WARSAW (Reuters) – Polish lawmakers are planning to submit a motion on Tuesday to bring the central bank governor before the State Tribunal, in a move that could potentially lead to his removal from office.
This action is part of a larger effort by the coalition government led by Donald Tusk to hold accountable those they believe engaged in wrongdoing during the previous administration.
Governor Adam Glapinski has strong ties to the former ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party and began his second six-year term as central bank governor in 2022.
However, attempting to oust him poses risks as Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank, warned Glapinski that he could challenge such a move in the EU’s top court due to concerns about the central bank’s independence.
The charges against Glapinski include allegations of lacking independence from the previous government, violating constitutional rules that prohibit the central bank from funding government borrowing, and providing inaccurate financial information to the finance ministry.
Janusz Cichon, chairman of parliament’s Public Finance Committee and a member of Tusk’s Civic Coalition (KO), emphasized the importance of the National Bank of Poland’s independence for the country’s economy, budget, and businesses.
Glapinski has asserted that he has always carried out his duties without being influenced by politics.
He has vigorously defended his track record, citing a significant drop in inflation in recent months and asserting that quantitative easing was crucial in supporting the largest economy in the eastern part of the European Union during the pandemic.
The process of removing Glapinski, whose term ends in 2028, may be lengthy.
The motion will need to undergo investigation by a parliamentary commission before being voted on by the entire chamber, after which the case can proceed to the State Tribunal.
Dariusz Jonski, deputy head of the commission, mentioned that the initial inquiry could commence in April following an Easter break.
(Reporting by Alan Charlish; editing by Christina Fincher)
