According to the residents' votes, Krzysztof Nuszkiewicz was to be the mayor of Pułtusk. However, this did not happen. Even before the inaugural session of the City Council, it was suspended by Donald Tusk. Reason? Corruption trial ongoing in the Nuszkiewicz case. At the same time, the head of government appointed Marzena Cendrowska, who took only fourth place in the elections, to perform the duties of the city mayor. The city was in a frenzy.
The session of the City Council in Pułtusk started with a surprise. Just before the inauguration, information appeared in the local media that the mayor-elect, elected by the residents on April 21, had been suspended by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
This is about Krzysztof Nuszkiewicz, elected in the local elections, running from the local committee. He obtained 63.48 percent in the second round. votes. He then defeated, among others, favored candidates supported by PiS and PSL, including the current mayor.
Just before the session, the head of government appointed Marzena Cendrowska from the Civic Platform to perform the duties of the city mayor, who took fourth place in the last mayoral elections, obtaining 7.36 percent. votes.
“I don't know how to comment on this”
Despite this, Krzysztof Nuszkiewicz appeared at the town hall session. According to Radio Zet, he allegedly argued that he was a legally elected mayor and intended to take the oath required by law. Residents also appeared in front of the office to protest against the surprising turn of events.
“I don't know how to comment on this. It is illegal. I took the oath today, meeting the deadlines. I will appeal against this decision of the Prime Minister and I am waiting for his quick return. In fact, over 5,000 residents who elected me are waiting for it. for mayor of Pułtusk,” Krzysztof Nuszkiewicz told Radio Zet.
Nuszkiewicz arrested by the CBA
Why did Donald Tusk decide to suspend Nuszkiewicz? The case has been going on since the beginning of 2018. The CBA then detained the mayor of Pułtusk, suspecting him of rigging tenders. The prosecutor's office brought charges against him and the mayor was imprisoned for several months. In November 2018, the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Białystok released Nuszkiewicz, but applied other preventive measures, including “a ban on performing official duties related to the organization and conduct of proceedings and the award of public procurement.” And this constitutes a “temporary obstacle to the performance of the mayor's duties and responsibilities.”
The trial did not start until January 2024. Nuszkiewicz, as an innocent person under the law because he had not been convicted by any court verdict, could run in the elections. In 2018 he did not decide to take such a step, but in 2024 he did. And he won.
He consistently maintains his innocence.
Main photo source: PAP/Leszek Szymański