Płock County Starosta retains office after drunk driving conviction

Sylwester Ziemkiewicz, the Starosta of Płock County and a member of the Polish People's Party (PSL), has retained his position following a conviction for driving under the influence. In 2025, Ziemkiewicz was found to have had approximately 2.5 per mille of alcohol in his blood while driving, resulting in a suspended eight-month prison sentence.

To preserve his role, the county board implemented a change to the local statute. Previously, the Starosta served as a full-time member of the board; under the new regulations, the position became a social role without a salary, while the deputy starosta assumed the full-time role. This maneuver allowed Ziemkiewicz to avoid the automatic loss of office that typically follows a conviction for an intentional crime.

Additionally, Ziemkiewicz has resumed driving after a court-mandated condition was met. He has installed an alcohol interlock device in his official vehicle, which he claims was funded with his private money. The device requires a breathalyzer test to activate the engine, ensuring he remains within legal limits.