Polish Senate ex‑speaker Tomasz Grodzki sparks nepotism backlash over alleged internship for critic's daughter

Former Senate Marshal Tomasz Grodzki replied to entrepreneur‑commentator Adam Abramczyk’s criticism of Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski’s dismissal of deputy mayors over the South Hospital scandal. Grodzki claimed he had helped arrange a Senate internship for Abramczyk’s 16‑year‑old daughter, implying that the Civic Coalition (KO) favours friends.

The remark triggered a wave of online criticism, with politicians from Lewica and PiS calling the comment evidence of cronyism in KO. Abramczyk responded by publishing a scanned certificate showing his daughter’s two‑day, unpaid practice at the Senate Chamber in October 2022, stating “there was no internship”. He argued the episode was misrepresented and denied any nepotistic favour.

Grodzki later issued an apology for his “imprecise” wording, insisting that no protection or preferential treatment was granted. The controversy remains a point of debate about transparency and patronage within Poland’s ruling coalition.