Polish MP Defends High Travel Expense Claims Amid Scrutiny

Polish MP Anna Maria Żukowska has found herself in the spotlight following reports detailing her substantial travel expense claims for 2025. The "Fakt" newspaper highlighted that Żukowska, a representative from Warsaw, claimed nearly 38,182 PLN for mileage, which translates to an astonishing 33,000 kilometers driven – a figure that averages around 90 km daily, even on weekends.

Adding fuel to the fire, Żukowska’s asset declaration for 2025 indicated she did not own a car. This apparent contradiction raised eyebrows, as the high mileage claims seemed difficult to justify without personal vehicle use. While regulations allow for reimbursement for travel via other means, such as taxis, her reported taxi expenses were a mere 58 PLN, further deepening the mystery.

In response to the allegations, Żukowska, a member of the Lewica party, clarified her position in an interview with Onet. She asserted that the information presented was incomplete and misleading. Żukowska explained that she manages seven parliamentary offices across the Mazovia region, necessitating extensive travel. Furthermore, she stated that while she does own a car, she also utilized a leased vehicle in 2024, and the leasing costs did not meet the threshold for inclusion in her asset declaration. She emphasized that a parliamentarian's duties extend beyond their immediate constituency, requiring travel throughout the country.