Poland’s Far-Right Confederation Party to Lose State Subsidies Over Financial Irregularities

Poland’s State Electoral Commission (PKW) has unanimously rejected the financial report of the far-right Confederation party, stripping it of state subsidies for the next three years.

The decision, announced on Monday, September 22, follows earlier findings of financial violations linked to the party’s 2024 European Parliament election campaign.

Why Confederation Lost Subsidies

According to the verdict, the PKW found that Confederation had accepted illegal financial benefits worth around PLN 47,000, in violation of Poland’s Electoral Code.

These included prohibited non-monetary contributions valued at approximately PLN 28,000 and even minor expenses such as PLN 64 spent on alcohol. The party asserts that they utilized the alcohol during “meetings with contractors and campaign staff,” but the PKW declared it illegal.

Another serious irregularity was the misallocation of funds pointed out: instead of transferring surplus money to the Election Fund’s account, the Confederation’s financial representative transferred it to a private account. The PKW also highlighted delays in report submission, further undermining the credibility of the party’s financial management.

Adding to the controversy, state subsidies had previously been misused for campaign-related purposes. The Commission found that subsidies earmarked for statutory party activities were instead spent on political promotion, including the purchase of 1,000 campaign caps with the slogan “Mentzen 2025,” supporting Confederation’s presidential hopeful, Sławomir Mentzen, known for radical and Ukrainophobic acts.

Political Consequences for Confederation

The PKW’s ruling means Confederation will lose its right to receive state subsidies for three years—a significant financial blow to one of Poland’s fastest-growing parties.

Despite polling at around 12% support, placing it third nationwide, the loss of subsidies will weaken its organizational and campaigning capacity ahead of the next elections.

This decision also comes at a politically sensitive moment. Confederation has gained popularity with provocative rhetoric, often demonizing Ukraine and the EU, though its leaders condemned recent pro-Russian narratives after Russian drones struck Polish territory.

Polish analysts say the financial blow could slow Confederation’s rise but may also fuel its anti-establishment narrative, reinforcing its image as a party targeted by the political system.

Other Polish Parties Scrutinized

The PKW also reviewed reports from other parties for 2024. It accepted the financial reports of the New Left, Modern, and PSL without reservations, while reports from PO, PiS, Poland 2050, the Greens, and the Polish Initiative were accepted with reservations. Reports from smaller committees were rejected, including some tied to local elections.

Separately, the Commission considered but did not rule on the controversial motion to dismiss over 40 election commissioners accused of supporting the government’s judicial appointments to the neo-KRS, raising further debates over impartiality in Poland’s electoral system.