The Polish Sejm has voted to dismantle the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA), planning to transfer its powers to the Police and Internal Security Agency, though President Karol Nawrocki has signaled a likely veto.

Legislative Approval

The Sejm passed legislation on March 13, 2026, to liquidate the CBA and redistribute its functions.

Presidential Veto Likely

President Karol Nawrocki and his Chancellery have stated they will not consent to the liquidation, creating a political standoff.

Redistribution of Powers

The bill proposes moving criminal investigations to the Police and state security matters to the Internal Security Agency (ABW).

Expert Criticism

Legal experts and prosecutors warn that dismantling the agency's long-standing intelligence networks is a 'bad idea'.

The Polish Sejm passed legislation on March 13, 2026, to liquidate the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA) and redistribute its powers among existing law enforcement bodies. The bill proposes that the current responsibilities of the anti-corruption service be transferred to the Police and the Internal Security Agency (ABW). This legislative move marks a significant shift in the country's institutional framework for combating graft and economic crimes. Supporters of the bill argue that the restructuring will streamline operations, while the parliamentary majority moved forward with the plan despite vocal opposition. The decision follows months of political debate regarding the effectiveness and political neutrality of the bureau.

President Karol Nawrocki, who has served as the head of state since August 6, 2025, has already signaled his strong opposition to the dissolution of the agency. Zbigniew Bogucki, the Chief of the Chancellery of the President, confirmed that there is currently no presidential consent for the liquidation of the CBA. The President is widely expected to exercise his veto power to block the legislation from becoming law. Bogucki characterized the parliamentary effort as a "dream" that would ultimately be in vain due to the lack of executive approval. This sets the stage for a potential constitutional standoff between the legislative majority and the presidential palace.

„Nic z tego nie będzie, nie ma zgody prezydenta” (Nothing will come of this, there is no consent from the president) — Zbigniew Bogucki via NCZAS.INFO

Critics of the liquidation, including several prosecutors and legal experts, have warned that dismantling the bureau could have long-term negative effects on national security. They argue that the intelligence networks operated by the CBA were built over many years and cannot be easily replicated or transferred without loss of institutional knowledge. There are concerns that the transition period could create a vacuum that organized crime and corrupt officials might exploit. Proponents of the change maintain that the new structure will ensure better oversight and prevent the politicization of anti-corruption efforts.

The Central Anticorruption Bureau was established in 2006 as a specialized service to combat corruption in public and economic life. It was modeled after similar agencies in other European countries to address systemic graft in state and local government institutions. Over the two decades of its existence, the bureau has been at the center of numerous high-profile investigations involving political figures from various parties. The debate over its liquidation has historically been a point of contention between different political factions in Poland.

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