KO vows to dissolve PFN but foundation continues receiving state-linked funding
Despite Coalition of the Opposition's pledge to shut down the Poland National Foundation, the body remains active and is still financed by several state-controlled companies.
The Coalition of the Opposition pledged during its 2023 Tarnów convention to dismantle the Poland National Foundation (PFN) and other entities they described as patronage networks. Although the foundation's board was replaced after the change of government, PFN still operates and draws money from a range of state-linked corporations. Data shows that from 2024 to 2026 KGHM and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa each contributed 10.5 million zł, Orlen gave 9.5 million zł in 2026, and other contributors included PZU, Totalizator Sportowy and PKO BP.
Several companies, such as PKP, PGE, Tauron and the Warsaw Stock Exchange, have suspended payments, and Enea stopped funding in 2024, seeking the return of 35 million zł. Grupa Azoty reported a possible large-scale damage case and called for PFN's closure or restructuring. Meanwhile, PFN's president Maciej Szudek outlines upcoming cultural initiatives for 2026 and notes a reduction in administrative expenses, with his own salary now at 19 thousand zł gross per month.
Why it matters
The story shows how promised political reforms can stall, leaving public funds flowing to contested institutions.
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