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2026-10-26 14:18 UTC → 2026-10-26 16:28 UTC ·
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The On October 25, 2026, a referendum in Częstochowa has resulted in the removal of Mayor Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk and the city council from office. The voting process met the necessary turnout requirements to be valid. Specifically, the referendum required a turnout of at least 29.47% for valid, with 51,863 people participating in the mayoral question vote and 30.81% 51,844 in the council vote. The results showed overwhelming support for dismissal, with approximately 97% voting for Matyjaszczyk’s removal and 96.2% voting to dissolve the city council. The initiative followed a period of political crisis triggered by the arrest of Matyjaszczyk by the Central Anticorruption Bureau in on February 25, 2026. In addition to the previous allegations of accepting bribes totaling at least 129,000 PLN for budget manipulations, prosecutors Prosecutors have also accused the mayor of accepting at least 40,000 PLN in exchange for public procurement advantages. Matyjaszczyk budget manipulations and receiving total financial benefits of at least 129,000 PLN. Matyjaszczyk, a member of the Left, has denied all allegations, claiming he is a victim of slander. Final referendum results show that 51,863 people participated in the presidential vote, with 97% voting for his removal. For the city council, 51,844 people participated, with 96.2% voting for its dismissal. Since February 2026, Matyjaszczyk has Due to prosecutorial sanctions, he had been unable to perform his duties or enter city hall due for eight months prior to prosecutorial sanctions. the vote. As a result of the vote, Częstochowa will be managed by referendum, a government-appointed commissioner appointed by the Prime Minister will manage the city until early elections for can be held to select a new president and council can be held. The referendum initiative was driven by local activists and supported by various political groups who criticized the council for granting the president a vote of confidence despite the ongoing investigation. council.