The leader of Poland’s upper parliament wants the government to say what it knows about a growing scandal involving money for visas.
Poland’s top parliament leader, Tomasz Grodzki, wants the government to explain what it knew about a growing visa scandal. Reports suggest migrants paid up to $5,000 each to speed up work visa applications. Seven people have been charged, none of whom are public officials. Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk was fired following allegations.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau searched the foreign ministry, leading to firings. The ministry has planned to end contracts with visa processing companies since 2011. Opposition MPs claim around 250,000 visas were issued irregularly, but the government disputes this, stating only a few hundred were.
Prime Minister Morawiecki accuses the opposition leader of stirring up problems and denies a widespread issue. Grodzki called it the biggest scandal of the 21st century, damaging Poland’s reputation and security. Justice Minister Ziobro downplays the problem’s scale.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau started investigating in July 2022. The scandal may affect the ruling party’s anti-immigration stance before the upcoming elections. PiS aims for a third term, but winning a majority is uncertain.
SOURCE:BBC