The Świętokrzyskie Marshal’s Office awarded bonuses and allowances running into millions of złoty. The whole affair has sparked strong emotions and a heated public debate.
How large were the bonuses? Record sums
In just 14 months, officials from the Świętokrzyskie region received more than PLN 14 million in bonuses and allowances. The top earners among senior staff could count on sums exceeding PLN 75,000, and the regional secretary gained almost PLN 120,000 in various allowances and bonuses. By comparison, around 30 people received an annual "bonus" above PLN 30,000, and more than 70 people received between PLN 20,000 and PLN 30,000.
Why were such bonuses awarded?
According to the office’s authorities, the high bonuses were "a recognition of employees’ many years of commitment". An office spokesperson pointed out that 2023 was an exceptional year: part of the funds came from the implementation of EU-funded projects and was linked to the completion of important programmes co-financed by the EU. Special allowances were paid for "temporary increases in official duties" and the performance of additional tasks.
Social controversy
Opponents of the decision are not hiding their disappointment. Social activists and some councillors openly speak of "the Byzantium of the marshal". In their view, the justifications for the bonuses were very laconic, and it is hard to clearly identify what specific achievements and merits were rewarded. Harsh words were also heard in the regional assembly (sejmik), where participants stressed "the limit of greed" and called for greater transparency in the spending of public money.
Similar waves of bonuses have also swept through other offices and ministries, but in the Świętokrzyskie Marshal’s Office it was the total sum and the number of rewarded people that most stirred emotions. Within a year, almost every one of the approx. 880 employees received a bonus – only 18 people received none.
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