Disappearing act

The loss of public funds for the next three years looms over Law and Justice (PiS) and the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) after the State Election Commission (PKW) rejected their financial statements for last year. PiS stands to lose some zł.22 million in state aid annually, while SLD could miss out on zł.12 million per year.

Accordidng to PKW, the parties failed to return money from sources designated as "unacceptable" under Polish law within the required 30-days. The sums reach some zł.188,000 for PiS and zł.110,000 for SLD. Moreover, SLD is accused of failing to pay zł.21,500 from the sales of two cars, which was deposited into to the party's account. Minor mistakes were also found in the financial statements of 12 other Polish parties, while 52 parties' statements were accepted as faultless.

PiS explained that it has been returning the money gradually. "Our finances are optimally transparent," stated Joachim Brudziński, PiS secretary-general.

In turn, Edward Kuczera, SLD's treasurer, explained that the personal details - especially the bank-account numbers - of people to whom the money was supposed to be returned often contained errors or were too unclear to send it back on time, and that the money from the sales of the cars will fund the purchase of new ones.

Both parties said the potential penalties are too strict and have submitted appeals. Even if they do not win, the verdict could be annulled if fresh elections are held this fall.

In Poland, public aid from the budget goes to parties which have received at least three percent of the vote in the previous election.