Grodzki sparks cronyism row after revealing critic's daughter's Senate internship was arranged via KO politician
Senator Tomasz Grodzki triggered a political firestorm after publicly reminding a critic that his daughter's Senate internship was arranged through a 'very important KO politician.' The post, intended to defend Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, instead drew accusations of cronyism and expectations of political loyalty.
Resignations amid hospital scandal
On Friday, Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski announced the resignations of two deputy mayors, Renata Kaznowska and Aldona Machnowska-Góra, following revelations of serious misconduct at the city's South Hospital. The emergency department was run by Dawid Kacprzyk, a KO-linked councilor who lacked the required qualifications and reported earning over 1.6 million złoty in 2025, including payments for shifts he did not attend. Separately, morgue director Artur Habowski was found to be operating a funeral business on site, promoting his partner's company, obstructing families from using competitors, and posting graphic autopsy photos on Instagram. Trzaskowski stated he was not assigning blame but that public expectations were higher.
A critic's post and Grodzki's reply
Adam Abramczyk, a well-known social media commentator and former KO supporter, criticized Trzaskowski's handling of the affair, calling the mayor weak for failing to defend Kaznowska, who he said "did practically everything for him." Senator Tomasz Grodzki, a former Marshal of the Senate, responded directly to Abramczyk on X.
It's sad to read what you write about KO and its members. You forgot how you sought an internship in the Senate for your daughter from a very important KO politician. The internship took place and both sides were very satisfied, so your current attacks are simply distasteful.
Grodzki later added that Senate internships are unpaid and available to foreigners as well.
Accusations of cronyism
The post immediately drew sharp criticism across the political spectrum. Opposition and coalition partners alike accused Grodzki of revealing a system of favors and expecting silence in return.
If someone thinks that access to internships depends on connections, and that using such help means an obligation to remain silent, then he is testifying to the standards that prevail in his own circle. The state is not about building networks of mutual favors.
Left-wing MP Anna Maria Żukowska expressed disbelief: "And he writes this publicly without shame." Former digital minister Janusz Cieszyński called the move "mega weak," noting that the daughter, who according to Grodzki performed well, might now be portrayed as someone whose father "arranged something."
Reactions and fallout
Journalist Szymon Jadczak labeled the affair "Cronyism Plus," while some KO figures, like Roman Giertych, applauded Grodzki and branded Abramczyk a traitor. The articles note that there is no evidence the internship was granted improperly, but the senator's wording has fueled a broader debate about patronage and political loyalty in Poland.
- Trzaskowski accepts resignations of two deputy mayors amid hospital scandal.
- Commentator Adam Abramczyk criticizes Trzaskowski on X, calling him weak.
- Senator Grodzki responds, mentioning Abramczyk's daughter's Senate internship arranged through a KO politician.
- Politicians and journalists accuse Grodzki of cronyism and expecting political loyalty.
