Polish MP Bartosz Arłukowicz battles journalist Krzysztof Stanowski over hospital scandal

Bartosz Arłukowicz, a Koalicja Obywatelska (KO) MEP, publicly attacked journalist Krzysztof Stanowski after the latter called him a “gangster” for comments on a controversy involving Dawid Kacprzyk, a KO councilor and doctor who earned 1.6 million zł and was accused of receiving preferential treatment at Warsaw’s South Hospital. Arłukowicz warned Stanowski that he would not appear on his programme and criticised the media’s handling of the case. Stanowski responded, defending his remarks and accusing Arłukowicz of intimidation.

The dispute also extended to a whistle‑blowing physician who reported irregularities at the hospital. Arłukowicz was said to have threatened the doctor, prompting lawyer Bartosz Lewandowski to offer pro bono defence if prosecutors pursued charges. PiS MP Janusz Cieszyński and former minister Janusz Cieszyński condemned Arłukowicz’s behaviour. Investigations by the Warsaw prosecutor’s office and a new supervisory board for the hospital were announced, aiming to depoliticise the facility.