Storm after the recording of the TV Republika program. "There is no question of paying any political debts"
A controversy has emerged over public funding being allocated for a program featuring a local marshal promoting regional tourism on TV Republika.
On March 1, TV Republika launched a new episode of the program "Flavors of Poland - Court Cuisine," hosted by Jarosław Stawiarski, the Marshal of the Lublin Voivodeship, along with a presenter from the channel. Reports indicate that the Lublin authorities plan to fund this series with public money, with agreements made in 2025 amounting to approximately 600 thousand zlotys. The appropriations for this year are expected to be similar, raising concerns about the use of taxpayer money for political purposes.
Marcin Jakóbczyk, from the press office of UMWL and a regional councilor for the Law and Justice Party, clarified that Stawiarski was invited by TV Republika to record an episode as the regional host promoting winter tourism in Lublin Voivodeship. The choice of TV Republika was justified as it is one of the fastest-growing Polish news stations, known for its record-breaking viewership, which raises questions about the motives behind selecting this specific platform for such promotions.
The episode has sparked significant discussion, especially concerning the implications of using taxpayer funds to finance content that could be seen as politically aligned. Critics argue that public resources should not be wielded to boost the profiles of politicians or parties through media appearances, pointing to the moral and ethical considerations of accountability in governance. As the controversy brews, it reflects broader tensions regarding transparency and political financing in Poland's media landscape.