Prosecutors launch probe into tapped conversation

The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation regarding the tapped conversation between National Bank of Poland President Marek Belka and Interior Minister Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, according to a statement made by Przemysław Nowak, spokesperson for the Warsaw prosecution. Prosecutors will investigate the possible breach of authority by public functionaries, Nowak told news agency IAR. He stressed that the proceedings are still at an early stage. Belka and Sienkiewicz were illegally recorded in July 2013 in one of Warsaw’s restaurants. Their conversation included suggestions that the NBP could help the ruling Civic Platform win the next parliamentary election by financing the budget deficit. Belka demanded the dismissal of then Finance Minister Jacek Rostowski in exchange.