Prominent Polish priest accused of corruption

Prominent Polish priest Tadeusz Rydzyk has been accused of corruption and receiving funds from the country’s previous right-wing government in exchange for political support.

Tadeusz RydzykPAP/Tytus Żmijewski

At a news conference on Thursday, lawmaker Roman Giertych alleged that Rydzyk, who runs the influential Catholic media outlets Radio Maryja and TV Trwam, received „protection fees” from the former administration.

Giertych claimed that Rydzyk was financially rewarded for supporting the formerly governing Law and Justice (PiS) party during election campaigns.

This included around PLN 37 million (EUR 8.5 million) from various government ministries, he said.

Polish lawmaker Roman Giertych. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

Giertych, who leads a team investigating irregularities under the previous PiS government, told reporters that Rydzyk received funds from nearly all government ministries, while his media outlets provided „essential support” to PiS not only during election campaigns but also in between them.

Giertych announced plans to file a report next week, accusing Rydzyk of potentially committing a „corruption-related crime.”

He criticized the involvement of Rydzyk’s Catholic radio station in political activities, calling it „a significant aberration.”

Meanwhile, MP Karolina Pawliczak told the news conference that the President’s Office also indirectly contributed funds to Rydzyk, raising concerns about the misuse of public money for personal gain.

According to the MPs, these revelations expose how state institutions were exploited to help Rydzyk build his „media empire” using public funds.

Controversial priest-cum-businessman

Rydzyk is a controversial Polish priest and media entrepreneur known for founding Radio Maryja and TV Trwam.

He has long been a prominent figure in Polish politics, often accused of using his media platform to support the PiS party and further his personal agenda. 

Polish conservative leader Jarosław Kaczyński (2L), Father Tadeusz Rydzyk (L), and former Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak (PAP/Waldemar Deska)

(mp/gs)

Source: IAR/PAP/X/@ko_klub/@GiertychRoman