Jakub Wiech fails to obtain doctorate after controversial defense

Jakub Wiech, a prominent Polish energy commentator and creator of the “Elektryfikacja” podcast, failed to obtain his doctoral degree following a highly publicized defense at the University of Warsaw on September 21, 2026.

The defense, which lasted six hours and involved over 50 questions, focused on his dissertation regarding the impact of European Union institutions and law on natural gas market security in Poland between 2004 and 2019. Despite receiving three positive reviews and passing anti-plagiarism checks, the doctoral commission's vote resulted in 3 votes in favor, 3 against, and 4 abstentions, preventing the conferral of the degree.

The proceedings were preceded by controversy after Tomasz Swaczyna of the Institute of Economic Analysis and Expertise published an analysis alleging substantive errors and issues with the research model. Wiech described the voting outcome as “incomprehensible,” particularly noting the high number of abstentions, and stated he does not intend to appeal the decision.