Racibórz Mayor defends Market Square renovation amid city debt

Racibórz Mayor Jacek Wojciechowicz has defended the decision to proceed with the first stage of the Market Square revitalization despite the city's significant debt, which has reached 105 million PLN. The project, costing approximately 1.43 million PLN, focuses on the central area around the Mary Column to address technical issues such as deformed surfaces and worn small architecture.

City Councilor Michał Fita questioned the timing of the investment, noting that the contract was signed before the results of a competition for a 21 million PLN revitalization grant were known. The city's application for that grant ultimately ranked 18th out of 52 and failed to secure funding because it did not meet specific criteria, including cross-border cooperation, social project complementarity, and the use of green public procurement.

Mayor Wojciechowicz clarified that the current works were part of the budget plan approved by the City Council and represented only about 1.4% of the total planned investment expenditures for 2026. He emphasized that the Market Square is a vital representative space for residents, tourists, and businesses.