Local referendums in Poland fail or advance regarding official recalls

Several local referendums in Poland have recently concluded or reached significant milestones regarding the removal of local officials.

In Kolbuszowa County, a referendum to dismiss the County Council failed to meet the required turnout. Although 98.07% of valid votes supported the dismissal, the turnout was only 18.92%, falling short of the necessary three-fifths threshold of previous election participants. Consequently, the council remains in office.

In Jedlińsk, a referendum to remove Mayor Kamil Dziewierz also failed due to low turnout. While 96.49% of voters supported his removal, only 24.17% of eligible voters participated, rendering the result invalid. Dziewierz remains in his position despite facing allegations of mismanagement and corruption.

In Częstochowa, organizers have successfully collected enough signatures to trigger a referendum to remove Mayor Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk. The National Electoral Office verified 16,200 valid signatures, exceeding the required 15,900. Initiators cite corruption allegations and lack of investment as primary reasons for the recall attempt. Matyjaszczyk maintains his innocence, noting that a court previously declined to order his temporary arrest.