Deputy Mayors Resign Amid Warsaw Hospital Scandal

3 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Warsaw deputy mayors resign amid investigations into South Hospital operations and alleged malpractice. What expats should know.

Two senior officials stepped down this week as Warsaw deputy mayors resign in a high-profile municipal crisis. Consequently, Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski accepted the resignations of Renata Kaznowska and Aldona Machnowska-Góra. However, the announcements came amid growing scrutiny of the Warsaw South Hospital.

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The direct fallout: who left and why

Renata Kaznowska resigned from her role as deputy mayor. Moreover, she oversaw education, public health policy, sport and the City Council services. In addition, she supervised the city’s Education Office, Health Policy Office, Sport Office and the City Council Office. Therefore, her resignation reshapes the municipal management of schools and healthcare.

Aldona Machnowska-Góra also resigned as deputy mayor. Furthermore, she acted as the city plenipotentiary for women and equal treatment. She managed culture, housing policy, revitalisation, and the Civil Registry Office. In addition, she sat on the supervisory board of the Warsaw South Hospital. Consequently, her departure raises direct questions about past oversight.

Why the hospital controversy matters

The Warsaw South Hospital operates under the city as a municipal medical entity. Moreover, it treats patients under contract with the National Health Fund (NFZ), which funds public healthcare in Poland. However, prosecutors opened investigations into the hospital’s emergency department, or SOR. First, authorities probe alleged misuse of funds worth at least 558,558.70 zł. In addition, they examine poor supervision and possible breaches by city officials.

Moreover, the local prosecutor also investigates the hospital mortuary. Furthermore, it looks into forged death records and possible improper handling of bodies. Therefore, the case includes criminal and reputational risks for the city. Consequently, politicians across the spectrum now pressure the municipal government for accountability.

Political and legal ripple effects

The opposition, led by Law and Justice councillors, called for more firings. Moreover, they demanded removal of coalition-affiliated members from supervisory boards. However, Mayor Trzaskowski previously said that political figures no longer sit on hospital supervisory boards. In addition, he offered no full public list of changes at the time. Therefore, critics say the move lacked transparency.

Prosecutors appealed for families and hospital staff to come forward with information. In addition, they seek details from funeral homes. Moreover, these appeals aim to speed up fact-finding and support victims. Therefore, the city faces both criminal probes and a political crisis simultaneously.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: Warsaw runs many hospitals as municipal entities contracted with the National Health Fund (NFZ). For expats, note that NFZ funds most public care and issues referrals. Also, Polish civil services use identifiers like PESEL (personal ID) for records. Moreover, ZUS handles social insurance (pensions and benefits). Therefore, if you deal with patient records or bereavement in Poland, expect formal procedures and paperwork, and seek a translator if you have limited Polish.

For residents and expats, the resignations signal a shake-up. Moreover, they may change who manages local schools and health services. However, practical services should continue under city administration. In addition, the investigation timeline remains uncertain.

The city will likely appoint replacements soon. Therefore, stakeholders expect clearer oversight of municipal hospitals. Moreover, transparency and audits may increase as a result.

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