The National Bank of Poland (NBP), one of Europe's oldest central banks established in 1945, has taken a significant step by informing prosecutors about potential criminal actions by key parliamentary figures. This move comes in response to efforts to bring Adam Glapinski, the NBP governor since 2016, before a tribunal.
The central bank, which has been responsible for maintaining the stability of the złoty since 1924, alleges that Szymon Holownia, the parliament speaker, and Zdzislaw Gawlik, the Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Responsibility, may have committed offenses. These accusations stem from what the NBP describes as "illegal and groundless actions" related to attempts to bring Glapinski before the State Tribunal, an institution established in 1982 to judge high-ranking officials.
Glapinski, who has led the largest economy in Central Europe through recent challenges, faces several accusations from the ruling coalition. These include allegations of lacking independence from the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, which held power from 2015 to 2023, violating rules against financing government borrowing, and providing misleading information to the finance ministry about the bank's financial results.
In response to these allegations, Glapinski has firmly denied any wrongdoing. He has called upon the government and lawmakers to respect the independence of the central bank, a principle enshrined in Poland's constitution. This plea for autonomy underscores the NBP's critical role in maintaining price stability, its primary objective since its inception.
The situation highlights the complex relationship between Poland's political institutions and its central bank. Poland, which joined the European Union in 2004, has maintained its own currency and monetary policy, with the NBP operating independently of the Eurosystem. This independence is crucial for the country's economic stability, especially considering Poland's consistent economic growth since the 1990s.
The Committee on Constitutional Responsibility, part of the 460-member Polish parliament (Sejm), plans to commence hearings on September 24, 2024. However, it's important to note that bringing high-ranking officials before the State Tribunal requires a parliamentary vote, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Poland's evolving political landscape. The transition of power in 2023 from the PiS party to the current ruling coalition has evidently led to increased scrutiny of key institutions and figures associated with the previous administration.
As this situation develops, it will undoubtedly have implications for Poland's economic governance and political stability. The outcome of these proceedings could potentially impact the country's financial markets and its standing within the European Union, where Poland has been a member for over two decades.