Gliwice Mayor Kuczyńska-Budka Loses Vote of Confidence, Possible Recall Referendum Looms

During a council session on 19 June 2026, Gliwice city council members failed to grant mayor Katarzyna Kuczyńska‑Budka a vote of confidence for 2025. The motion received 11 votes against, 10 in favour and two abstentions, leaving the required absolute majority one vote short. Without an absolution, the council can initiate a referendum to recall the mayor.

The council also debated the city’s 2025 budget, which the Regional Audit Chamber confirmed was correctly executed, showing a modest surplus. Opposition councillors, however, criticised the mayor for halting the municipal hospital construction, delaying the new clinical hospital project, and not delivering promised rental housing. They also pointed to the controversial "Okrąglak" recreation project, which has prompted a prosecutor’s investigation.

Mayor Kuczyńska‑Budka defended the budget’s compliance and highlighted a strong credit rating from Fitch Ratings, while accusing critics of politicising the debate. The deadlock sets the stage for a potential local referendum on her tenure.