Poland Charges Former PM Morawiecki with Abuse of Power Over 2020 Election

Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has been charged with abuse of power for his attempts to organize a mail-in presidential election during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Prosecutors allege he bypassed legal electoral processes and incurred significant financial losses for the state, totaling approximately PLN 70 million (USD 17.5 million). Morawiecki, who has denied any wrongdoing and claims he was acting in the country's best interest, waived his parliamentary immunity to face the charges. He stated that if given the chance, he would make the same decision again, emphasizing the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. The election he sought to hold was ultimately postponed, and he now faces a potential prison sentence of up to three years if convicted. This case occurs amid broader efforts by the current government to hold former officials accountable for alleged misconduct.