusing Kaczyński of undermining the very foundation of Polish democracy. He argued that Kaczyński’s words were a signal that the government was no longer committed to upholding the constitution or respecting judicial independence. Similarly, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights issued a statement warning that such comments represented a grave threat to the democratic principles that Poland is supposed to uphold.

On the other hand, PiS supporters have defended Kaczyński’s remarks, framing them as a critique of the judicial system’s inefficiencies and the opposition’s alleged misuse of legal procedures to obstruct government reforms. They argue that the ruling party is working to strengthen Poland’s sovereignty and ensure that the country’s resources are used in ways that benefit its citizens and the national interest, even if this means bending the rules to achieve these goals.

### The Rule of Law and Its Erosion in Poland

Kaczyński’s comments come amid ongoing concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Poland. Since PiS came to power in 2015, there have been numerous controversies related to the judiciary, including judicial reforms that critics argue have led to increased political control over the courts. The European Union has repeatedly criticized Poland for undermining the independence of the judiciary, and it has taken legal action against the country over the alleged politicization of the courts.

At the same time, the PiS government has pushed forward a range of populist policies, including generous social spending programs and state-driven economic initiatives. These policies, which include cash transfers to families and significant support for state-owned companies, have bolstered the party’s popularity, especially among rural and working-class voters. However, they have also been accompanied by concerns over government accountability, transparency, and the potential for misuse of public funds.

### Conclusion

Jarosław Kaczyński’s recent statement on the law in Poland represents a stark reminder of the ongoing political and legal tensions in the country. While his words have caused outrage among the opposition and civil society groups, they also shed light on the broader challenges facing Poland as it navigates the intersection of political power, the rule of law, and state finances.

Whether or not Kaczyński’s comments signal a broader shift in the government’s approach to legal and political norms remains to be seen. However, his remarks underscore the growing divide between PiS and its critics, as well as the broader questions about the future of democracy and governance in Poland. As the country moves forward, the question of how to balance political power with respect for the law will likely remain at the center of the national debate.