Poland's Barbara Mróz-Gorgoń faces scrutiny over 'brand Poland' budget

Barbara Mróz-Gorgoń, a scholar appointed as Secretary of State and government plenipotentiary for the ‘brand Poland’ initiative, has faced criticism regarding her proposed budget and professional conduct. Reports indicate that within 23 days of her appointment, she drafted a budget exceeding 500 million PLN for a two-year period, with significant portions—estimated between 70 and 90 million PLN—allocated to program governance and management costs.

Her appointment has also sparked academic controversy. Professor Radosław Zenderowski of UKSW expressed strong disapproval, suggesting her actions have devalued academic titles. Additionally, discussions have emerged regarding the ideological direction of Poland’s global image, with critics arguing that recent efforts have failed to leverage historical symbols like Solidarity or the papacy of John Paul II, instead fostering a culture of national self-criticism.