Poland's PM Accuses Former Government of Financial Misconduct

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a major effort to recover 100 billion Polish zlotys allegedly misused by Poland's previous government. Investigations revealed widespread financial abuse, leading to charges against 62 former officials. Tusk's coalition aims to restore democratic standards after taking power from the national conservative Law and Justice party.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Friday accused the previous Polish government of illegally spending 100 billion Polish zlotys ($25 billion). He announced a government initiative to recover the money.

Six months of investigations revealed widespread financial abuse, resulting in charges against 62 former officials from the previous "ruling elite."

Tusk leads a centrist coalition that won an election last year, pledging to restore democratic standards after eight years of Law and Justice rule, which faced EU accusations of eroding democracy.

Polish media reported cases of nepotism and corruption during Law and Justice's tenure, including state funds channeled to loyalists. Tusk's coalition vows accountability and coordinated efforts among interior, justice, and finance ministries to recover lost state property.

Tusk claimed this effort marked an unprecedented accountability of former officials, while his predecessor, Mateusz Morawiecki, dismissed the accusations as politically motivated lies.

(With inputs from agencies.)