The deputies of Aleksander Miszalski (Civic Platform, KO), the Mayor of Kraków, are set to receive quarterly bonuses totaling PLN 54,000. The decision to grant these financial rewards was made personally by the city’s mayor. Just a few weeks ago, Miszalski had pointed out that the financial situation of Poland’s former capital was difficult and that savings measures were necessary.
Bonuses for Miszalski’s Deputies
The bonuses were reported by the Interia.pl portal. According to the publication, Kraków’s four deputy mayors are each to receive PLN 13,500 gross, amounting to PLN 54,000 in total.
This is not the first time Miszalski’s deputies have received such “add-ons” to their salaries. In 2025, bonuses were paid to them as many as four times, with a total value of PLN 232,000 gross.
A spokesperson for the Kraków City Hall, when asked about the reasons for granting such high bonuses to Miszalski’s associates, stated that the rewards are “part of the office’s overall remuneration policy and are available to every employee.”
The decision to award them stems primarily from the pace of implementing key initiatives, introducing new city policies, and overseeing large-scale projects. Kraków’s deputy mayors are responsible for areas that, in the business world, are handled by board members of major companies. They supervise investments worth many millions of zlotys, manage hundreds of employees, and their decisions have a real impact on everyday life in Kraków, she added.
City’s Financial Situation
The city’s financial situation is not strong. By the end of 2026, Kraków’s total debt is expected to reach approximately PLN 9 billion. Additionally, on March 31 this year, Aleksander Miszalski announced the introduction of a “savings plan.”
“Since taking office in May 2024, I have been firmly addressing the difficult financial situation Kraków inherited. Numerous decisions, often unpopular, will allow us this year to achieve an operating surplus for the first time. This marks a significant improvement from the deficit of PLN -740 million in 2023. Now it is time for another step in the process of seeking savings. After analyzing expenditures related to municipal companies, I have decided to reduce to ZERO the variable part of the remuneration of management boards of city-owned companies—commonly referred to as bonuses—and to reduce the remuneration of supervisory board members of these companies by an average of 20%,” he announced.
Miszalski also said that he had “commissioned the preparation of staffing and organizational changes at City Hall to streamline operations and reduce the number of positions.”
Accusations of Wasteful Spending
In October last year, representatives of the Law and Justice (PiS) club and the Kraków for Residents club criticized the ruling Civic Platform (KO) during a special City Council session for “wasting money.” Specific examples were cited, such as spending approximately PLN 800,000 on promoting the clean transport zone through influencers and over PLN 76,000 on Campus Polska. They also pointed to attempts to shore up the city’s budget by increasing charges imposed on residents, including higher fees for waste collection and parking.
“Jacek Majchrowski increased the city’s debt by PLN 6 billion over 20 years of his rule. Mr. Miszalski has added (another) PLN 2 billion in less than two years,” said Michał Starobrat from the Kraków for Residents club.
Referendum on Miszalski’s Dismissal
A referendum on recalling Aleksander Miszalski from his position as Mayor of Kraków is scheduled for May 24 this year. His opponents accuse him of, among other things, increasing the city’s debt, cronyism, failing to fulfill campaign promises, and holding office in an unworthy manner. They also oppose the way the clean transport zone (SCT) has been introduced and regulated, as well as increases in ticket prices, extended paid parking hours, and the introduction of parking fees on Sundays.
