Politicians flip-flopping on corruption act

A few days ago Self-Defense voted for the Anti-Corruption Office (CBA) Act, but now the party claims it is against the Polish constitution. They argue that it can violate citizens' privacy and gives too much independence to the office, without proper control. Self-Defense has even prepared an amendment bill, which consists of few changes, but ones which will significantly influence the whole act. The chief of CBA, Mariusz Kamiński, suspects that some Self-Defense MPs, who are perhaps less aware of the political matters, are possibly being manipulated. The bill, however, was co-signed by leaders like the Sejm deputy speaker, Genowefa Wiśniowska, and Janusz Maksymiuk, Andrzej Lepper's right hand. Julia Pitera (Civic Platform), well known for her advocacy of transparency, remarked that these are the first who fear the anti-corruption office. But even she admits the bill contains a few key improvements to an imperfect act. (Rzeczpospolita, pp.A1, A3) J.L.