Editorial: Friends in high places
Questions remain as to Skrzypek's suitability, and his lack of experience is of serious concern to the banking industry and economists in Poland. He may have been the acting head of PKO BP, but his career in banking is slight, and this could manifest itself in a lack of authority in his role at the NBP.
Typically, the head of the central bank should be someone with a solid background in monetary and economic planning, combined with some political nous - a former finance minister or a senior financial expert, for example. A professorship or doctorate also helps, neither of which Skrzypek can boast. Gauging his opinion on fiscal issues is also difficult - Skrzypek has few publications with his name at the end of them. Although he was acting CEO of PKO BP, after the resignation of Andrzej Podsiadło in October after four years at the helm, his appointment as CEO was blocked, owing to his lack of experience. It is disturbing that a man who was deemed unfit to head a commercial bank is now at the vanguard of the central bank.
Comments in the wake of his appointment were telling. Balcerowicz claims to have never come across the man in person. According to Professor Witold Orłowski, chief economist at PricewaterhouseCoopers: "The monetary policy council is made up of nine economics professors, some of them of great authority. It is hard to imagine that Sławomir Skrzypek will be able to persuade them to do anything."
Seal of approval
What Skrzypek does enjoy is the support of the Kaczyńskis, which seems to be all one needs for practically any job appointment in Poland.
At a time when vetting was essentially voluntary, Skrzypek ensured that all employees at PKO BP underwent the procedure, in order to make sure the bank was free of communists. Skrzypek has built a career on the coat-tails of the Kaczyńskis. He has worked at the National Security Bureau, the Supreme Board of Inspection and the President's Chancellery, always in the shadow of the twins.
When Lech was elected Mayor of Warsaw, Skrzypek was duly installed as deputy city manger. His tenure, much like Kaczyński's city hall administration, was undistinguished. The construction of the Metro crawled ahead, and just one station was opened while he was at City Hall. Meanwhile, a promised northern bridge across the Vistula never materialized.
Experience not necessary
Meanwhile, back at Skrzypek's old place of employment, the search continues for a new CEO. The bank says nine applicants are currently being considered, among them one of Law and Justice's most high profile politicians, Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz. After failing to secure the mayorship of Warsaw, Marcinkiewicz was handed a deputy chief post. His appointment as CEO of PKO BP would seal a nice circle of nepotism and give the Kaczyńskis one less thing to worry about. He may not have the necessary experience or qualifications for the job, but he shouldn't let that bother him during the interview process - just look how well Sławomir Skrzypek has done for himself.
Oil on the fire
Law and Justice (PiS) is also busy consolidating its hold on the fuel industry. Last week Igor Chalupec was dismissed as PKN Orlen president, with Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński citing "strategic" and "security" reasons that "were maybe not purely business-related." His replacement is another PiS favorite, Piotr Kownacki.
This is one of PiS' most brazen appointments and most blatant mistakes since taking power. Chalupec brought growth and vision to PKN Orlen, and leaves the company in excellent fiscal fettle. Recently he has sought to diversify Orlen's energy supplies, to reduce its dependence on Russian oil, and battled to secure a strategic asset in the shape of the Mazeikiu refinery.
Chalupec's presence gave PKN Orlen a level of international respect that few Polish companies enjoy. His dismissal sends the clearest signal yet that qualifications and experience count for little against political affiliations in the Poland of the Kaczyńskis.
