2024-10-22 14:48 update: 2024-10-22, 17:33
Karolina Wirszyc-Sitkowska, Paweł Siuda. Photo PAP/Paweł Supernak
The Polish Supreme Audit Office (NIK) has charged the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government with misusing more than PLN 148 million (EUR 34.2 million) on ineffective social initiatives in the years 2016 to 2023.
NIK said on Tuesday that political institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister's Office, allocated nearly PLN 500 million (EUR 110.9 million) to over 120 campaigns and failed to demonstrate a clear return on investment. Furthermore, the body said, the former government wasted millions on campaigns having little to no effect on public behaviour, focusing more on visibility than on tangible results as a measure for success.
During a press conference organised to present the findings of the investigation, NIK mentioned one of the most effective campaigns, titled 'Returns That Delight,' which was initiated in 2023 to enhance public satisfaction regarding tax refunds. The audit revealed that the campaign was ultimately unnecessary and cost taxpayers PLN 7 million (EUR 1.6 million). The body added that the initiatives were often poorly planned and lacked any well-defined goals.
NIK also stated that it did not express any opposition to investing in social campaigns in general, however, it advised that funding such initiatives with public resources must adhere to established regulations to ensure optimal outcomes. (PAP)
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