Polish MP Wojciech Król faces EU move to lift immunity over alleged 1.5 million zł bribe

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by Laura Kovesi, has asked the Polish Sejm to strip MP Wojciech Król (Civic Coalition) of his parliamentary immunity. The request follows allegations that Król accepted bribes estimated at 1.4‑1.5 million zł in exchange for influencing appointments and contracts related to the modernization of tramway infrastructure in the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Area, a project co‑financed by the EU.

According to the prosecution, former Tramwaje Śląskie investment director Roman M. acted as the scheme’s architect, receiving at least 2 million zł from construction firms and cooperating with investigators. Roman M. says Król offered him a board seat or the presidency of the tram company and promised to arrange meetings that could secure further lucrative contracts. The prosecutors seek Król’s arrest and temporary detention to prevent any obstruction of the investigation.

The case highlights concerns over alleged corruption in EU‑funded regional projects and adds pressure on the governing coalition, with Król recently removed from a senior party role but remaining head of the National Media Council.