Krzysztof M. Suspended from Duties. Zdzisław Wolski Takes Over in Częstochowa

The political and legal situation in Częstochowa has sharply intensified following the prosecutor's office's decision to suspend Krzysztof M. from performing his duties as city president. This move came after the mayor was previously charged with corruption. The investigation concerns suspicions of accepting bribes, which has shaken the local government and sparked a broad discussion about the future of city management. Although the prosecutor's office requested temporary arrest, the court did not grant this request, which was met with an immediate announcement of an appeal by the public prosecutor. Given Krzysztof M.'s inability to perform his office, city management has been taken over, in accordance with procedures, by the first deputy president, Zdzisław Wolski. This change is immediate and aims to ensure the continuity of the Częstochowa city hall's work. Meanwhile, opposition councilors, primarily representing Law and Justice, are loudly demanding the resignation of the suspended mayor, arguing that the gravity of the charges paralyzes trust in public institutions. Proposals have also been made to organize a grassroots referendum on the president's recall, although some local officials are calming emotions, pointing to the need to preserve democratic procedures. In the Polish legal system, the suspension of a public official from official duties is a preventive measure intended to prevent influencing the course of criminal proceedings through the use of the position held.Parallel to the problems in Częstochowa, a tense situation prevails in Kraków, where President Aleksander Miszalski has found himself under fire for criticism regarding metro construction plans. Controversy was sparked by information about the alleged securing of 10 billion złoty for this purpose, which was denied by the government side. A deputy minister in Donald Tusk's government publicly accused the Kraków mayor of manipulation, weakening Miszalski's position in the face of growing political pressure. In the background, speculation is emerging about a possible candidacy of Bogdan Klich in potential snap elections in the capital of Małopolska, should the current president lose his mandate or be recalled. Kraków's plans for building rapid rail transport, including pre-metro or metro, date back to the 1960s, but so far, none of the concepts have been fully realized despite numerous electoral promises.While southern metropolises grapple with personnel crises, Wrocław and Częstochowa continue modernizing public transport. New Mercedes-Benz Conecto buses have arrived in Wrocław as part of a broad strategy to replace the MPK fleet. Meanwhile, Częstochowa, despite the political earthquake, has put into operation new electric buses and articulated vehicles from Solaris. These investments in eco-friendly public transport are being implemented using EU funds and national environmental protection programs, serving as a counterbalance to the current political disputes absorbing public attention.